Curated OER
Properties of Soil
Fourth graders conduct investigations to test different types of soil from different regions of Texas. They make comparisons and identify the characteristics of the soil. The end product of the inquiry is a student report.
Kenan
Respiratory System
Explore the respiratory system with a model. First, pupils build a set of lungs to experiment how they inflate and deflate. Then, they delve deeper into the topic with a web quest to discover new information about the nose, trachea, and...
Science 4 Inquiry
The Real Story of Where Babies Come From
Pupils learn about both male and female anatomy before understanding how they work together to make a baby. Scholars discover new vocabulary, create a presentation on fertilization, and discuss related topics.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Biomechanical Hand
In 1993, five biomedical engineers in Edinburgh, Scotland, created the first functional bionic arm. In the activity, learners explore the world of bioengineering through discussion and hands-on exploration. In groups, participants...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Fly Your Kite
Encourage scholars to become a productive community member with a kite-themed lesson. Following a review and discussion, learners complete a Venn diagram that displays the connection between character traits needed to make a home and...
NASA
A Different Perspective
What can we learn from the data? Young scholars analyze actual solar data to answer specific questions. The activity presents an opportunity for an open-ended investigation of the data to conclude a five-part series on solar winds.
Curated OER
Ancient Hunters of the Great Lakes
Students describe theories on how the first humans came to America and show the evidence that supports it. In this investigative instructional activity students study given material and prepare written or oral reports in their groups.
Curated OER
The Tadpole and the Frog
First graders examine the life cycle of the frog, and research frogs of the Nez Perce reservation and their requirements for survival. They observe the development of frog eggs and record their observations in science journals.
Curated OER
DNA and RNA Structure and Transcription
Students compare and contrast the structure of RNA and DNA.They summarize the process of transcription and translation. The instructional activity uses an inquiry model and the use of codes in DNA.
Curated OER
If Peter Pan Can Fly, Why Can't I?
Students redesign a human, using data in research, so that s/he can fly. For this flying lesson, students examine the characteristics and adaptations of groups of animals that can fly. Using this research, students work cooperatively to...
Curated OER
Exercise and Heartrate
Fourth graders experiment to find the effects of exercise on the heart rate. In this exercise and heart rate lesson, 4th graders create questions about exercise and heart rate. Students use the scientific method to test and analyze...
Curated OER
The Frog and the Ol' Black Fly
Students explore frogs. In this cross curriculum literacy and frogs lesson, students predict the plot and then listen to the book The Wide-Mouthed Frog by Keith Faulkner. Students define "predator" and identify foods a frog might eat. ...
Curated OER
The Robot Ranger
Students participate in an experiment to understand how robotic systems can estimate distances. In this robotic ranger lesson, students measure the the time it takes for and object to move back and forth. Students will use a tennis...
Curated OER
Water Filtration
Learners investigate our water system and how it is filtered. In this science activity, students perform a laboratory activity to investigate the process that goes into filtering water. They relate this activity to other subject areas...
Curated OER
Niches and Adaptations
Students present information about a species, its niche, and adaptations. In this lesson on animal environments, students explore how surroundings can affect a given population resulting in adaptation.
Curated OER
Fred the Fish -- A River Ran Wild
Students apply cause and effect relationships to water pollution in a stream. In this pollution lesson students recognize the importance of clean water in their daily lives. Students accompany "Fred the Fish" as he travels down stream....
Curated OER
Hydro-Technology
Students create a design for water collection, sanitation, or supply. In this hydro-technology lesson, students learn about the global water crisis. Groups of students read water technology articles, draw or design a device or process,...
Curated OER
Water Wonders
Students explore hydrology concepts. In this environment and biology instructional activity, students identify and describe macroinvertebrates using a variety of pictures and resources. Students observe and write about a classroom...
Curated OER
Elements for Disaster Reporting
Young scholars identify the elements of natural disasters and gain an understanding on how the media influences people's responses to disasters. For this natural disaster lesson plan, students study the impact of natural disasters, and...
Curated OER
Mock-Muck
Learners purify water samples using various techniques. In this water treatment instructional activity, students complete a variety of activities to learn about the process. A data chart is included for recording results. A crossword...
Curated OER
Flesh Eating Bugs, Moldy Corpses, The Trail of a Killer
Learners read about how forensic entomologists use maggots to solve murders. In this forensic science lesson, students read an article and answer questions. They go to different websites about evidence and fingerprinting.
Curated OER
Plant Nutrition and Nutrients
Students observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal and...
Curated OER
Freshwater Fish Water Quality
Sixth graders work together to complete an experiment about the quality of freshwater. In groups, they collect fresh water samples from a variety of sources and test the pH levels. After completing a KWL chart, they test the amout of...
Curated OER
Soil Treasure Hunt
Learners explore the concept of soil and decomposition. In this soil and decomposition lesson, students investigate bags of soil. Learners then learn how animals and other organisms help in the decomposition process.