Curated OER
Water Pressure Blaster
Third graders complete an experiment to introduce them to the concept of water pressure. In this water pressure lesson plan, 3rd graders create pressure in a water bottle and observe the force of water that is created.
Cornell University
Buoyancy
Swimmers know to float by turning their bodies horizontally rather than vertically, but why does that make a difference? In an interesting lesson, scholars explore buoyancy and the properties of air and water. They test cups to see which...
Curated OER
Water, Water Everywhere
First graders study water-its properties, its 3 states, and the way we rely on it for everyday living. They read Water, Water Everywhere, draw murals of where they have seen water and the ways they use it and eat/drink snacks that are...
Cornell University
Airboats
Don't let the resource blow you away. Scholars build airboats from basic materials and collect data on how far the boats move. They refine their designs taking Newton's laws into consideration.
Curated OER
Canoe and Kayak
Students explore canoes and kayaks. For this canoe and kayak lesson, students research the history, parts, and sport of the canoe and kayak. Students then practice how to use a paddle for each boat, and go on a field trip in order to...
Utah LessonPlans
Water, Water Everywhere
Murals are used to represent the various ways we rely on water.
Curated OER
Osmosis and Dialysis
How do you engage pupils in a discussion about osmosis without leaving them overwhelmed? By providing them with the tools to perform an exciting experiment, and they will see osmosis in action! Young chemists and biologists use a potato...
Cornell University
Build a Fuel Cell
Discover the connection between redox reactions and fuel cells. Collaborative groups build a Hoffmann Apparatus that demonstrates the electrolysis of water and then convert their models into a fuel cell. They use their fuel cells to...
Curated OER
Design and Function of Native Watercraft
Students design clay boats and test their floating ability. They sketch and record each test different boat designs. They compare their designs to those of native Inuit vessels by looking at images and attempting to determine the...
Curated OER
Activity # 13 Float or Sink?
Learners have seen that solids, which are more dense than a liquid, that sinks in that liquid and solids, which are less dense than a liquid, that floats on that liquid. They use a metal boat to float in water. Pupils comprehend that...
Curated OER
Environment: A Day Around the Bay
Students examine various scenarios about pollution around bays and discuss their reactions to them. Among the situations they investigate are construction site soil washing into a tributary, oil from motor boats leaking into water, and...
Curated OER
Physical Science- Sink or Float?
Learners investigate which objects sink and which ones float. Learners engage in an experiment, make predictions, and record results on a graphic organizer. This is a comprehensive and easy to follow resource.
Cornell University
The Science of Snowflakes
Who can grow the best crystals? Challenge class members to develop strategies for enhancing growth in the crystals. Through a lab investigation, learners study the properties of crystals and test the effectiveness of different growth...
Curated OER
Ice Cream
Open this instructional activity by giving a brief history of ice cream. Using liquid nitrogen to lower the temperature, preteens make their own confection. The accompanying activity sheet queries learners about freezing point, the...
Curated OER
Oil Well That Ends Well
Focusing on the effect of oil spills on the environment, learners conduct experiments to explore this issue. First, they create an ocean environment using materials provided. Then, they make a simulated crude oil substance from vegetable...
Curated OER
Adaptation and Diversity on Sheffield Island
Written for an exploration of shoreline ecosystems on Sheffield Island, this gives ecology or marine biology buffs a hands-on experience. Using GPS or visual triangulation techniques, they lay transect lines on a high and a low energy...
Curated OER
Measuring Calories in Food
Students measure the amount of calories in food. In this food energy lesson, students discuss what a calorie is, how our bodies use a calorie, and how many we need. Then, students use a calorimeter to calculate the amount of energy in a...
Curated OER
Trapping CO2
Students investigate climate change and how the properties of carbon dioxide and methane play a part. In this climate lesson plan students use a chemical reaction to trap CO2 and methane.
Curated OER
Parts of Lab Report Review Sheet
In this lab report worksheet, students answer ten questions by filling in a blank with the appropriate letter that corresponds to the part of the lab. Students determine where data goes, where observations go, where answers to discussion...
Curated OER
Science: Exploration Tubs
First graders develop skills of scientific inquiry. They determine which objects float and which sink.