Curated OER
Worms Attack
Fourth graders observe earthworms and record their observations. They test to find how earthworms react to touch and moisture. After their study of earthworms, they do a creative writing activity in which they tell about life from the...
Curated OER
I Wonder What An Important Observation Is...
Students discover the importance of descriptions and detail in their writing. They write in their scientific journals and are evaluated by the teacher. They write a descriptive piece and evaluate their own writing as well.
Curated OER
Becoming a "Seer" -- The Observation of Place
High schoolers discover that effective observations can help their writing. They realize their sense of place and how they view the world around them. They write about their place and share with the class.
Curated OER
Outdoor Observation
Students examine their outside environment. They use their senses to make observations of the four seasons. They keep a chart of all of the data they have collected.
Curated OER
Animal Growth Journal
Students observe and describe animals in the local environment. They recall information about different animals they have seen. They read and discuss their favorite animal books.
Curated OER
"A Test for Murder"
Pupils compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of their observation abilities as they examine forensic evidence provided by a classroom simulation of a crime committed.
Curated OER
Detecting Magnetic Materials in "Martian" Soil
Pupils simulate some of the Pathfinder experiments by devising methods of collecting and measuring magnetic substances in pseudo-Martian soil. The efficiency of each of the methods used to collect materials is evaluated in this...
Curated OER
Palpating Pachyderms: How Do We Interpret Observations?
Students interpret a poem before completing activities to distinguish observations and interpretations. They examine how personal background can influence how a person interpreters what they observe.
Curated OER
INFRARED OLD FAITHFUL
Students view video clips and still images of Old Faithful and review the main questions and curiosities regarding Old Faithful. They break into groups and take on the roles of explorers and have come upon this interesting geothermal...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Writing With Writers: Descriptive Writing
This page gives students specific guidelines & tips for a descriptive writing assignment. Students can publish descriptive writing here, as well. A thorough teacher's guide to descriptive writing is also provided.
Online Writing Lab at Purdue University
Purdue University Owl: Analyzing Your Primary Data
This entry focuses on analyzing primary data including interviews, surveys, and observations. It also warns against over-generalization and explains the advantages of the triangulation of data.
Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education, Stevens Institute of Technology
Ciese Collaborative Projects: Down the Drain: How Much Water Do You Use?
How much water do you use everyday? Find out in this engaging investigation, where you compare your water usage with your classmates and other people around the world. An exploration filled with lots of math and science that students are...
Library of Congress
Loc: Photo Analysis Presenting the Statue of Liberty
The ability to examine a primary source is a gateway to building critical thinking skills and constructing knowledge. This lesson provides the students an opportunity to observe similarities and differences between 2 visual images,...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Molly of Denali: Field Guide Family Activity
Use this Field Guide to Birds from the PBS Kids series Molly of Denali to identify and learn more about birds in your neighborhood. Then seek out additional information and create your own pages to add to Molly's guide.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Focused Observation: Recording Information Seen on a Hike
Students focus their observations during a nature hike by recording their observations on a sheet of paper which has been horizontally divided into thirds. Alongside the divisions is a stick figure with the top of the head touching the...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Sun's Surprising Movement Across the Sky
Suppose you placed a camera at a fixed position, took a picture of the sky at the same time every day for an entire year, and overlaid all of the photos on top of each other. What would the sun look like in that combined image? A...
PBS
Pbs Kids: Plum Landing: Double Rainbow
After viewing the "Double Rainbow" episode of Plum Landing, students will discuss what they have learned about rainbow parrotfish. Then students will design and post their own illustrations of a school of these rainbow parrotfish.
University of California
Understanding Science: The Core of Science: Relating Evidence and Ideas
Learn that the real process of science proceeds at multiple levels and sorts through many ideas, retaining and building upon those that work, and relating the evidence discovered with scientific ideas.
Microsoft
Microsoft Education Lesson Plan: Candy Is Dandy
Explore color distribution of M&M candies using this detailed lesson plan. An engaging integrated lesson that requires understanding of spreadsheets and formulas, and logical reasoning. Links to related websites.
Read Works
Read Works: The Scientific Method
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text explaining the five steps of the scientific method. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Biology: Scientific Thinking
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discusses how scientists think about the natural world.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Biology: Scientific Methods
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Covers steps of the scientific methods and control group.
Other
Fagler College/nas 111/scientific Methodology
Power Point presentation on scientific method for NAS 102 Human and Environmental Biology II.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Do Women Live Longer Than Men?
Use this site to figure out if women really do live longer than men. A math challenge taken from today's health journals that explores data collection, data analysis, patterns, and graphing skills. Learn how mastering these skills can be...