Exploratorium
The Dipping Bird
If you have or want to order the dipping bird demonstration, it is useful for showing how evaporation and changes in the pressure of a closed system cause cyclical motion. After teaching about pressure, consider setting this little guy...
World Wildlife Fund
Arctic Food Chain
Explore the food chains that support Arctic ecosystems. A class discussion on interdependence and the different roles plants and animals play in ecosystems provides students with the knowledge to complete a worksheet asking them to...
Curated OER
Toothpicks and Timber
Learners problem-solve how to log five acres. Working in pairs, they construct models of logging sites before and after the trees are harvested. they paint their models and include other environmental details.
Curated OER
Night Hike
Learners explore Upham Woods at night and investigate about the special adaptations of nocturnal animals. They identify three nocturnal animals and how they are adapted to the night. Students explain what night vision is and how it works.
Curated OER
Black Hawk Island Hike
Students explore Wisconsin's natural and cultural history through hands-on exploration of Upham Woods. They are shown the basic paddling skills and they work in teams to paddle across the river on barge. Students describe cultural...
Curated OER
Let's Go Camping!
Students discuss the necessities for a camping trip. In this camping simulation lesson, students identify what supplies to take with them on a camping trip and read the rules and regulations for campers. Students assign roles for each...
Curated OER
Over the Rivers and Through the Woods
Sixth graders examine the purpose of the keelboat used by the Corps of Discovery on the Lewis and Clark expedition. They assess its strengths and weaknesses for navigating different rivers, and describe its overall purpose for the...
Curated OER
Traditional Uses of Wood
First graders explore properties of wood used to make cultural items and make a ring and stick game.
Curated OER
We Have Work To Do - Science
Students begin to think of ways to make work easier. They will focus on ways to extend their abilities to lift heavy things. They will identify levers, pulleys, and inclined planes through the examination of concrete objects and hands on...
Curated OER
Trees at Work... Just Look!
Students investigate the significance of trees. They collect magazine pictures of animals that live in trees, list products that are made from trees, collect twigs and create an item using the sticks, and bring in and discuss food from...
Curated OER
Forest Products
Learners study forests and understand their reliance on forest products and examine their choices between renewable and non renewable resources. In this forest products lesson students read several articles, complete a short...
Curated OER
Build A Birdhouse
Students work together to design and build a birdhouse. They research a bird of their choice and build the birdhouse that means that bird's specifications. They discover the importance of designing.
Curated OER
Tansai Sumi Painting
First graders study Japanese art and apply the technique of Tansai Sumi (lightly colored) to create individual works of art. Painting, design, lines, and drawing techniques are covered in this 1st grade lesson plan.
Perkins School for the Blind
Identifying and Using Tools
How can you teach a person about technology and engineering if he has never been exposed to the tools and devices used to create and construct? Learners with visual impairments examine a number of common tools, such as hammers, wrenches,...
DiscoverE
LIDAR: Mapping with Lasers
We would be lost without maps! How are they made? Introduce junior topographers to LIDAR technology with a fascinating activity. Set up a mock city, then have learners operate a laser measure to determine the shape of the landscape using...
Teach Engineering
Design Step 5: Construct a Prototype
Enough with the talking, let's build something! In the fifth step in the engineering design process, young engineers build a prototype to test their ideas. The instructional activity walks them through the process of evaluating it...
Curated OER
The Good Microbes
Some microbes are beneficial for humans. This resource asks learners to identify beverages that contain healthy microbes. There are six beverages shown, and pupils must place a check mark next to the ones they think contain healthy...
Curated OER
Poetry in Motion
Sixth graders answer questions about "From a Railway Carriage." They discuss different poetical forms. They work together to write a poem about travel.
Curated OER
Writing Through Art
Examine the works of visual and performing artists with upper graders. Using the works, they identify the comparisons among the techniques used. They will also review the six traits of effective writing and keep a writing journal...
Curated OER
Illinois Biodiversity
Students examine the amount of biodiversity in the state of Illinois. They practice using new vocabulary and listening to stories about animals. After given time to reflect, they write their own haiku. They work together to create a...
Curated OER
4-H Entomology Project: Insect Collections
Set your students on an exploration of insects with this resource. Learners can get ideas for experiments, investigations and much more. There are five tips for insect collection.
Curated OER
Sustainable Choices
Students examine energy use and the different construction materials used in their home. In this sustainable choices activity students study different materials and what a sound environmental choice would be.
Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX)
Use Simple Machines to Help Stuart Little
Third graders study six simple machines while working in expert groups. They use the information from the research to decide which simple machine the Littles could use to move a package. They demonstrate how their simple machine works in...
Cornell University
Catapults
Ready, aim, fire! Launch to a new level of understanding as scholars build and test their own catapults. Learners explore lever design and how adjusting the fulcrum changes the outcome.