California Academy of Science
Composting: A Scientific Investigation: California Academy of Sciences
Garbage, recycle, compost: Does it really matter where we put our trash once we are done? By making detailed observations over seven weeks, kids will see which materials break down naturally to become a healthy part of the soil, and...
Towson University
Mystery Tubes
How do scientists know they're right? Truth be told, they don't always know. Explore the scientific process using mystery tubes in an insightful activity. Young scientists discover how to approach and solve problems in science, how ideas...
Royal Society of Chemistry
Mass Changes in Chemical Reactions—Microscale Chemistry
What better way is there to introduce conservation of mass than a few simple experiments? Young chemists conduct two chemical reactions, take the masses of reactants and products, then compare their results to determine differences in...
Royal Society of Chemistry
A Cartesian Diver—Classic Chemistry Experiments
Sometimes the simplest experiments leave the biggest impression! Introduce young chemists to the Cartesian Diver by having them make one of their own. Use the Diver to further their study of liquids and gases, as well as compression.
Colorado State University
Why Does the Wind Blow?
Without wind, the weather man wouldn't have much to talk about! Blow away your junior meteorologists with a creative demonstration of how wind works. The activity uses an empty soda bottle and compressible Styrofoam peanuts to illustrate...
Curated OER
WS 8.1 Solutions
In this solutions worksheet, students identify solutes and solvents from a list of solutions and they draw water molecules bonding to each other. They fill in the blanks with terms related to bonding in solutions, density of solutions...
Curated OER
WS 7.1 Kinetic-Molecular Theory of Gases/Pressure
In this kinetic molecular theory worksheet, students summarize the points of the kinetic molecular theory, they answer questions about pressure, and draw diagrams to show how suction cups, drinking straws and barometers work.
Laguna Middle School
Personal Physical Fitness Plan
Sticking to a physical fitness plan can be tricky. Support young athletes' personal fitness goals with a helpful and strategie lesson plan. They reflect on their daily habits through a pre-assessment and questionnaire, create short and...
NASA
Ripening of Fruits and Vegetables
How long do fresh foods last in space at the International Space Station? Which foods perish quicker than others? How can astronauts preserve their foods to make them last longer in space? Young scientists test the rates at which some...
Towson University
Looking Backwards, Looking Forward
How do scientists know what Earth's climate was like millions of years ago? Young environmental scholars discover how researchers used proxy data to determine the conditions present before written record. Grouped pupils gain experience...
Curated OER
Chemical Change in the Kitchen
Students examine chemical changes to food. For this chemical changes lesson, students make foods and observe the changes. The changes are recorded in an observation journal. Students photograph food they make at different stages in the...
Curated OER
Washing Germs Away
Students investigate germs. In this cross curriculum health and biology lesson plan, students listen to Old Black Fly by Jim Aylesworth and identify ways in which flies spread germs. Students discuss hand washing during a visit by the...
Curated OER
Introduction to the Day and Night Sky
Students explore space science by participating in a sky observation activity. In this astronomy instructional activity, students define a list of astronomy vocabulary terms and examine star charts of the four seasons. Students gather...
Curated OER
Teaching Science Process Skills
Teaching science process skills is a vital part of helping students become good scientists.
Curated OER
Decidedly Different
Fifth graders inquire as to why scientists use observable characteristics, how they sort the characteristics, and why they do so. They write journal entries to be used throughout this unit.
Curated OER
Copy Cat
Students follow the directions as the "cat" guides them in moving creatively. In this observing and listening lesson, students move their bodies while staying in their own spaces. Students then are allowed to move out of their space and...
Curated OER
What Lives in the Forest?
Students investigate nearby forests and record their interactions with trees as well as wild life. For this ecology lesson, students read the book, In the Woods: Who's Been Here?, and attend class observational field trips through their...
Curated OER
Weathering
Second graders explore weathering and how the water cycle plays a part in weathering. In this weathering lesson, 2nd graders put gravel and sugar cubes in a jar and shake, simulating weathering. Students use the scientific method to do...
Curated OER
Dibble Pond Ecosystem
Students collect specimen and analyze it. In this biology activity, students analyze and evaluate the diversity found in specific environment. They use the correct terminology as they do their write up for the experiment.
US Department of Energy
Solar Distiller
Explore the sun's ability to distill contaminated water with this simple set of classroom experiments. After filling two glass bowls, one with muddy water and the other with salt water, they are covered with plastic wrap and placed in...
Curated OER
Reading in the Science Content Area
Help your students internalize scientific ideas by teaching strategies for reading in the content area.
Curated OER
Teaching and Learning Through Objects
Students identify and interpret the function, usefulness or utitlity, form, beauty or aesthetics, and meaning, context or story, of objects and how they learn new skills and make things that they learn traditionally, by observation and...
Curated OER
The Invisible Energy in Light
Students investigate radiant energy. For this earth science lesson, students use solar beads and clear sunscreen to observe radiant solar energy. Students note observations.
Curated OER
MAGNETS
Students identify magnetism and describe its meaning. Students discuss different types of magnets and list various ways magnets can be used. Students record observations of each magnet, like and different, and whether one has a larger...