Cornell University
Glued into Science—Classifying Polymers
Explore the unique characteristics of polymers. A complete lesson plan begins with a presentation introducing polymers. Following the presentation, young scientists develop a laboratory plan for creating substances using polymers....
Science 4 Inquiry
The Yin and Yang of Photosynthesis: Day vs. Night
Floating fragments of elodea can grow even without roots. Young scientists use eldoea plants to observe the oxygen production from photosynthesis. They study the difference between having access to high amounts of light and low amounts...
Virginia Department of Education
Weathering of Limestone
We all know limestone weathers, but what affects the rate of weathering? Young scientists investigate the physical and chemical weathering of limestone (chalk) through experimentation. First, they conduct trials with different-size...
Curated OER
Geography of Korea
Learners are introduced to the geography of Korea. Using the internet, they identify the weather and climate in the country and create a week weather chart for Korea's four seasons. They complete an interview with a local weatherman...
Curated OER
Clouds and the Weather
Fourth graders analyze the relationship of clouds and local weather. Students also observe and record cloud data and weather conditions daily as they research different cloud types. The data is analyzed looking for trends in daily...
Curated OER
Recreating the Greenhouse Effect
Students recreate the greenhouse effect. In this environmental science lesson, students gather materials and follow procedures to create the greenhouse effect on a small scale.
Curated OER
Meteorologist for the Day
Fourth graders examine the symbols used on weather maps. They analyze a newspaper weather forecast and identify and discuss the various symbols used on the map. Next, they prepare a weather map for their own city using the symbols...
Curated OER
Still Waters
Students construct a still to turn seawater into drinking water. They estimate the cost of distilling it. They investigate ways to make the conversion more efficient. They track the source of their home drinking water and make a map of...
Curated OER
Observing Objects
Pupils observe the motion of both a pendulum and a spring pendulum . They then explain the differences and the similarities between the two types of motions.
Curated OER
Paper Planes
In this unit, 3rd graders investigate one variable to see if they can make a paper plane fly farther. They use scatter plots to establish a possible relationship between variables then use what they have found to make a paper plane to...
Curated OER
Freshwater Macroinvertebrates
Students identify and count Macroinvertebrates at a Hydrology website. In this macroinvertebrates lesson students collect, sort and identify Macroinvertebrates.
Curated OER
Transforming Food Energy: A Balancing Act
Students explain their role as consumers. They use a purchased calorimeter or make their own simple calorimeter to measure the energy content in selected foods. This interesting lesson really gets students thinking about what they eat.
Curated OER
Exploring Weather Websites
Students research and locate their own weather data using a weather website. They examine how to locate valid information on the www.weather.com website, and explore the website. Next, they select a city they want to visit, and compare...
Curated OER
How a Seed Grows: And Who Grows It
Second graders explore botany by viewing video clips in class. In this seed growth lesson, 2nd graders identify the types of seeds that grow specific plants and what the optimal conditions are for growing seeds. Students view a video...
Curated OER
Pollution Solutions
Students visit a local park to test the quality of the aquatic environments. They search for sources of pollution and examples of pollution control. Based on their obeservations and experiments, they rate their local environment.
Curated OER
Seabird Survival Adaptation Card Game
Students study seabirds and how they have adapted to their environments. In this activity based instructional activity students will play a card game that will allow them to have a better understanding of seabirds and their...
Curated OER
Teddy Bears and Friends
Children begin by making direct comparisons between objects and putting a number of objects into order according to length. They are also introduced to measuring with multi-link cubes which allows them to compare objects which cannot be...
Curated OER
Diffusion through Membranes
Students identify diffusion and its processes through experimentation and calculations. They also use a CBL and conductivity probe to measure the conductivity of various solutions and study the effect of concentration gradients on the...
Curated OER
Graphing Weather
Students make a graph. For this weather lesson, students fill in a KWL chart about different types of weather. Students watch a PowerPoint presentation about weather and natural disasters and where these types of weather are common....
Curated OER
Mosquito Life Cycles
Learners gather mosquito eggs to record the mosquito life cycle using drawings, descriptions, and any other appropriate means. In small groups, they analyze and describe the process of complete metamorphosis. They classify mosquitoes...
Curated OER
Properties of Water with a Splash of Color
Students explore the properties of water. In this cross curriculum art and physical science lesson, students experiment with a variety of materials to demonstrate the cohesive forces and adhesion of water. Students create a water color...
Curated OER
A Meal of Endurance
Students examine the importance of the nutritional value of explorers' meals. They investigate the concepts of caloric intake vs. caloric expenditure and examine their own nutrition.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle--Model Simulation
Students build a model to simulate parts of the water cycle. They recognize and explain the essential elements of the water cycle.
Curated OER
Water Quality Monitoring
Students comprehend the four parameters of water quality. They perform tests for salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and clarity or turbidity. Students comprehend why scientists and environmental managers monitor water uality and aquatic...