Curated OER
Journal Introductions
Students explore the idea of scientific observation and the use of a journal to record their observations. They examine the proper vocabulary used when describing scientific inquiry. Students observe a science experiment and they discuss...
Curated OER
Symmetry in Paper Airplanes
Students explore symmetry. For this geometry and scientific inquiry lesson, students design paper airplanes with middle line symmetry, as well as right, obtuse, and acute angles. Students measure the plane's angles using a protractor,...
Curated OER
Glove Gardens
Students investigate how seeds sprout. In this scientific inquiry lesson, students make predictions on which seeds will grow the fastest and observe the seeds over a period of time. Observations are recorded into a journal.
Curated OER
The Case of the "Lost Gorge:
Young scholars examine the case of a map making expedition. In groups, they read a case study on "The Lost Gorge" in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. They examine maps and determine where the error in the map-making occured to...
Curated OER
Environmental Studies: The Power of Wind
Investigate the prospect of wind as a renewable resource. Second and third graders make a pinwheel, answer critical thinking questions, and then attempt to use wind power to wind string. I would be more apt to use this lesson in a 1st or...
Curated OER
The Importance of Making Labs a Priority
The benefits of inquiry-based exploration can be attained in any classroom.
American Institute of Architects
Architecture: It's Elementary!—Fifth Grade
Young citizens construct an understanding of urban planning in this cross-curricular unit. Covering every aspect of city development from the political, economic, and social influences to sustainable building practices, this 10-lesson...
Curated OER
Wheels on the Bot Go Round and Round, Part II
Students hypothesize about the relationship between tire size of CEENBoT and ability to move a load. For this physics lesson, students design an experiment to test their hypothesis. They record results and formulate their conclusion.
Curated OER
Science Inquiry - Raisins and Sprite
First graders work in pairs to complete a science experiment involving raisins and Sprite. The pairs predict what they think happens when they put their raisin in a cup of Sprite. The students complete the scientific inquiry by drawing...
Curated OER
Rusted Roots
Students create a flowchart on the root cause method. In this inquiry lesson, students compare RCA and the DMAIC model with the scientific method of problem solving. They investigate a problem in school and present their findings in class.
Curated OER
Does salt have an effect on the temperature of ice?
Learners explore the effect that salt has on the temperature of ice. In this scientific inquiry instructional activity, students observe an experiment to see how cold ice can get when salt is added. Learners then explore how the ice...
Curated OER
The Scientific Method Beyond High School
Young scholars identify the different steps in the scientific method. In this biology lesson, students design an experiment given certain materials. They formulate conclusion and write a detailed lab report.
Curated OER
Mobius Strips
Students discuss the scientific method and construct their own Mobius Strips. They examine their Mobius Strip, and write observations and a hypothesis on how many strips of paper they have when they cut the strip in half length-wise.
Curated OER
The Blue Bottle: An Example of Teacher-Guided Inquiry
Learners observe a demonstration in which a bottle containing a colorless solution is mixed, turns blue, then becomes colorless again. They record observations, form and discuss hypotheses, and draw a conclusion based on the evidence.
Curated OER
Solar Cooker Challenge
Students use the scientific method to design a slow cooker. In this experimental method lesson students measure temperatures and conversions of the solar cooker that they create.
Curated OER
Mystery Spill
Students investigate the cause of birds dying in Monterey Bay. In this scientific research lesson, students use various resources, scientific investigations, and vector analysis to solve an environmental mystery.
Curated OER
Nano Waterproofing
Learners experiment to determine a way to waterproof a piece of cotton fabric. In this scientific inquiry lesson, students use reference worksheets to explore waterproofing and the use of nanotechnology in engineering everyday objects.....
Curated OER
Shells: An Investigation
Students observe shells using their five senses. In this scientific inquiry lesson, students examine shells using a hand lens and their five senses. Students complete an included shell data sheet.
Curated OER
Science is a Wonderland
Students use the scientific method to study Animalia and Plantae Kingdoms. In this science inquiry lesson, students watch a PowerPoint about science process skills. Students complete the National Geographic bottled Eggs-periment or the...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Wet Heads
Middle schoolers apply the steps of the scientific method to an experiment. They complete an instructional activity of scientific inquiry and use a spreadsheet software to create a graph illustrating data gathered.
Curated OER
Launching an Inquiry into Endangered Animals
Students create questions they want answered while they show what they comprehend about endangered and extinct species. They categorize photos of living things onto a contunum with the main points for use as a formative assessment.
Curated OER
How Do Cells Reproduce?
Beginning biologists prepare a sugar solution for yeast cells to live in, and divide it into two different jars. Samples from each jar are viewed with a microscope, and then one jar is placed in a warm environment and the other a cold...
NASA
Melting Ice: Designing an Experiment
Sometimes, despite the best laid plans, the unexpected will occur. Learners witness this firsthand as they carefully design an experiment to determine the time needed for ice to melt in salt water or pure water. They uncover facts not...
University of Colorado
Strange New Planet
The first remote sensors were people in hot air balloons taking photographs of Earth to make maps. Expose middle school learners to space exploration with the use of remote sensing. Groups explore and make observations of a new planet by...