Curated OER
Science
Seventh graders study the theory of plate tectonics. In this activity lesson students complete an activity to determine how seafloor spreading and volcanoes contribute to solving the plate tectonics puzzle.
Curated OER
A Scientific Approach to Teaching about Evolution
Middle schoolers examine fossils and analyzing their significance in relation to theories of evolution. Hand-outs are provided. This lesson could be supplementary to a broader unit on evolution or geology.
Curated OER
Biology: Natural Selection
Students explore evolutionary processes and theories using the spotted fish applet. They observe what happens to fish in a closed environment with both food and predators. Students run the model several times and answer questions about...
Curated OER
V-Numbers
Learners explore problem solving strategies. Gin a novel situation, students develop a mathematical theory. Through models and mathematics, learners justify their solution. Students definea V-sets and discuss conjectures about each set.
Curated OER
Gamma Ray Bursts
Learners study an article on Gamma Rays. In this investigative activity students study the energy and wavelengths of gamma rays and the theories behind them.
Curated OER
Economics Dictation
In this economics text dictation, 9th graders take dictation on a passage about economic theory, applied economics, and economic history.
Curated OER
Dinosaurs - Creatures Of The Past
Students use the Internet to search for dinosaurs, then distinguish between meat-eating and plant-eating dinosaurs. They explore theories about the extinction of dinosaurs and create illustrations of dinosaurs using Kid Pix or other...
Curated OER
History: Impact of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Students formulate theories about the Lewis and Clark Expedition about its purpose and impact on America. They write position papers supported with facts discovered in their research. Students include quotes, factual references, maps,...
Curated OER
May Earth be Revolving around the Sun?
Ninth graders explore how Aristarchus used the position of the half-full Moon to estimate the distance to the Sun, and how he made a great error, but still figured out that the Sun is much larger than Earth.
Curated OER
On the Other Hand
Students identify traits that are either genetic or developmental in nature and determine why it might be difficult to learn if handedness is genetic or developmental. They explore theories on the causes of left-handedness by reading and...
Curated OER
Mapping the Village
Students measure, weigh, and document the amount of trash and garbage generated by the school for one day. They brainstorm solutions for trash in the area and assist with the school-wide recycle program.
Curated OER
The Hot Spot Hypothesis
Students use a digital atlas, geologic maps, and topography maps to explore geologic regions of Yellow Stone National Park. They locate evidence that support the theory of hot spots. Students research and explore the movements of Hot...
Curated OER
The Declaration of Independence
Students explore the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. They research a philosopher using reference books and reliable
Internet sources and write a two-page paper utilizing proper writing conventions. In addition, they...
Curated OER
Causal Patterns in Density Phenomena
Students consider the causes of density at a microscopic level. They then discover that one cause of density has to do with how many protons and neutrons the material contains.
Curated OER
Cloning
Students view the history to cloning cats. Students show examples of what they know about cloning. Students surf the net on all theories on cloning. Students view the critics views on cloning.
Curated OER
States of Matter
Young scholars categorize items into one of the three states of matter. They participate in a demonstration in which they represent particles of matter. Finally, they complete an experiment in which they "race" top see who can make...
Curated OER
Natural Selection in Protected And Unprotected Populations
Studnets compare how two elephant seal populations fare during successive generations. They participate in a simulation using a card game to look at the differences in two populations, one that is protected from mortality by human...
Curated OER
Alka Rockets! An Introduction to Kinetics
Students identify the factors that influence reaction rates. In this chemistry lesson, students design an experiment to test one factor they identified. They perform the experiment and share the results to the entire class.
Curated OER
Age of Exploration
Students work individually or in a group researching a box compass using historical information on the uses of the compass as well as the scientific theories of the compass. They create a box compass and a water compass which are...
Curated OER
Understanding the Layers of the Earth
Fourth graders explore the three layers of the Earth describing the composition, thickness, and temperature of each layer. Layers are compared and contrasted and data unearthed placed into graphic organizers.
Curated OER
Research as a Historian, as an Artist
Learners work together to research one area of history that is of an interest to them. Using primary sources, they examine photographs and disuss what they already know about the topic. They present their images and information to the...
Curated OER
Destination Mars!
Fifth graders view Mysteries of Earth & Mars Video on DVD and record thoughts in their online journal. They record data in a spreadsheet about each planet then form a theory of the best time to launch a space craft from Earth to land...
Curated OER
Talking Tubes
Young scholars study the theory that sound travels through a variety of instruments. They explore all the channels of the ear and its various purposes. Students test objects to see which ones were vibrating to make sound heard.
Curated OER
The Future of the Milky Way
Students brainstorm ideas about the future of our galaxy. In this space science lesson plan, students research the three main events happening in the Milky Way. They write a report about their findings.