Curated OER
Who Did It?
Students explore how forensic science is used in criminal investigations. They learn that for the next few days that are going to try to solve a crime that took place in the classroom. Students are given a story to read about the crime...
Curated OER
Earthquake Detector
Students investigate earthquakes and describe the interactions inside the Earth that cause them to occur. Then they research the equipment and systems for detection and measurement of earthquakes. Students also build and engage in a...
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Sarah Green Probate Record
The proof is in the probate record. Much can be learned about history by investigating old, primary source documents. Class members hone their detective skills by examing the 1759 probate record of Sarah Green. Who was this lady? Was she...
Explore Sound
Sound and Music
What causes sound? Groups of sound detectives use a variety of tools including ping pong balls, pasta noodles, raisins, rubber mallets, and a tuning fork to investigate what causes sound. The young Sherlocks conduct a series of...
Curated OER
Who Done It?
Pick and choose which activities to include in this crime scene investigation. Junior detectives can examine fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, or bone structure. The plan suggests you have teams solve a mystery, but it does not give you...
Learning to Give
Start Cleaning the Air
Advocate for the environment! With the short story included, learners are prompted to think about radon (the odorless and colorless gas) and possible ways to get donations or raise money to purchase detection equipment. The plan spans...
Curated OER
Fluorescence
Here are some instructions for leading learners through a hands-on activity for investigating ultraviolet radiation. First, introduce them to light and refraction. Then introduce them to the electromagnetic spectrum. Finally, give...
Curated OER
Orienteering - The Fundamentals
Students investigate the concept of a compass and it has been used in the past and in modern times. They practice using it in the wilderness in order to test its importance in various exploring activities. Each activity is accompanied by...
Curated OER
Detecting Meteors by Radio in the Classroom
Twelfth graders describe and interpret the science of optical and radio telescopes, space probes and remote sensing technologies (Unit E) They explain the role of radio and optical telescopes in determining characteristics of stars and...
Curated OER
The Sociological Detective
Students conduct research in order to debate a topic. In this sociology lesson plan, students conduct research regarding 4 types of schools. Students prepare to debate a topic of their choice.
Curated OER
The Water Detectives
Pupils collect water samples from designated sampling stations, and discuss water pollution. They analyze the water samples, record the data on a spreadsheet, and present the environmental water quality data to the class.
Curated OER
Investigating Fingerprints
Learners observe that each individual possesses a unique set of fingerprints. The Magic School Bus series of books, "Inside the Human Body," is used in conjunction with this lesson.
Curated OER
Science Detectives
Fifth graders examine the differences between chemical and physical changes. As a class, they are read a scenerio and determine whether it was deliberate act or not. In groups, they observe the changes of an alka-seltzer tablet and...
Curated OER
Can You Detect Bias?
Eleventh graders recognize some, but not all ethical processes (e.g., independent verification, clarifying assumptions, disclosing conflicts of interest) that shape scientific endeavors. Students build awareness of how various sources...
PBS
Who Knows Best
Finding an expert in a given field when conducting research can be a challenge. This guide provides step-by-step directions as well as links to resources that help young sleuths find the authorities and experts they need. As a bonus, two...
Virginia Department of Education
DNA Extraction from Strawberries
Has your class ever been astounded by the complexity of DNA analysis? Have they ever asked why genetic engineering has become so important to our daily lives? Young scientists perform DNA extraction on strawberries and explore how the...
Curated OER
The Air We Breathe
Students discover the cuases of pollution. They investigate different pollutants that exist. Stsudents research technologies developed by engineers to reduce the amounts of air pollution. Upon completion of assigned activities,...
Curated OER
Probability in Daily Life
Sixth graders examine the use of probability in daily life. In this probability lesson, 6th graders listen to scenarios from Louis Sachar's, Holes, after discussing probability in everyday life. They pretend they are detectives who are...
Curated OER
It's Not Conjecture, Look! It's Architecture!
Students examine how architecture reflects historical time periods. They conduct research on the History Detectives website, complete a fact sheet, sequence photographs of different architectural styles, and create an illustration of a...
Curated OER
Toxicology And Human Health
Students examine the clinical effects of environmental toxicants on living organisms by collecting and analyzing scientific data and identifying ways of detection and diagnosis.
Curated OER
Infectious Disease Case Study
Students list the steps an epidemiologist takes to detect a pathogen. They role-play as scientists as they investigate the cause of the outbreak in Japan during 1996.
Curated OER
Esters: The Secret of Natural and Synthetic Fragrances
Middle schoolers investigate esters, make an ester and detect esters in natural foods and plants. In this esters lesson plan, students detect smells of hidden objects, produce an ester using peas, brown sugar and apple and demonstrate...
Curated OER
Murder Mystery
High schoolers examine how to capture foot prints while they simulate a criminal investigation. They discover how the clues are needed for identifying or eliminating murder suspects.
PBS
Primary Sources
Students see how to use primary and secondary sources to investigate history. Whether it is a photograph, book, map, letter, postcard, newspaper, or official document, students can use sources to reconstruct and relive history.