Curated OER
What's the Matter with My Jell-o?
Young scholars work in teams of four as they conduct four controlled Jell-O experiments over a two-day period. The Family Page extends this learning to the community by providing families with challenges to explore at home.
Curated OER
Gonna Take a Sedimentary Journey
Pupils collect water samples from a local source, test it, filter it and identify the materials suspended in it. Students disucss the possible sources of sediment in their watershed.
Curated OER
Analyze the Results
Students conduct water tests and sample macroinvertebrates from a nearby source to make a general determination about the overall quality of water. They use worksheets and analyze data as part of a larger unit.
Curated OER
You Light Up My Life: Developing a Scientific Theory for What Fuels a Candle's Flame!
Young scholars examine how candles work and how scientific theories are developed and tested. Students propose hypotheses about what is burning in a candle then perform tests in order to develop their scientific theory. After a teacher...
Curated OER
Flood!
Students examine different types of soil have different capacities for retaining rainwater. In this science lesson, students determine that if the soil in an area will not hold enough rainwater there may be a flood. Students experiment...
Curated OER
Earthquake Shake Table
Students build an earthquake shake table. They design and build the table and test their completed structures using sandbags.
Curated OER
A Self Directed Inquiry into the Identification of Unknowns
Students gain experience in designing an experiment and use logic in selecting specific tests for unknowns. Students recognize the use of spreadsheets in helping one to make clear comparisons.
Curated OER
Water Quality
Students examine the YSI and the water properties that it measures. They identify the different properties of water pH, DO, temperature, turbidity, and salinity and determine why it is important for them to test these parameters.
Curated OER
How Can You Prevent Spoilage?
Young scholars complete laboratory activity to discover what temperature is most effective in prohibiting bacterial growth in two percent milk. Students then write lab report detailing findings.
Curated OER
Design and Function of Native Watercraft
Students design clay boats and test their floating ability. They sketch and record each test different boat designs. They compare their designs to those of native Inuit vessels by looking at images and attempting to determine the...
Curated OER
The Mighty Puff Mobile
Students create a puff mobile. In this design lesson, students use a variety of resources to design and create a puff mobile. They work in teams to write directions for how to build it and test their mobiles.
Curated OER
Tee Off!
Students explore about one of the many products created by gain-based process. They investigate the ways agriculture can protect and preserve the environment. Pupils use their scientific processing skills to conduct a full inquiry based...
Curated OER
Observing and Drawing Structures of Guppies and Goldfish
Students observe fish and focus on their structures. In this life science lesson, students work in a group and observe guppies and gold fish.
Curated OER
Making a Battery
Fifth graders make a battery. In this physical science lesson, 5th graders word in pairs make the battery. Students follow 4 steps to create the battery.
Curated OER
Mineral Lab
Eighth graders examine the physical properties of different minerals. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders explain the uses of minerals in their daily lives. They complete the mineral identification table during the lesson.
Curated OER
Discover the Planets
Third graders research the planets. In this science activity, 3rd graders create PowerPoint presentations over a planet. Students present their findings.
Curated OER
Ocean Observation
Students describe the different methods used by MBARI researchers to study the ocean. In this ocean lesson plan students research the Internet and use the information they find to write in their journal.
DiscoverE
Rocket-Powered Ski Lift
If a ski lift had rockets, imagine how fast it would be! Scholars let their imaginations take flight as they build models for such a ski lift. Rather than using a rocket, though, they'll use a much safer balloon as the power source.
DiscoverE
Build a Bridge
Cost overruns are unacceptable—in the real world and in an engaging activity. Groups of pupils get together to build a bridge out of straws, paper cups, and tape. They keep track of costs ($1,000 for each material) and must stay within a...
NASA
Building for Hurricanes: Engineering Design Challenge
"By the hair on your chinny-chin-chin, I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in," says the big, bad wolf! Engineering hopefuls are challenged to design and construct a hurricane-proof building from simple office and craft...
Teach Engineering
Maximum Mentos Fountain
A messy fountain is potentially an energy experiment in disguise. Groups investigate the variables in creating a fountain from soda and Mentos. The last activity in a six-part series on energy has the class observe the fountain in terms...
DiscoverE
Kinetic Sculpture
Let your creativity run wild. Scholars build a sculpture out of basic materials. These sculptures must be able to move in the wind (from an electric fan). However, they must also withstand the wind enough to not fall over—it's quite the...
Computer Science Unplugged
Tablets of Stone—Network Communication Protocols
Show your learners that the game of Telephone isn't the only way messages get mixed up. Pairs transform into the sender and receiver of a message sent in packets. At least one pupil is the messenger who either delivers, delays, or fails...
Curated OER
Agriculture Defined
Open your Agriculture 101 course with a lesson on defining agriculture. Guide your class with thought-provoking questions and discussion. Give them time to play the card game, "Pit" in order to experience commodity exchange. This is a...