Ducks in Flight

Scholars participate in two design challenges concerning flight in the second lesson of the series. They design balloon crafts that have neutral buoyancy and forward motion.

There are not many plants and animals that can survive the cold, harsh conditions of the tundra. This collection of activities and reading passages helps young scientists understand the unique characteristics that allow these amazing...

Launching a rocket with a balloon�—that sounds crazy! The class brainstorms design characteristics of a rocket. Individuals build a balloon launcher and a rocket straw. Using the air stored in a balloon, the individuals launch their...

After re-viewing a documentary segment on the restoration of Santa Cruz Island,, individuals craft an essay in which they compare the views of the various stake holders featured in the video and identify the point of view they find the...

Birds and ducks are the stars of this colorful word search. In it, learners identify 16 different species of birds and ducks. There are colorful and accurate pictures of each of the birds. Pupils must match up the picture with...

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...

Learners redesign a human, using data in research, so that s/he can fly. In this flying lesson, students examine the characteristics and adaptations of groups of animals that can fly.  Using this research, learners work cooperatively to...

Students explain the role of different organisms in the food web. In this ecology lesson, students participate in a game to simulate mineral cycling through the web. They discuss the importance of recycling minerals and resources.

Individuals design and build a set of shock absorbers to protect their astronauts when they land. Using a limited amount of supplies, pupils build a system that will keep two large marshmallows from flying out of a cup when it lands...

Middle schoolers determine the role of producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem. In this biology lesson, students construct a wetland food web. They apply what they learned by playing a board game.