Science Matters
Structure-Function
Without structure, there wouldn't be function. Scholars examine the meaning of structure and function with a hands-on experience. Using balls from different sports, they compare and contrast their structures and then analyze how each...
Science Matters
Digestive System Simulation
What do a sandwich bag and a mouth have in common? Your classes are about to find out in a hands-on instructional activity that has groups build models of the digestive system. Using a little imagination, learners use everyday materials...
Curated OER
Health Care
Students analyze information and draw conclusions about the reality of human life expectancy; the battle between health care technology and our own internal time clocks. Students answer questions such as "Why does aging occur and can...
Curated OER
Experimentation With Plants
Fourth graders experiment with different varieties of plants and draw conclusions after performing a series of lab activities. A very helpful student worksheet is given. This is a nicely done introductory lesson plan for life science.
Curated OER
PLANT LIFE CYCLES
Student learns about the life cycle of plants by watching a time-lapse video. This activity provides students with further evidence that all living things grow and change as they progress through their life cycle. Student conducts a...
Curated OER
Stream Study
Students study the characteristics of a stream habitat. In this life science lesson, students use sieves, nets, and jars to collect aquatic organisms. Students also measure the temperature of the stream and calculate the speed of the...
Curated OER
Jack and the Beanstalk
Third graders read a story and grow a beanstalk. In this literature and life science lesson, the class reads "Jack and the Beanstalk," then lists fairy tale elements and write a puppet show. The students plant pinto beans and observes...
Curated OER
This Can't be a Plant
Learners grow mold. In this science experiment lesson, students grow mold on different pieces of bread by adjusting the moisture, temperature, and light. They record the results to see which grows the most mold.
Curated OER
Tank Trials - Measuring Germination
Students observe and measure seed germination. For this life science lesson, students use 'tanks' to observe a set of seeds as they germinate and begin growing, make predictions, and record their data. Lesson includes background teacher...
Curated OER
Climbing and Crawling
Students observe and measure plant growth. In this life science instructional activity, students are introduced to bean and Nasturtium seedlings which they will measure and watch the beans climb (grow tall) while the Nasturtium crawl...
Curated OER
Room to Grow
Students examine radish plants and compare how they grew based on how closely the seeds were sown. In this life science lesson, students pretend to be growing plants crowded together, then examine how the radishes look based on how much...
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
Using the Carbon Cycle Interactive Game in the Classroom
An online reading and interactive game bring the path of a carbon molecule to life for your earth science explorers! As an assessment, learners can map out or write about their experience in the carbon cycle. Thoroughly written...
Virginia Department of Education
The Cell Cycle and Mitosis
What a packed instructional activity! Provide your class with the opportunity to learn about the cell cycle in several exciting ways. Biologists first learn about the theory behind mitosis, then proceed to view onion tips under the...
Pace University
Grade 6-8 Living Things
What characterizes a living thing? Scholars explore the concept during a differentiated instruction unit on living things. They perform lab experiments to determine how animals adapt to stimuli, watch videos and learn about...
Curated OER
Conserving Marine Life
Pupils discuss the different threats to various marine life. Through research, groups examine threats to specific marine life, evaluate the situation, and develop possible solutions to help marine life regain stability. Conservation...
Curated OER
The Dead Zone: A Marine Horror Story
Students graph dissolved oxygen versus depth using data taken from NECOP Program. In this marine science lesson, students explain the causes of hypoxia. They recommend possible solutions to this problem.
Curated OER
Career Exploration
Students create a pamphlet, brochure, handout, or poster about a career in the marine sciences. In this marine science lesson plan, students use the Internet to research a marine science career. They create a printed media item to share...
Curated OER
Science: Avalanche!
Eighth graders examine avalanches after reading excerpts from John Muir's book, "The Yosemite." In small groups, they conduct experiments with flour, sugar, and potato flakes representing different snow consistencies. Then, 8th graders...
Curated OER
Interactions of Science and Technologies
Middle schoolers explore how science and technology interact. They discuss important inventions, discoveries and technologies. They research a specific technological advance, or invention, and prepare a presentation that includes the...
Curated OER
Alfalfa Butterfly/Caterpillar Lifecycle Investigation
Young scholars collect and record data. They identify sex of butterflies. They make conclusions based on collected data.
Curated OER
Bringing the Solar System to Life
Students make models of the planets and use the models to show revolution of the planets around the sun. They explain the rotation of the planets after demonstrating with balloons.
Curated OER
A Sea Turtle Experience
Students observe live green sea turtles and use their imagination to form questions about the animals. They present these questions to their teacher. Students then complete the activity sheets highlighting sea turtle biology and...
Curated OER
Biodiversity Debate - Stream Side Science
Role play community members who are both for and against the construction of a dam. Research the pros and cons and then hold a classroom debate. This activity ideally follows a series of stream studies, links to which are included. Use...