University of Minnesota
Dendritic Spines Lab
This is your brain on drugs ... literally! Your neuroscientists-in-training examine the evidence of drug use on the human brain and how neurons change their connectivity when altered by drugs. They then work together to create testing...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
The Effects of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles on Brine Shrimp: A Toxicology Study
Who doesn't love gold and silver? Brine shrimp, that's who! Learners conduct an experimental lesson plan to monitor the toxicity of gold and silver nanoparticles on brine shrimp. They synthesize solutions to expose the brine shrimp to...
Kenan Fellows
How Do Chemists Measure?
Young chemists create gold nanoparticles as they learn to measure accurately with the metric system. They create an advertisement for the application of nanotechnology to complete the first lesson in a series of six.
Curated OER
What is Remote Sensing?
Students learn about remote sensing in terms of what it is and how it is used.
Curated OER
Getting the Word Out: From Gutenberg's Press to Zines
High schoolers examine the effects of Gutenberg's printing press on the world. Using this information, they create their own Zines or internet magazines about a social issue of their choice. They share their magazine with the class for...
Curated OER
The Persuasive Message
Eighth graders engage in a study of persuasive writing. They conduct research looking at a variety of media resources looking for persuasive techniques that are used like advertising. The language of the advertising is examined for how...
Curated OER
Biological Sampling Device Using a Sea Perch
Pupils construct plankton nets to be towed and collect specimens to be examined and analyzed in the classroom. They develop research skills through collection of an aquatic sample. They write lab reports after interpreting, identifying...
Curated OER
Underwater Habitats
Students make a hydrophone and attach it to their Sea Perch ROVs. They use the hydrophones in conjunction with the underwater cameras on the ROVs to explore their local aquatic environments.
Curated OER
Blast's Cosmic Carnival
Students, after analyzing the history of a concentrator, model how a Genesis spacecraft concentrator works by playing a game. In groups of three or four, after being given materials to work with, are challenged to roll the rubber balls...
Curated OER
Restaging Julius Ceasar
Young scholars engage in a lesson looking at a major scene of a Shakespeare play. They assume the role play of being the director and apply problem solving skills in order to conduct the scene. Others must switch roles and take on the...
Curated OER
Ecosystems
Students role play as members of interest group with a stake in a local land use issue. In preparation for the town hall meeting, students research their issue and gather pertinent information to persuade their audience.
Curated OER
Carpooling and the Environment
Students investigate carpooling and determine to what extent it occurs in their community for a carpool challenge. In groups, students create a survey then collect, calculate and record data to determine how much pollution could be...
Curated OER
Let's Build a City In the Solar System
Sixth graders explore the solar system. Using the Internet, 6th graders gather information about planets in our solar system. Students participate in an activity to determine where they should build the first city in space. They create a...
Curated OER
Lewis and Clark: The Language of Discovery
Students replicate some of the trailblazing methods of Lewis and Clark on a fifteen-minute "writing journey" through the school or neighborhood.
Curated OER
Animal Encounters
Students use their visualizing and interpreting skills to produce original writings and artwork.
Curated OER
How Things Fly
Middle schoolers conduct a series of hands-on experiments that help them explain the role of lift in fixed-wing flight. They observe the flow of air and water around several surfaces and then consider the dynamics of airflow around an...