Curated OER
Is It Hot in the Light?
Third graders make observations about the temperature of items in direct sunlight. In groups, they discuss why asphalt, brick and cement are warmer than items surrounding them. To end the lesson, they examine how heat transfers energy...
Curated OER
Air is something
Students recognize that air has the properties of mass and volume. They predict, observe, and evaluate the effect of the air on various objects, using bubbles and bubble wands.
Curated OER
Swinging Observations
Students build a pendulum type swinging apparatus and make specific and selective observations using what they know about scientific observations. They look for regularities of movement, patterns, and systemic changes over time.
Curated OER
What Are We?
Students describe different types of water pollutants. They complete experiments in which they observe the affects of water pollution on algae. They also brainstorm and list three causes of each water pollutant.
Curated OER
What are Quarters Made of?
Learners study the meaning, symbolism, and value of U.S. coins,
especially the quarter. They l research why in 1965 the U.S. Mint decided to
change the metal composition of the quarter to copper coated with zinc. In addition, they...
Curated OER
Observing Motion
First graders explore movement and motion. In this motion lesson, 1st graders how objects can move as well as how the Earth is in constant motion and the force of gravity. Students complete a coloring sheet.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Weather Detectives
Second graders make weather observations and record data. They use the internet to get data on the weather. After 5 days students predict the weather for the next 3 days.
Curated OER
Model Volcanoes
Students represent volcanoes with models and sketches. They research volcanoes and plan how to build a model. They, in groups, build a model volcano and cause it to erupt making observations before and after the eruption.
Curated OER
Tangrams
Students construct tangram pieces. Then they make observations and explore patterns with the pieces.
Curated OER
Pop-it...Stop-it
Students observe how certain geometric shapes can be used to make some structures rigid and others flexible. The activity involves construction of a 30-60 right triangle, folding while following directions, and identifying polygons.
Curated OER
Composting
Using 2-liter bottles, junior ecologists create composting tubes in which they place nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials. They observe what changes occur over two weeks' time. Provide more specific direction to your class as to what...
Curated OER
Buoyant Behavior
Combine science and literature with this instructional activity on buoyancy. Read There's an Ant in Anthony by Bernard Most to examine words containing the letters a, n, and t. Then introduce your class to the word "buoyant." Demonstrate...
Curated OER
The Abiotic Limits to Purple Loosestrife Growth
Learners investigate the effects of soil temperature, water availability, photo period and other variables of the growth of purple loosestrife. They observe the growing conditions of plants and alter them by adding water, isolating the...
Curated OER
Germination
Students observe the growth of a seed into a plant. They plant their own seeds and record the growth of the plants and write about what they observe. They describe the germination of the seed and create a time line of the growth process...
Denver Art Museum
From the Hat’s Point of View
Here is a lesson designed for pre-schoolers and kindergartners that will pique their imaginations. They study images of a very interesting ceremonial hat from China's past called a Summer Official's Hat. These hats were worn by people of...
Curated OER
Drama-Dialogue
Use drama to study and practice dialogue. Creative minds discuss what dialogue tells about a character, and how it can be used to advance the plot. They read a play, think about what they gleaned from dialogue, and record their...
Curated OER
Come To Your Senses
Write narratives that include ideas, observations, or memories of an event or experience, and be sure to use concrete sensory details! Groups utilize a few of the famous I Spy books in order to create narratives that utilize sensory...
Curated OER
"Tis The Season" Bulletin Board
Students explore a variety of objects which represent the various seasons as a preparation for writing about their birthday and the season in which it is located.
Curated OER
Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering: Build a Paper Airplane
Students brainstorm what it is like to fly on an airplane and discuss the parts of a plane. Students construct a paper plane of their own, decorate it, have a competition, and discuss the importance of each part of a plane and the role...
Curated OER
Art Self-Assessment
Reflection is a wonderful way to understand yourself as a learner or as an artist. Kids write a one-paragraph analysis of their own self-portrait. They focus on style, character traits, and self characterization.
Curated OER
Magnificent Microscopes Unit Including Mystery and Alternative Assessment Activity
After drawing and labelling a microscope, forensic science explorers use one to solve a simulated murder mystery. They examine each piece of evidence and draw what they observe at each magnification. Working in groups of four, your...
Curated OER
Water Changes and Moves
Pupils explore the three forms of water and observe how it changes from a solid to a liquid to a gas. The concepts of condensation, evaporation and the introduction to the water cycle form the basis of this instructional activity.
Andrea Mulder-Slater
Happy Accidents Painting
A person can see a lot of different things when he looks at the amorphous clouds. The same is true when you let your watercolor paints do as they please. Little artists create haphazard art with watercolors, then use ink or marker to...
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
DNA Extraction
What does your DNA actually look like? Use simple materials with this experiment to find out! Geneticists of all ages can follow these instructions to extract their own DNA. For learners who are hoping to extend the activity, there are...