Curated OER
Compass Building Instructions
Students build their own compass following a given procedure. For this technology lesson, students explain how a compass is used in navigation. They trace the history of its development.
Teach Engineering
Complex Networks and Graphs
Show your class how engineers use graphs to understand large and complex systems. The resource provides the beginnings of graph theory by introducing the class to set theory, graphs, and degree distributions of a graph.
Curated OER
Our Amazing, Powerful Sun
Learners examine where energy comes from and how it can be used. In this solar energy lesson students explore different aspects of the sun.
BBC
Sorting and Using Materials
First and second graders see that everyday objects are made from a variety of materials. They interact with objects such as keys, plastic spoons, a wooden ruler, a towel, and a plastic bag. A discussion ensues which leads them to...
Clean Up Australia
Why are Batteries Harmful to the Environment?
Open this lesson by reading together about primary and secondary batteries (such as nickel-cadmium cells), problems they can cause in the environment, and how humans can minimize the damage. Afterward, little ones examine a collection of...
Curated OER
Fossil Fuels: Facing the Issues
Young scholars explore energy by researching fuel usage on Earth. In this fossil fuel lesson, students define fossil fuels, the energy created by burning them, and the impact on the environment when using them. Young scholars conduct...
Curated OER
When the Lights Go Out!
Students identify coal as the primary fuel used to generate electricity. After discussing coal's use in the generation of electricity, have students complete "When the Light Go Out" worksheet.
Curated OER
Powering a Green Earth
Students compare and contrast renewable and nonrenewable energy. In this environmental science instructional activity, students discuss the importance of going green. They identify the different components in a power grid system.
Curated OER
Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology
Young scholars imagine a time when there was no electricity. They work in small groups to list as many inventions as they can and discuss lists and have student groups choose two or three inventions and explore the disadvantages and...
Curated OER
Problem Solve Your School
Students work together to solve a real life problem that affects their school. They follow the engineering design process to develop and test their solution. They share their ideas with the class.
Curated OER
Mining With Blocks
Second graders gain a basic knowledge of mining and reclamation and see that mining is an important industry. They discover that mining ores and coal provides resources we need in everyday life.
Curated OER
Post-Civil War American History
Fifth graders examine significant events in Post-Civil War America. In this Post-Civil War lesson, 5th graders investigate the important events after the war in 19th century America. They read primary source documents about six topics...
Curated OER
Long Live the Sharks and Rays
Young scholars study shark and ray adaptations that have helped their survival. In this animal adaptations lesson students view a video and work in groups to research specific types of sharks and rays.
Curated OER
The Virtual Electron Microscope
Students explore the world of the very small using a Flash plug-in Virtual Electron Microscope. They complete and discuss an activity in which unknown samples are placed under the computer simulated microscope to determine where the...
Curated OER
Where Is The Juice?
Students are introduced to the component's of Ohm's Law. In groups, they practice their problem solving skills by reviewing problems solved earlier. They participate in activities that help them gather information on the importance of...
Curated OER
Circuits and Conductors
Young scholars participate in an online instructional activity to explain the conductivity of different materials and the effect of changing the power source.
Curated OER
Circuits And Conductors
Students predict the common classroom items, such as paper clips, chalk, keys, or erasers, that will be good conductors in a circuit. They build circuits using a variety of circuit diagrams to test their predictions.
Curated OER
Battery Power
Sixth graders examine how much energy they use in the form of battery power. They examine the cost of using regular vs. rechargeable batteries and examine the effect on the environment of the two types of batteries. They discover that...
Curated OER
Steamship Portland: Where's the Energy?
Learners examine how steamships operate. They describe the necessary energy conversions. They construct a model paddlewheel ship. They use rubber bands as examples of potential and kinetic energy as they unwind and set the models in motion.
Curated OER
How is Atomic Energy Used Today
Students investigate energy sources by examining photographs. In this atomic energy lesson, students identify and describe various pictures and how atomic energy is used in them. Students create a presentation demonstrating how many...
Curated OER
Winter
High schoolers explore the nature of water and water molecules. They examine the role of ice on organisms.
Curated OER
What is the Best Insulator: Air, Styrofoam, Foil, or Cotton?
Students investigate the properties of insulators by attempting to keep a cup of water from freezing, and once it is frozen, to keep it from melting. They conduct the experiment, record and analyze the results, and answer discussion...
Curated OER
3-D Model of Lake Benthos
Students create 3-D models of Lake Benthos. In this scale drawing instructional activity, students create a 3-D model of Lake Benthos. Students work in groups to create the models. Students use the models to to encourage people to...
Curated OER
Growing plants
Students explore plants and recognize that they are living things that require light and water to grow; students identify, name and match the parts of plants.