Resources for Educators
Math & Science Connection
Whether you're using a collection of Dr. Seuss books to teach basic math skills like counting, adding, and subtracting, or exploring the different states of matter by melting a crayon with a hairdryer, a series...
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
Cell Phone Use and Cancer
The cell phone you're using is making you deaf: news at 11:00. Oftentimes, the media uses fear tactics and other techniques to increase its audience base. In an intriguing look at the difference between scientific journals and...
National Institute of Open Schooling
Nomenclature and General Principles
Carbon, the base for all organic compounds, exists in nature in its purest form as graphite or diamonds. The 25th lesson in a series of 36 teaches pupils the nomenclature of organic compounds. Learners read about how to use the IUPAC...
Curated OER
How Weather Affects Our Lives
English learners practice basic weather terms from listening to two books. They keep a daily weather record for two weeks to record the type of weather, as well as the high and low temperatures for each day. Next, they complete a simple...
Sea World
Seaworld Science Activity
A fun collection of activities about marine life would be a great addition to your elementary science unit. From cute penguins to scary sharks, the unit features crafts, experiments, and basic research projects that will teach your...
Curated OER
Edible Rock Activity
Who knew Snickers® could be used to teach science? Give your budding earth scientists a chance to explore the Law of Superposition, in addition to a well-earned snack.
Curated OER
Enzyme and Southern Blotting
Students study southern blotting and its uses. They research on restriction enzymes and their uses, especially in relation to recombinant DNA. In addition, they write a summary and an interpretation of the gel.
Curated OER
Forces
These simple slides are basic, but clear, in their summary of physical forces. Definitions of friction, air resistance, gravity, freefall and projectiles are given along with a couple of helpful diagrams. More examples always help to...
Curated OER
Communicating Color
Students identify basic colors by their proper names. They explain the process of creating the color wheel and explore the origins and catagories of complex colors.
Curated OER
Pop Secret Information
Young scholars design procedures for increasing the popping rate of a set amount of popcorn kernels. They propose and test a "secret" addition to the corn popping procedure which they expect would increase the popping rate and then write...
PBS
Classification
Students explore classification skills used in scientific research. They classify a variety of objects in order to compare and contrast. In addition, they analyze previously collected data in order to place items into meaningful groups.
Curated OER
Circle Compass Course
Students practice using a compass for directions. They use a compass to set and walk a designated course. In addition, they discuss careers and recreation that utilize a compass.
University of Southern California
What Is The Ocean?
Go on a tour of the ocean through the lens of a scientist. Learners read maps of the ocean floor, study tide behavior, examine wave motion, and analyze components of soil. Each lesson incorporates a hands-on component.
Curated OER
Weather
Second graders study the basic components of weather. They construct a thermometer and anemometer to measure temperatures, precipitation, and wind speed. In addition, 2nd graders discover how to find these components on weather maps.
Curated OER
How do pollutants bioaccumulate and biomagnify?
Students review the basic concepts of the food chain. In small groups, they research an organism and create a food web. In addition, they study biomagnifications and write a brief essay or make a poster informing others about the...
Curated OER
Student Meteorologists
Students examine and use basic weather equipment and concepts and create a weather forecast. They then incorporate technology effectively into their forecast. Students use a students's trade book as a substitute for the textbook.
Curated OER
DNA from the Beginning Study Guide
Students complete a study guide using a website which is an animated primer on DNA, genes, and heredity. The Web site is organized around key concepts. The web links and study guide are included.
Intel
Cell-to-Cell
The third in a series of 10 STEM project-based lessons focuses on cells types, functions, and physiology. Through research, discussions, writings, and presentations, groups learn about the difference between plant and animal cells, the...
Curated OER
Photosynthesis
Students recognize the importance of plants as they perform an experiment involving photosynthesis. Students determine the optimum wavelength of light for photosynthesis by exposing plants to different colors of light, collecting data,...
Curated OER
The Bean Growth Experiment
Fifth graders use modern technologies which allow them to gain a new, dynamic, and intersting understanding of themselves, their community, and the world. They focus on environmental education and the effect of the environment on plant...
Curated OER
Intersections of Cell Division
Students listen to a lecture covering the process of going from one cell to two cells. Using the textbook, students differentiate between meiosis I and Meiosis II. Students work in pairs to create one stage using pipe cleaners, sequins,...
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
Growing Up With A Mission
New Horizons began its journey to Pluto in 2006. Ten years later, it continues its mission. In that time, scholars have surely grown, but how much more will they grow by the time New Horizons reaches its destination? Find out with an...
Curated OER
Using Transistors: Let's Get Transistorized!
Students build two circuits and explore how transistors function. This activity allow them to observe the operation of a transistor as an amplifier.
Curated OER
Describing Nests
Students observe bird nests. In this observation level, students explore bird nests using their five senses. Students compare and contrast bird nests while hypothesizing about the need birds have to construct the nest.