Curated OER
Light and Optics
Third graders utilize the scientific method to explain light and optics in this five lessons unit. Through experimentation and discussion, 3rd graders canvass the concepts of light traveling, reflection and refraction.
Curated OER
Investigating Seed Germination and Tropisms
Students use the various steps of the scientific method to construct and carry out a detailed laboratory investigation (including a control). They demonstrate how various environmental factors may affect the process of seed germination...
Curated OER
Chromatography - Chemical Separation of Colors
Third graders use the scientific method as they separate the colors used in ink. In this chromatography lesson, the teacher introduces students to how chromatography is used in several careers, then students perform an experiment to see...
Curated OER
Designing a Germination Experiment
Students explore botany by participating in a seed experiment. In this plant nutrition lesson, students define several science experiment vocabulary terms like observation, treatment, and replicate. Students utilize soaked seeds in a...
Teach Engineering
See the Genes
"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough" - Albert Einstein. The sixth installment of a seven-part series teaches young scientists about the importance of being able to communicate scientific research and...
NASA
Determining the Nature, Size, and Age of the Universe
Prompt scholars to discover the expansion of the universe themselves. Using photographs of other galaxies, they measure and then graph the size and distance of each. Finally, they draw conclusions and prove the universe is expanding.
American Physiological Society
What Environmental Conditions Lead to the Hatching of Brine Shrimp?
Will changing the environment in which brine shrimp live impact their reproductive success? Young scientists get hands-on experience studying the habitat of brine shrimp in a two-week immersion lesson. The teacher's guide provides all of...
Curated OER
Scientific Detectives
Students examine the legitimacy of advertisers' claims about products using science and critical thinking. They view and discuss ads, read a case study, and conduct an experiment to demonstrate whether a product lives up to its claims.
NASA
Cleaning Water
Give young scientists a new appreciation of fresh, clean drinking water. After learning about the ways astronauts recycle their air and water, your class will work in small groups creating and testing their very own water filtration...
Curated OER
An Introduction to Classification
Sixth graders explore, analyze and study the history of classification systems and the scientific processes that influenced modern classification methods. They evaluate why classification and binomial nomenclature are necessary to the...
Curated OER
Using Inspiration To Support Logical Reasoning
Students share descriptions of science experiments they have conducted. They create a thin film on the surface of water in order to float light objects and observe that a paper clip does, indeed, float on the surface of the water at...
Curated OER
Bronze: Scientific Inquiry through Chinese Art
Learners examine the use of bronze and porcelain in Chinese art and commerce through in-class activities, role play events, and small-group discussions in this exciting Social Studies/Arts instructional activity.
Curated OER
Earth's Hydrologic Cycle
Students examine the water cycle. In this hydrologic cycle lesson, students follow the provided procedures to demonstrate the how water moves around the planet through the dynamics of the water cycle.
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
The Big Bang Theory
Students will use scientific reasoning to formulate ideas about the formation of the universe using the Big Bang Theory. The use of critical thinking skills is part of the activity and the foundation of the scientific method will serve...
Curated OER
The Bouncing Ball
Students use the scientific method to conduct an experiment to test how a ball bounces. In this inquiry-based physical science and scientific method lesson, students drop a ball from specified heights and record the rebound, then record...
Curated OER
Human Anatomy - How Do We Move?
Fifth graders discover how blood moves around the body. In this circulatory system lesson, 5th graders feel their pulse before and after exercise. Students count their heart rate. Students use the scientific method to record their...
Curated OER
Freshwater/Saltwater "Eggs-Periment"
Learners explore water properties by conducting a class experiment. In this buoyancy lesson, students utilize freshwater, saltwater, plastic cups, hard boiled eggs and food coloring to experiment with the floating capabilities of salt...
Curated OER
The Importance of Tropisms
Students investigate plant tropisms using the scientific method. In this life science lesson, students learn about tropisms and test the response of corn seedlings to gravity. Response questions, extensions, and an adaptation for older...
Curated OER
Plants 'n' Bugs
Second graders experiment to find if pollinators have color preferences. For this plant and bug lesson, 2nd graders gather information about how flowers pollinate. Students participate in a pollination experiment using the scientific...
Curated OER
Study the Fizz
Students experiment to determine which bottle of soda has more dissolved carbon dioxide. In this solutions lesson, students use the scientific method to test the amount of carbon dioxide in bottles of soda. They identify and explain the...
Curated OER
Earth System Science
Learners investigate the age of the earth by using accepted scientific methods. They conduct research about the use of radioactive dating and there is a simulation activity of the process. Finally, students measure the radioactive decay...
Curated OER
Variable Skies
Learners examine factors which affect a vortex and create model tornadoes. They identify variables, pose a testable question, and perform an experiment using the scientific method. After they collect their data, students write a complete...
Curated OER
Food Safety Lab
Students use the scientific method to investigate the role of temperature in microbial growth. In this food preservation lesson, students set up an experiment with fruit in room temperature and in a refrigerator. They record the...