In 1980, in the tropical rainforests of Panama, scientists discovered 1,200 species of beetles living in and around just 19 trees, with most of the species new to science—that's biodiversity! In the activity, learners work in teams to...

The inside of the spacecraft Messenger, which explores Mercury, will experience temperatures from 32 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. In the final installment of a series of four space-related activities, groups spend time discussing and...

Using a variety of multi-media resources, your high schoolers become familiar with the parts of plant and create a story about plants using vocabulary learned during their research of plants. Completed stories are published using the...

Designed to accompany the 13-minute video The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes, this handout serves as both a viewing guide during the video and an analysis of how the adaptations of the icefish might help treat...

Writing a persuasive argument starts with a clear thesis. Using this resource, your class will write a persuasive paper on a conservation issue. They will then transform their argument into a 30-second public service announcement. If...

Students incorporate some basic information regarding ocean life and ecological conservation into their "earth watch" lives.

Young scholars discuss the cycle of growing wheat, and then plant their own in foil pans. After the wheat grows for a couple of weeks, students participate in a story retelling activity reinforcing the concepts of the process.

Pair physical science learners up, and have one describe a transverse wave while the other blindly attempts to draw it. Then reveal an actual diagram and explain the different parts of the wave: crest, trough, wavelength. Though most of...

After an introduction to municipal sludge, middle school ecologists consider the pros and cons of dumping in the Hudson River Canyon. The class is split into two groups: one to debate in favor or dumping and one to debate against the...

Eighth graders are able to define meiosis. They are able to compare and contrast meiosis and mitosis. Students are able to state the phases of meiosis. They complete a K-W-L chart on meiosis and mitosis. Students talk about meiosis...

Students utilize several different sources to research wolves, after completing the K-W-L process.

Get first hand experience in rocket building and motion through an easy-to-follow picture and word-based directions sheet. Here, learners build a paper rocket by wrapping and taping paper strips around a pencil, and then...

Create a simulation of acid rain in your classroom with lemon juice and bean plants to help kids study the effects of pollution on plants. In addition, learners will listen to a story and write responses based on guiding questions.

From types of rocks to types of weathering, learners gain knowledge on minerals, composition of soil, and the effects of weathering on Earth.

Do you want to hear a joke about nitrogen and oxygen? NO. We all know there is oxygen in the air and that plants produce oxygen, but how was it discovered? Scholars read a handout, answer questions, and analyze material in the...

Young scholars are introduced to the basic principles of atmospheric pressure. After watching demonstrations, they discover the capability of air pressure and how it affects weather. In groups, they use an inquiry template to solve...

First graders participate in a simulation involving newspaper, food coloring, water, and more to observe the debarking process of producing wood. In this wood lesson plan, 1st graders also measure, and learn about reducing, reusing, and...

In this science worksheet, students learn about water cycle, weather, clouds, storms and water resources by completing 8 pages of this full color newsletter. Students read a story, study weather maps, learn to make a rain gauge, learn...

Students observe how salt concentration increases in water and how salt remains after water evaporates. In this salty sea lesson plan, student use rock salt, water, containers, and strainers to observe that salt increases each time new...

Young scholars explore the processes of photosynthesis and respiration. In this photosynthesis and respiration lesson plan, students learn about the role of the chloroplasts in photosynthesis and about the role of mitochondria in...

Students explore the process of seed germination. In this botany lesson, students complete an experiment with seeds. Students observe soaked and dry seeds. Students allow the seeds to germinate and make observations during this time....

Young scholars experiment with variety of materials to investigate, develop inferences, and differentiate between concepts of motion energy and heat energy, and the part played by friction in the transformation process.

Students perform experiments to simulate weathering and erosion. In this earth science lesson, students view a PowerPoint presentation that includes weathering, erosion, and the Dust Bowl. Students conduct a series of experiments to...

Fourth graders investigate the idea that anyone who works hard makes a lot of money. In this cocoa farming instructional activity, 4th graders understand the processes involved in cocoa farming and the profits gained by doing it.