Young scholars collect samples of common dust from their homes and school for examination under a microscope. They identify the components of their samples using the provided "Atlas of Indoor Dust Particles." Pupils take samples form a...

Students visit a local creek or stream. They collect water samples from the creek and observe and sort the "water critters" they find in the sample, observing smaller organisms under a microscope if necessary. They identify each organism...

Students observe the cells of an onion by wet mounting it and viewing it in a microscope.  In this hands on instructional activity students make their own wet mount slide of an onion and are able to identify the cells in it such as,...

Hands on science is the way to go! Learners conduct a lab experiment to help them explain how plants make food through photosynthesis. They test for the presence of starch in leaves using iodine solution and identify the basic things...

Students recognize that all living things are made up of cell and that they cannot easily be seen by the naked eye. Students become familiar with the use of microscopes as a tool for investigation.

Students identify each phase of mitosis and the main characteristics of each. Students prepare a microscope slide with onion root tip. Students observe the cell division occurring in the cells and label the mitosis phases observed.

Seventh graders identify the names and features of macroinvertebrates found in Turtle River.  In this ecology lesson students use digital microscopes and take pictures of invertebrates. 

Learners observe osmosis, a cellular process that normally can't be observed without a microscope, and use scientific method to observe osmosis in a chicken egg.

Students explore composting. In this composting lesson, students use compound microscopes to observe the microbial communities in compost. Observations and documentation of changes will occur over the course of several weeks.

Some basic descriptions of DNA and the appearance of structures in a bacteria are included along with great diagrams.  The presentation has clear, but detailed slides, and your students will find the information about Gram staining...

Here is a lab activity adequate for use with any full lesson on environmental factors that shape animal adaptations or marine animal characteristics. Pupils will discuss the role plankton plays in the environment and filter-feeding...

Individuals analyze tree rings to determine the health of an ecosystem. They then look at otoliths of fish, hard calcium carbonate structures located behind the brain, in the same manner. 

Students view vinegar eels under a microscope at different magnifications. They use a DigiScope with the camera attachment in place of the eyepiece. Students count the number of thrashing movements in 10 seconds. They repeat this three...

Plankton isn't just a tiny cartoon character, it's also a very important food source for animals around the world. Budding scientists discuss the types and functions of plankton, including where they are found, how they are caught, and...

Even though the student handouts are not included in the write-up, this lesson plan contains the instructions for terrific activities to use when teaching middle schoolers about metamorphic rocks. First, they compare granite to gneiss...

Learners conduct a simulation to explore how scientists estimate the size of animal populations. They analyze a random sample and then extrapolate those results to a larger population. Additionally, they will apply the principals of...

Learners select one of the ideas for a science project reflecting their knowledge about coal. They then choose a catchy title to spark interest that describes their project. They use the scientific method to explain the process.

Students experience a "hands-on" activity to get visual evidence of the physical nature of DNA and the process of DNA purification. They explore one method of chromosomal DNA isolation and DNA extraction.

Students discover how seed germination varies according to the soil type. In this soil science lesson, students discuss what plants need in order to grow and investigate various types of soil. Students use their senses to describe each...

Here is a different approach to solutions: a worksheet that has chemistry learners use words to describe them! This is an outstanding exercise that will stretch learners to show what they know. They answer questions comparing solutions,...

Drugs can both help and harm depending on how they are used. Fifth graders complete a worksheet that provides background information on prescription drugs. They read the text and then describe why medication manufacturers label pill...

A fun worksheet for homework, a warm-up, or a substitute day! Learners choose the correct word out of a set of homophones, such as made/maid and pale/pail, based on context clues in each sentence. There are twenty-two questions in all....

Students identify various types of sand by its uniformity of grain size. Students use a microscope to graphically compare particles by their degree of roundness and sphericity. Students compare their observations recorded in the table...

In this life cycle workbook, 5th graders examine plant and animal cells, classification of organisms, human biology, photosynthesis, and natural environments. 21 different activities make up the Life Cycle Workbook.