Curated OER
A "Real" Picuture of a Scientist
Students share their own stereotypes when they talk about scientists. In groups, they draw a picture of a scientist where they are working and the tools they most commonly used. Using the internet, they discover how archeolgists use the...
Curated OER
Parachutes: What Affects a Parachute
Students create a simple paper parachute. For this parachute design lesson, students examine the effects of the wind and make napkin parachutes.
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Gathering Data About Respiration
Students engage in an experiment that tests how much air we breathe in and out during the respiration process. For this respiration lesson, students blow a typical breath's amount of air into a balloon. They use a ruler to measure the...
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I Wood if I Could
Tenth graders investigate the process of how specific products are made from trees. For this chemistry instructional activity, groups of students must choose among ice cream, bubble gum, paper, toothpaste and lipstick. They research,...
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Sharks in Decline
Learners investigate common fishing methods used to capture sharks. They decide why these methods and the shark's reproductive biology are contributing to the quick reduction in the shark population.
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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.
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Leaarn to Think Like an Archaeologist
Students examine how to act as archaeologists by examining artifacts. The inquiry is meant to teach learners about analysis of ancient civilizations and scientific finds. Fossil evidence is also covered to make connection to the...
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Wind Power
What a wonderful way to explore wind power! Through this lesson, learners get a background in the history of wind power, create their own wind turbine, and the test their designs. This is a terrific way to tie scientific principles to...
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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...
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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...
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Science Inquiry Lesson: Mapping Project
Students explore the methods of creating maps. They create a map of Animas River Park using a compass and measuring tape, develop a single map from the team map sections, and devise another map of the Animas River Park using a GPS unit.
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Discover Science
Students practice scientific research skills. In this lesson about science, students gain experience with the following skills: comparison, observation, identification, and data gathering. Students will go from station to station and...
Towson University
Berries...With a Side of DNA?
Sometimes science lab can be ... delicious! Middle school science scholars extract DNA from strawberries and other fruits in an engaging lab activity. The teacher's guide includes pacing, materials list, and worksheets with answer keys.
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Science and the Scientific Process
Young scholars investigate the characteristics of different soil samples. In this physical science lesson, students play the role of forensics solving a crime by matching soil from the suspect's shoes. They formulate a conclusion after...
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Seeds and Similarities
Young scholars use the scientific inquiry method to identify the changes in a plant's life cycle. In groups, they plant different types of plants and use a chart to compare and contrast their growth rates. They share their conclusions...
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Groundwater Realities
Students review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they use the internet to research the sustainability of water resources in their community. They examine an environmental impact study, answer questions and...
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Illinois' Habitats Happening
High schoolers use the scientific inquiry method to examine the ecosystems and biomes in Illinois. Using the characteristics of a local habitat, they identify the best conditions for an ecosystem to survive and how a slight change can...
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Excavating the Trash
Students look at a day's accumulation of recyclable trash from first through fifth grade classrooms, not knowing which classes it came from. After setting up a collection sheet for data, students remove items from the receptacle and...
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Feely Balloons
Students use their sense of touch to identify different types of solids. In this "Mystery Solids" lesson, students feel various balloons filled with items such as rice, flour, salt, beans, etc. They use their senses to come to logical...
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Physical Changes of Water
Students observe changes in water. In this lesson plan about water and its forms, students perform an experiment to determine how water changes. Students analyze what causes water to be solid, liquid, or gas. Students record their...
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Combining Elements to Form a Compound
Students explore elements and compounds. In this lesson about elements and compounds, students will do an experiment. Students work in groups of 2-3 as they complete two separate activities. Students understand how two elements combine...
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Silk: Scientific Inquiry Through Chinese Art
Students investigate the many uses of silk in Chinese society through in-class experiments, group projects, and hands-on learning in this cross-curricular lesson. There are four main activities included in this lesson.
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Jade: Scientific Inquiry Through Chinese Art
Students discover the uses of Jade in Chinese art and society through in-class discussions, group projects, and internet research. Additional enrichment activities are included.
Curated OER
Scientific Inquiry: Periodic Motion
Students construct their own pendulum. In this physics activity, students design an experiment to find the factors affecting its period. They formulate a conclusion based on experimental data.