Science Matters
Up and Down Fault Blocks
The Sierra Mountains in Nevada and the Tetons in Wyoming originally formed as fault block mountains. In order to visualize these fault blocks, pupils use construction paper to create layers of earth. They cut the paper models and form...
Scholastic
Lesson Four: The Earth, Layers of Earth
Get your hands dirty with a set of earth science activities! Class members delve into a hard-boiled egg to find the similarities to the earth's layers, create a papier-mâché model of the earth, craft a simulation of the earth's...
Science Matters
A Model of Plate Faults
The San Andreas fault is one of the longest fault zones in the world. In a series of 20 lessons, the fourth lesson has pupils use a paper model to recreate various types of plate faults. Each is held in position then drawn...
Curated OER
Map your Schoolyard
Students practice their mapping skills by creating an accurate map of their schoolyard using an aerial photo from the National Map web site. Students include legends, a scale, and a north arrow on their maps.
Curated OER
Rockin' and Rollin'
Seventh graders, in groups, describe the three major types of rocks through either a song, skit, poem, etc. They present their work to the class during a "rock concert."
Curated OER
Survival Under a Rock
Students investigate ways that animals adapt to their environments through hands-on activities using isopods and an interactive video.
Curated OER
How Can I Hide In Namib?
Students examine how various species survive in the Namib Desert. They watch and discuss a PBS video, and in small groups determine which colors are most effective in concealment in rocks, sticks, and sand, and compare the activity with...
Curated OER
Shape Shifters- Trees and the Environment
Students make a tree sculpture. In this trees and the environment lesson plan, students learn about the parts of a tree, discuss what a tree needs in order to grow, find images of trees in art and nature, use various materials to create...
Curated OER
Trendy T's
Students consider popular trends, such as rock fashion. They create designs for t-shirts that represent current pop culture and write pitch letters selling their ideas to the clothing industry in the year 2030.
Curated OER
Reflecting on Reflectivity
Students plan and construct a "mini-lab" to measure the reflectivity of different earth surfaces. They measure reflectivity of materials, including ice, soil, rocks, etc., and then extrapolate from what they have learned to consider the...
Curated OER
The Contest Between the Sun and the Wind
First graders read and explore the folktale, The Contest Between the Sun and the Wind. In this folktale lesson plan, 1st graders read the tale and describe the sun. There are several interdisciplinary extensions included: students...
Curated OER
Plate Tectonics
Students participate in a series of experiments to learn about plate tectonics and the different materials of the Earth. In this plate tectonics lesson plan, students use eggs, water, beakers, paper, and more materials to learn about the...
Curated OER
The Middle East: Land of Contrasts
Students explore the ancient city of Petra. In this Middle East lesson, students watch "The Royal Tour of Jordan," and then discuss the history of Petra. Students conduct research on selected sites in the city and use their findings to...
Curated OER
Layers Of The Earth
Students examine the layers of the earth and the basic composition and thickness of each. Using construction paper, each student models the layers of the earth.
Curated OER
Study of Chance
Seventh graders determine the fairness of various games. In this determining the fairness of various games lesson plan, 7th graders use spinners, dice, and rock,paper, scissors to play various chance games. Students determine...
Curated OER
Where'd You Get Those Genes?
Really a unit, this resource exposes middle schoolers to genetics at their level. They read interviews and biographies, trace a family tree, play games that simulate inheritance concepts, and more! Teacher's procedures, student...
Curated OER
Irresistible Irregular Verbs
Four fun games for practicing irregular verbs? How fabulous!
Curated OER
Mineral or Maceral Mosaic
Students study about geologists and their job. They also study that rocks are made up of minerals and organic material by conducting an experiment where they create their own "granite" or "coal".
Curated OER
Do You See What I See?
Second graders view a teacher-created terrarium, and complete a KWL chart. They discuss what they can see, Students go on a nature walk and compare the schoolyard to the terrarium, discussing the roles of rocks, plants, soil, and water...
Curated OER
Law of Superposition
Students identify the law of superposition and it states that beds of rock in a series are laid down with the oldest at the bottom and younger layers on the top. They construct a legen for a block diagram and construct a block diagram...
Curated OER
Folklore; The Story Of The Milky Way
The learners choose and read a Native American Folktale, analyze and sequence the story-line using a graphic organizer, then make a "woven" story blanket (from construction paper) depicting character, plot (including problem) and outcome.
PEGAMES.org
Duck Duels
If you're stuck inside on a rainy day for PE, or just want to give your class a body break, try out this fun game involving quick mental math and movement. Waddling around the classroom as ducks, learners compete in math duels, trying to...
Run for Life
Warm Up Games
How fun! Get kids warmed up with these activities that promote physical fitness as well as teamwork. Find descriptions of warm ups as well as full games, including all equipment you will need. Relays, obstacle courses, and variations on...
Curated OER
Sedimentary Structures- An Adventure in Painting and Collage
Students identify and interpret concepts about how the Earth was formed and convey some of these ideas in a painting.
Students experiment with different types of paints and paint applicators to achieve a variety of visual textures....