Students identify navigational tools. They describe and label seven of the nautical advances that enabled European explorers to travel to Africa and America thereby initiating a new era of exploration.

Students discover how a mini-solar panel is constructed by behaving like detectives. Students examine an actual solar panel, measure the solar panel's voltage and use drawings to describe what they observe before completing questions...

Students build simple gear trains and record data to discover how to compute gear ratios. They investigate the definition of torque and how torque can be increased or decreased in a gear train.

Students research "risk." They complete a guided worksheet to help them find relevant answers. They complete an analysis of the Space Shuttle Challenger. Students determine pros and cons of technology

Students discover the fundamentals and daily applications of simple machines. They practice basic engineering theory through their hands-on demonstrations of levers.

Students read the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry to determine how the Great Depression affected teens. They compare the problems faced during the Great Depression to those teens face today.

Students study the building of the Brooklyn Bridge and the inventions of Thomas Alva Edison. They design an infomercial to sell a product or a service for an invention. They create an invention that improves the world and write an...

Students discover the types of batteries and their uses. They experience static electricity by rubbing glass jars and using it to raise their hair. After discussing the importance of recycling batteries and using ones that are...

Students examine how they use and waste natural resources. They participate in a class discussion about natural resources, in small groups complete a worksheet identifying ways students misuse natural resources, and create an...

Students are be able to analyze primary sources for evidence of Inventors and Inventions from the turn of the 20th century. They identify how these inventions impact their lives today.

Students examine the importance of good quality safety gear. In this investigative lesson, students will tests various polymers, collect data, and analyze the data to determine which polymer is best for safety helmets. They will design a...

Students study character traits. In this character education instructional activity, students create podcasts highlighting a particular character trait. Students broadcast one podcast per week.

Sixth graders explore the processes developed by the Ancient Greeks, particularly olives and olive oil.  In this Greek culture and inventions lesson, 6th graders read an article and design a flap book. Students collect the olive oil...

Students are introduced to the various museum functions. In groups, they create a traveling exhibition based on Gutenberg's invention and the first printed book. They share their exhibition with the class and answer any questions presented.

Fourth graders are introduced to the process of prehistoric hot rock cooking in earth ovens on the Edwards Plateau of Texas. They explain the steps used in the hot rock cooking process.

Students review the implications of the printing of the Gutenberg Bible. Using a page from the Bible, they compare and contrast it with one that was handwritten. They use the internet to discover Gutenberg's model and marketing strategy...

Fifth graders examine the role of the Gutenberg press and its effect on society. Using this information, they write a persuasive paper discussing which form of copying is easier to mass produce. They share their opinions with the class...

Young scholars work together to research the oldest forms of writing in the world and the materials used to create them. They explore the cultures that used this early form of writing and draw conclusions about why specific symbols were...

Students explore simple machines and how they are made. They examine the parts of the simple machine and collect information about its parts. Using Excel, students create circle and bar graphs from the collected data.

Students engage in a lesson plan in order to analyze the energy needs of the United States and cover the possible future needs depending on the growth of technology. They cover the alternative energy sources and make presentations of the...

Young scholars, in groups, research a certain form of transportation that has affected Maine's economic and cultural development. They write a persuasive letter that uses the research to support an argument.

Third graders, in groups, discuss their chosen invention and how it works. In preparation for a Powerpoint presentation, they research the inventor, the impact of the invention on society, and what llife would be like without it....

Fourth graders research and discuss the importance of Gail Borden and his printing press to the history of Texas. They write a newspaper article from Gail Borden's viewpoint.

Pupils identify various topographical features that contribute to the growth of a city. They identify how military strategies contribute to the growth of a city.