Curated OER
See the light
How do light and eyesight function? Read a brief passage explaining the phenomena of light and sight. Then have learners draw arrows showing how a boy in a room with a lamp would be able to see a chair. A mini-experiment suggestion is...
Curated OER
Light and Water
Third graders experiment with coins and water to explore light rays. In this light and water lesson, 3rd graders work in pairs to observe what happens with a coin in water or how it appears based on the density of the water....
California Academy of Science
Kinesthetic Astronomy: Longer Days, Shorter Nights
A lamp, four globes, and some signs taped around the room are all you need to set up a solar system simulation for teaching how Earth's tilted axis creates the seasons. (Sticky dots are also needed, but not mentioned in the materials...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Physics Pre-Lab
Students describe the science of physics. In this Physics lesson, students observe examples of physics within their classroom. Students create a definition for physics.
Curated OER
The Invisible Energy in Light
Students investigate radiant energy. In this earth science lesson, students use solar beads and clear sunscreen to observe radiant solar energy. Students note observations.
NASA
Radiation Shielding on Spacecraft
Here is a terrific science instructional activity for your elementary schoolers. In it, learners analyze different materials to simulate space radiation shielding on spacecraft, then select the best material to use to build one. This is...
Alabama Learning Exchange
How Are Rainbows Created?
Students describe how the sun's rays produce colors. They describe how water causes the sun's rays of light to bend, producing a rainbow.
Curated OER
Science and Technology Timeline and Report
Students research one area where science and technology have affected our lives. Using the internet, and other sources, students identify six important events that have benefited society. They create timelines, cite references, and ...
Curated OER
Kaleidoscope
Students explore energy by creating a light project in class. In this kaleidoscope lesson plan, students discuss the properties of light and how mirrors can reflect the energy in different directions. Students view a diagram of light...
Curated OER
Reflection of Light
Students experiment with reflections of two plane mirrors placed at a 90 degree angle to see what will be reflected.
Curated OER
Shiny Surfaces
Here is a simple PowerPoint to support your lesson on the behavior of light. As you go through the slides, use real examples of dull and shiney materials for your elementary learners to view. Use the torch, sun, lamp, candle, and bulb...
Curated OER
Sensing Energy: Designing to Stay Cool
Students examine the energy the sun produces on a daily basis. In groups, they discover the properties of visible and invisible light. They also adjust the exposure time to change the properties of various objects. To end the lesson,...
Curated OER
Models of the Earth and Moon
Students explore the earth's rotation and phases of the moon. In this planets instructional activity, students rotate and revolve around a light representing the sun. Students use movement and props to simulate what causes the phases of...
University of Waikato
Māui and the Sun
Using a Maori legend, How Maui Tamed the Sun, youngsters are introduced to the importance of sunlight to civilization. Teach them about nuclear fusion that occurs to produce the solar energy we later receive on Earth as electromagnetic...
Curated OER
Activity Guide for Snow
Create a cross-curricular learning experience around a shared reading of Cynthia Rylant's book Snow. From writing poetry and a singing a song about snow, to creating paper snowflakes and solving math story problems, this resource uses...
Polar Trec
Staying Warm in Antarctica!
Has your class ever wondered how animals and scientists stay warm in the Polar Regions? Kids will investigate to understand the three types of heat transfer and how heat transfer affects those trying to stay toasty in sub-zero...
Big Kid Science
Create a Milk Carton Camera to Observe the Eclipse!
Step aside, fancy glasses... it's time to create a solar eclipse viewing camera of your own using nothing more than a milk carton.
Curated OER
Earthworm Nervous System
Investigate the nervous system of an earthworm! Your class gets into pairs to test, record, and draw conclusions about the reaction earthworms have to different stimuli (sound, light, and smell).
Curated OER
Effects of the Sun on Our Planet (Grades 2-4)
Students observe how the sun's rays can cause evaporation and discuss its role in the weather cycle. They discover what the sun's energy brings to plants. They examine how different types of technology can enhance the amount of solar...
Curated OER
Broken Bones
Young scholars listen to a lecture on broken bones. They review the proper first aid techniques and practice setting splints on one another. They observe X-rays and animal bones.
Curated OER
Investigating Leaves Through Printmaking
Students create leaf rubbings as they study the parts of a leaf. They describe the leaves and chart their observations.
Curated OER
The Reason for the Seasons; Science, Geography
Students think about what causes the seasons to change, reflect on what they know about seasons and how their lives affected by seasonal changes.
Cornell University
Exploring Rocks and Minerals
Investigate the properties of rocks and minerals through a rockin' hands-on activity. Learners test rocks for various properties and, using a guide, attempt to identify different samples. They use various properties including hardness,...
Curated OER
Weather Challenge
For this identifying the weather terms activity, students read phrases about the weather and choose the term being described. Students choose 11 multiple choice answers.