Purdue University
Simple Machines – Dog Gone It!
How can people use simple machines to solve real-world STEM problems? Learn about simple machines using a hands-on, project-based learning activity. First, pupils investigate and evaluate simple machines. Then, they receive a task that...
Cornell University
Polymers: Instant Snow
Is it easy to make snow? Scholars use critical thinking skills as they investigate the concept of polymers by making snow. The class tests several different variables and takes measurements over the course of several days. They then...
Curated OER
Time-Lapsed Observations
Students explore timed observations for science investigations. They record ideas on a chart related to a classroom closed terrarium. They repeat their observations for several days and time observations for changing shadows during the...
Curated OER
TSI: Teen Science Investigations
Students read an article about a research conducted on teen brain decision making. In this health science lesson plan, students identify the steps in the scientific method. They discuss how this research can benefit them when faced with...
Curated OER
Science and the Ocean Ranger Disaster
Students investigate the scientific theories behind various elements of the Ocean Ranger disaster. They present their information in a format of their choosing.
Curated OER
Investigating Local Ecosystems
Students investigate the habitats of local plants and animals. They explore some of the ways animals depend on plants and each other. Students observe living organisms in a local ecosystem and create detailed drawings and descriptions...
Curated OER
Investigating Different Rock Types
Students analyze a rock using their eyes and then a hand lens. For this science lesson, students determine and discuss how hard or how easy it was to find and classify the assigned rock. Students record their observations on an index...
Curated OER
Presenting Powerful Outlines for Science Fair Reports
Middle schoolers examine and reflect on the role of science reports in the larger scientific community and become familiar with one scientist's experience preparing a report. They identify key points to build a strong science report and...
Curated OER
Confectionary Bureau of Investigations: Case of the Cookie Mystery
Students perform tests on different chemicals to determine their chemical properties. In this forensic science lesson, students identify an unknown sample using its physical and chemical properties. They solve a fictional crime using...
Curated OER
Global Warming Investigation Guide
Students expllore the issue of global warming. They investigate how temperature changes naturally over time and by location. In addition, they explore the different areas where human activities might be affecting
climate and write a...
Curated OER
Investigate How Light Affects Plants
In this plants and light investigation worksheet, students hypothesize, collect data, and make conclusions about plants and light as they respond to 6 drawing and 6 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Investigating Kinetic and Potential Energy
Students examine the differences between potential and kinetic energy. For this potential energy lesson students watch a video and complete an in class investigation.
Curated OER
In your Science! - Merging Art and Science
Ninth graders reflect on what they have learned throughout the unit. In this Science instructional activity, 9th graders demonstrate how working together can produce an informative useful project.
Curated OER
The Science Behind Phone Systems
Students, in groups, discuss the origin of voice communications. In small groups students research the science behind innovations related to voice communications up through today's satellite systems. They make models or demonstrations.
Curated OER
Science Experiments
Learners do a series of three experiments. In the first experiment, the students work with a partner to protect an egg from a 12 foot drop. In the second experiment, the learners investigate static electricity using balloons and yarn. ...
Curated OER
Using Science to Explore
In this science technology learning exercise, students will read about how robots have helped scientists explore areas that humans cannot. Students will complete 2 short answer questions based on the reading.
Curated OER
Science of Sound- Music Sandwich
Students investigate the science of sound. In this music lesson, students create sound and vibration by constructing a "music sandwich." Students use craft sticks, an elastic band, and a drinking straw to create the musical instrument.
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
The Art of Science: Gravity
Through a series of experiments and demonstrations, fifth graders will learn about gravity. They will make predictions, drop various objects, write down their observations, and try to understand gravity through balance. This lesson seems...
Curated OER
Food & Science - How Healthy is Your Diet?
Learners experiment with various foods to determine fat and starch content. They rub jam, peanut butter, bananas, and other foods in a small circle on a piece of paper, and observe the results. If there is a high fat content in the...
Curated OER
Soil Investigations
Learners examine the basics about soil. In this soil lesson students describe the physical properties of soil and explain what soil profile is.
Curated OER
Investigating Light
Students study concepts associated with light. In this light lesson, students observe an demonstration by the teacher. They examine reflection and refraction of light and name things that reflect light and those that refract it. They...
Curated OER
"Investigating Soil Color and Texture"
Ninth graders will identify/understand the differences between soil and dirt. They will classify soil color accurately and use Munsell notation to describe it (Munsell books provided).Students will classify soil texture using the feel...
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Greenhouse Effect
Pupils compare the temperature change in a closed and open box as a demonstration of the greenhouse effect.