ReadWriteThink
Webcams in the Classroom: Animal Inquiry and Observation
Boost observational skills with an inquiry-based lesson that takes scholars on a virtual field trip. With help from webcams, learners observe animals in a zoo or aquarium. Observations go into a journal and a discussion is held to review...
Curated OER
Using an Observation Log to enhance studies in biology
Young scholars choose a subject or setting that be suitable for them to observe for the entire school year. They are encouraged to pick a site that they have ready access to and that they believe be interested in.
Curated OER
A'planting We will Go
Germination is an amazing process that results in amazing things. The book The Tiny Seed is the inspiration for a set of activities that will help build early literacy, observation, language, and writing skills. The class observes how...
NOAA
What's a CTD?
Why are the properties of the water important when exploring the ocean? Young scientists discover the tools and technology used in deep sea exploration in the fourth installment in a five-part series. Groups work together to...
Curated OER
Technology Integration Project Weather Unit Plan
Students use a variety of technology-assisted weather observation tools to observe and record local weather. They identify, measure and record weather conditions, summarize types of clouds and make graphs of their observations. Students...
Curated OER
Keeping a Daily Weather Log
Students create their own daily log books for recording and keeping track of the weather.
Curated OER
The Blue Bottle: An Example of Teacher-Guided Inquiry
Students observe a demonstration in which a bottle containing a colorless solution is mixed, turns blue, then becomes colorless again. They record observations, form and discuss hypotheses, and draw a conclusion based on the evidence.
Curated OER
Life in a Log
Young scholars identify insects living in rotting logs. In this decomposition lesson, students observe pieces of a rotting log, they look at the insects that have inhabited the log and create a chart that shows their findings.
Curated OER
Weather Log
Students develop the skill of recording weather observations. Not only students be responsible for recording visual observations of the sky, but also collecting and recording weather instrument data.
Curated OER
What in the World..?!?
Students photograph mystery images. In this observation skills lesson, students gather everyday objects and place them under a digital microscope. They magnify the image and take a photograph of it. The image is then displayed on the...
Curated OER
Observing and Predicting Weather from a Weather Station
Fourth graders us a Weather Log data chart to record the date, time, day, and weather. They discuss different instruments and charts needed to record the information. Students turn in their weather logs at the end of two weeks and...
Curated OER
Chemical Change in the Kitchen
Students examine chemical changes to food. In this chemical changes lesson plan, students make foods and observe the changes. The changes are recorded in an observation journal. Students photograph food they make at different stages in...
Curated OER
What Lives in the Forest?
Students investigate nearby forests and record their interactions with trees as well as wild life. In this ecology lesson, students read the book, In the Woods: Who's Been Here?, and attend class observational field trips through...
Curated OER
Change Agents
Third graders experiment with three erosive change agents. They do an observation log, which they present to the class through a song, poem or skit.
Curated OER
Observing Fall Migrants
Students keep a detailed data collection log of the different types of monarch behavior. They track the weather conditions daily and link it to the migration of the monarchs. They summarize their data using either a graph or a computer...
It's About Time
Metals and Nonmetals
Did you know you can melt the metal gallium with just the heat of your hand? Pupils observe and test materials in order to classify them as metal or non-metal. A reading passage and analysis questions wrap up the lesson.
It's About Time
AC and DC Currents
An informative physics lesson includes two teacher demonstrations, one on AC currents and the other on DC currents, allowing pupils to take notes while watching. The resource includes questions to assign as homework or...
Pulitzer Center
Extractive Industries
Here is a chance for environmental studies classes to take a critical look at crises occurring around the globe by reading articles and viewing video clips. The human activities under scrutiny are the extraction of oil, logging, and...
Curated OER
the Naturalist's Notebook
Third graders, after brainstorming what they already know about trees and what effect the seasons have on them, create a model of a hollow log. They participate in a young naturalist's notebook writing activity while walking outside...
Curated OER
Toting the Log and Lifting the Babe
Students use simple machines that demonstrate force, friction, work and power. They investigate and explain simple machines.
Curated OER
The Alphabet Garden
Third graders transplant, tend and observe a plant for each letter of the alphabet in a school garden. They work individually to research and select a plant that will grow in their local climate. Students then care for and observe the...
Curated OER
Weather Lesson
Students discuss the weather conditions. They read thermometer, rain gauge, barometer, and wind direction and speed. They record observations of weather conditions and enter information into data base on the computer.
Curated OER
Science and Art Museum
Imagine each one of your learners on task and interested in scientific material. Learners investigate science related art by creating a small museum! Using digital cameras, pupils photograph different scientific actions that look...
Curated OER
Comparing Spiders to Insects
Third graders research spiders and insects through a variety of Internet sites and compare them. In this spider and insect lesson, 3rd graders complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting insects and spiders. ...