Texas State University
Earth: Deposition and Lithification
Geology geniuses analyze sediment samples with a hand lens and sort according to physical characteristics. They also learn about the processes of cementation, compaction, and lithification within the rock cycle. The lesson plan is...
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Observing Fruits and Seeds
Third graders discuss what they think the word "observation" means and discover different ways that we observe. They observe as the teacher demonstrates how to use a hand lens as a tool for observing tiny details. They then use hand...
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Applied Science - Science and Math Post-Lab
Learners use scientific tools. In this Applied Science lesson, students investigate the use of scientific tools to enhance observation and discovery. Learners indicate how each tool assists scientific work.
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Applied Science-Science and Math Lab
Students explore magnification. In this scientific observation skills lesson, students observe sea life items and draw pictures of what they observe. Students predict which lens will have the strongest magnification when given three...
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Spectral Surprise
Young scholars create spectral colors. In this hands-on science lesson, students examine the electromagnetic spectrum as they follow steps to create a model that separates and displays light.
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Did You Say Water Bugs?
Second graders observe live specimens of aquatic insects in a water habitat. They study specimens from both moving and still water with the naked eye and a hand lens.
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Biodiversity
Students complete activities to study the importance of biodiversity. In this biodiversity instructional activity, students find images to categorize into organism groups and illustrate their interconnections. Students use measurement...
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Exploring Minerals
I love this geology lesson plan. Third and fourth graders look at the connections, and the differences, between rocks and minerals. Learners are charged with identifying specific rocks and minerals, learning how to properly use...
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Magnify That
Pupils observe many different objects using a magnifying lens. In this magnification lesson plan, students learn that scientists use different tools, and they use the tool to magnify objects in the classroom to see objects in better detail.
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Frozen Film
Young scholars discover how light reflects off surfaces. In this hands-on demonstration, students examine how variations in color are produced by light interference.
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4.2: Exploring Rocks
Students collect and look at rocks and write down information about them in science notebooks. They make comparisons and sort the rocks according to their properties, and then discuss their findings with their classmates and put them on...
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Frozen Film
Students are introduced to the topic of light interference through this hands-on activity. They observe how light reflects off two surfaces and then meets to form an interesting variation of color on a film surface.
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Exploring Rocks
Students collect and examine rocks. They record information about the rocks they have collected in their notebooks. They compare and contrast different rocks and complete a class chart at the end of the lesson.
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Exploring Minerals
Students examine the differences between rocks and minerals. They discover the properties of different minerals and perform hardness tests on minerals. They collect their data and make observations.
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Extreme Flashlight Tag
Fifth graders view a Powerpoint show about reflecting light. They experiment through a reflection simulation on the internet. Students complete the activity by using mirrors and light to complete send light to a specified spot.
Michigan State University
Gases Matter
Young scientists learn that seeing isn't necessarily believing when it comes to the states of matter. After performing a fun class demonstration that models the difference between solids, liquids, and gases, children complete a series of...
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Making Observations and Generating Hypotheses
Students practice how to approach a problem scientifically. They use their senses to make a detailed description of a natural object and to generate hypotheses about the identity and features of the object hidden within a box.
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Investigating Soil
Students investigate soil contents. In this soil lesson, students gather samples of soil and record their findings on a graphic organizer. After analyzing the material in the soil, students illustrate the layers they found.
Outdoor Learning Center
Outdoor Survival
Which of the following can you survive without for the longest time: water, food, or a positive mental attitude? The answer may surprise you. Guide learners of all ages through games, activities, and discussions about surviving in the...
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Worming Your Way Through the Soil
Students study soil, living and non-living particles in the soil, and learn about composting. In this soil study lesson, students study soil samples and discuss the living and non-living components of the soil. Students classify the...
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Finding Wind Direction
Students identify the wind direction. In this weather lesson, students use a weather vane to find the wind direction. Students complete a worksheet.
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Build an Anemometer
Students investigate wind speed. In this wind instrument lesson, students build an anemometer to measure wind speed and discuss the importance of wind speed knowledge in various professions.
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The Science of Forensics
Students examine the importance of details in evidence gathering, as well as the relationship between chemistry, physics and biology. In this forensics lesson students divide into groups and look at fingerprints and fill out an activity...
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Microscopes: Is what you see, what you got?
Eighth graders identify the parts and functions of the microscope. In this biology lesson, 8th graders observe different samples under different types of microscopes. They compare and contrast the details they see.