Nuffield Foundation
Microscale Investigations of Catalase Activity in Plant Extracts
Use indirect measurements to monitor metabolic activity in plant cells. Scholars understand that cells with a higher metabolic rate have a higher concentration of catalase enzyme. They use this information to compare metabolic rates of...
Cornell University
Investigating and Modeling Hardness
Model hardness testing with a self-designed hardness test. Young scholars rate the hardness of different types of aspirin using the Vicker's Hardness scale. They then relate hardness to the solubility of each aspirin tablet.
Curated OER
Sound and Frequency
Pupils pose their hypothesis, they ready their instruments, then record their observations. This is the science of sound lesson. They move through 5 stations, each focused on a different element of aspect of sound. Check this lesson out,...
National Park Service
Reduce Our Carbon Footprint, Let’s Compost!
Roll up your sleeves and get a little dirty with this elementary and middle school compost lesson. All you need is a large plastic container, a couple old newspapers, some organic waste, and a few hundred worms and you're ready to start...
Marine Institute
Water Pollution
Sixth graders investigate the various types of pollutants found in water and ways to help prevent water pollution. Through a hands-on experiment, students create samples of polluted water by mixing water with vegetable oil, dirt, and...
Nuffield Foundation
Investigating Factors Affecting the Heart Rate of Daphnia
What variables change heart rate? Young scientists observe the beating heart in Daphnia to understand these variables. They make changes in temperature, chemicals, and other factors as they graph the heart rates. Analysis questions help...
Nuffield Foundation
Investigating the Effect of Temperature on the Activity of Lipase
How does temperature affect lipase activity? Young scholars conduct an experiment to collect data on the interaction of lipase at different temperatures. They add lipase to a solution of milk, sodium carbonate, and phenolphthalein and...
Nuffield Foundation
Investigating How We See Colour
Can you eyes be fooled into seeing colors that aren't actually there? Budding scientists view a presentation that addresses this topic. They explore how their eyes interpret color through the retinas and messages sent to the brain. They...
Curated OER
Discovering Language Arts-Intermediate Fiction
Explore the elements of science fiction. Young scholars investigate the literary elements present in science fiction and write their own science fiction stories.
Curated OER
Where is the Science?: Design as an Introduction to the Scientific Method
Students work to create a design that will protect an egg from being dropped from a one story floor. They test their prototype after it is completed. They write clear instructions and link aspects of the design process to the scientific...
PBS
Water Cycle and Watersheds: Ways of Watersheds | UNC-TV Science
Take a field trip with water as it moves on and below Earth's surface. Investigators discover the link between water and land in the water cycle and the importance of watersheds while viewing an animated video. Scholars test their...
American Institute of Physics
The Physical Sciences at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
The history of science instruction at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is the focus of a lesson plan that explores the early challenges these institutions faced in accessing equipment for their labs and instructors...
PBS
The 3 Phases | Phases of Matter | UNC-TV Science
Explore the states of matter without the mess or expensive equipment in a compact, informative activity. Scientists watch as the narrator explains the three states of matter using a glass of ice and soda in an animated video that...
PBS
Convection: Heat Transfer | UNC-TV Science
Learn why what goes up must come down in both air and liquids. Investigators discover how convection transfers thermal energy and the movement of particles in liquids and gases due to density differences by viewing an animated video....
PBS
Thermal Radiation: Heat Transfer | UNC-TV Science
What do people, campfires, and microwaves have in common? Investigators explore heat transfer by thermal radiation, discover the role of electromagnetic waves, and see examples of radiation while viewing a video. Scholars challenge their...
Curated OER
Conducting a Scientific Investigation
Students investigate a possible health problem in the local school district through inquiry into attendance records, activities, maps, graphs, and data tables. The simulation continues as solutions for the problem are sought.
Curated OER
Science Workshops
Based on the popular Writer's Workshops used in language arts, Science Workshops can be used to teach both science content and process.
Curated OER
How to Use Classroom Animals to Spark Life Science Inquiry
Use low maintenance classroom pets to get your students engaged in life science inquiry investigations.
Curated OER
Investigating Planetary Life
Young scholars research about the search for life in Mars. In this space science lesson, students develop a creative visual display of their findings. They present their project in class.
Curated OER
Circuits and Electromagnets- A Total Inquiry Investigation
Learners investigate how electromagnets work. For this circuits and electromagnets lesson, students complete a series of four challenges using electricity and magnetism.
Curated OER
Investigating Soil
Students investigate soil contents. In this soil lesson, students gather samples of soil and record their findings on a graphic organizer. After analyzing the material in the soil, students illustrate the layers they found.
Curated OER
Making Light of Science
Young scholars investigate the electromagnetic spectrum, focusing on visible light. They are introduced to the idea that all light travels as waves, and that wavelength defines the various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Curated OER
Preschoolers and Science Skills
You can encourage critical thinking and problem solving by allowing young children to participate in hands-on science activities.