Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science Fair With An Energy Efficiency Flair

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
In order to learn more about energy conservation, pupils work to promote energy efficiency by participating in a school-wide science fair with an emphasis on energy conservation. In addition to displaying their projects, learners invite...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Nano What?

For Students 9th - 12th
The size of a nanoparticle is difficult for pupils to grasp. A hands-on experiment is designed to give your classes perspective. Learners analyze different sports drinks for the content of electrolytes as an introduction to nanoscale....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forensic Detectives: Archaeology at Work

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Dig in! Middle schoolers learn about archaeology by exploring the remnants of the Chiribaya bodies found in Illinois. Compare archaeological investigations, and then write a mystery detailing the discovery of a body! Consider bringing in...
Lesson Plan
National Wildlife Federation

Yesterday: Our Energy Needs Over Time

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
How has our relationship to energy changed over time? An engaging exploration challenges learners to create a timeline showing human energy needs and uses over time. Scholars review what timelines are, choose a 50-year period in history...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science: The States of Matter

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders conduct experiments in matter to create chemical changes resulting in gases. By mixing solids and liquids, they create a chemical reaction and capture the gas in balloons. After observing the balloons fill with carbon...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Wasps and Ladybugs

For Teachers 4th - 5th Standards
Can a good bug ever become a bad bug? An elementary entomology resource explores what to do when too many ladybugs or too many bees are in your home and can become a problem.
Activity
Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Virus Hunters: Epidemiology of Nipah Virus

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Who actually goes looking for a virus? Expose your class to the high-stakes life of an epidemiologist on the trail of the Nipah virus. Pupils engage in a short video, then examine how scientists predict, model, and find the source of...
Activity
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network

The Right Tool for the Job

For Students K - 5th
Is a saw a tool? What about a thermometer? Discover the applications of various tools with a activity that accompanies a matching card game. Learners search for tools from a stack of cards and circle its match on their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's in a Name?

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students explore the plants that grow in Glacier National Park. In this plant biology lesson, students invite a guest speaker to speak about plants that grow in Glacier National Park, as well as the scientific names for the plants....
Lesson Plan
Polar Trec

Do You See What Icy?

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Here is a lesson that kicks off with a question. "How does ice floating on the ocean act as it melts?" As learners investigate this natural phenomenon, they'll discover that it has a lot to do with temperature, salinity, and the effect...
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Deciphering Word Problems in Order to Write Equations

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
Help young mathematicians crack the code of word problems with this three-lesson series on problem solving. Walking students step-by-step through the process of identifying key information, creating algebraic equations, and finally...
Lesson Plan
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

A Search for Symbolism in The Great Gatsby

For Teachers 11th - 12th Standards
After reading The Great Gatsby, groups return to the text and note passages where Fitzgerald uses symbols and color imagery in his narrative. They then develop a presentation that explains the context, the implications, and possible...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science as Inquiry: what is starch and how can we test it?

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders discuss nutrients and examine foods for starch.  In this starch testing lesson, 6th graders use iodine to test foods for starch and record their results. Students complete a worksheet and self reflection.
Worksheet
Curated OER

What is Energy?

For Students 8th - 12th
In this energy worksheet, students will determine if 7 examples represent kinetic energy or potential energy. Then students will study an illustration of a child coming down a slide and answer 5 energy questions based on the illustration.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Is a Watershed?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the concept of water pollution. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students discover what watersheds are and consider how to protect them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Diverse is That?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
After reviewing biodiversity, learners work in small groups to analyze actual species distribution data. They learn to calculate the Shannon-Weaver diversity index for different communities. Though not particularly engaging, the content...
Website
American Museum of Natural History

Einstein in Time

For Students 6th - 12th
Einstein sure had an interesting life. Using a remote learning resource, pupils examine a timeline of Einstein's life. They learn about the major scientific discoveries as well as humanitarian and social work. Additionally, they read...
Lesson Plan
US Department of Energy

Geothermal Energy

For Teachers 5th - 8th
With Earth Day quickly approaching, as well as many science fairs, why not challenge your class to investigate geothermal energy or other renewable energy resources? There are five driving questions explored in depth here, as well as...
Unit Plan
Intel

Starquest

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Almost every ancient culture observed the stars and saw pictures in the patterns. Studying stars allowed them to guide travelers, determine when to plant crops, when to harvest food, and the stories surrounding the images include some of...
Unit Plan
Intel

Forensics: Get a Clue

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Although the methods are all scientific, forensic science was started by police officers rather than scientists, who relied on observation and common sense. Young detectives use many tools to solve crimes around the school in a...
Unit Plan
Government of South Australia

Don't Waste Your Energy

For Teachers 4th - 8th Standards
Don't lift another finger, this physical and environmental science unit has everything you need to begin teaching your class about energy. Starting with a look at the greenhouse effect, these lessons and activities take young scientists...
Lesson Plan
National Math + Science Initative

Introduction to Decimals

For Teachers 5th Standards
Three activities make up an introductory instructional activity designed to create a strong foundation in comparing fractions to decimals and exploring and building decimal models. Pupils brainstorm and complete a Venn diagram to show...
Interactive
Center for Technology in Teaching and Learning

MedMyst Mission 3: Nemesis at Neuropolis

For Students 6th - 8th Standards
Calling all science sleuths! A patient appears to have a disease eradicated years ago—how do you treat it? Scholars must research the illness, the possible causes, and find a cure before the disease spreads and wipes out the entire city....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Chesapeake Bay in Captain John Smith's Time

For Teachers 4th - 5th Standards
When Captain John Smith visited the Chesapeake Bay in the summer of 1608, what types of animals and habitats did he encounter? Your young historians will analyze primary source documents to answer this question, as well as compare...