The compass was first used in 206 B.C., but we didn't discover magnetic poles until 1263 A.D. Presentation begins with the history of magnetism before continuing on to magnetic fields, magnetic forces, electromagnets, currents,...

Discover how the periodic table tells the story of its elements. Learners begin by studying the makeup of several mixtures. Their analysis leads to a discussion of elements and the periodic table. As they dig deeper, they understand the...

Study diffraction patterns using CDs and DVDs! Scholars measure the diffraction patterns of a light wave as it hits a CD or DVD. Using the information, they can measure the distance between the tracks. 

Look beyond the light! An engaging activity introduces young scholars to the application of a spectroscope. The lesson is the fifth in a series of six and focuses on the analysis of the elements of the sun.

Who was Zheng He and why haven't we heard of him? Scholars consider the question as they compare his vast expeditionary force to that of Christopher Columbus. Young historians then ponder the intersection of science, economics, and...

What materials and skills does a person need to build a simple working instrument? With the first of four lessons from the Changing One's Tune: A Music Therapy STEM Integrated Project series, scholars learn about the basic structure of...

Bring the science of space exploration to the classroom. Young learners explore the mechanics of the parachute-landing mechanisms on the Mars Rover. They design and build their own parachute models and test their ability to land a probe...

A whole-group discussion kicks off a hands-on activity that challenges young engineers to build a sailboat using reusable materials. Participants gather recycled items to assemble their one-of-a-kind sailboat and test its ability to...

Students participate in various outdoor science activities to enhance their observation, classification, and analysis skills. In this outdoor lesson plan, students begin by observing a tree from a straightforward angle, then from the...

Middle schoolers explain the function of DNA in the body. In this biology lesson, students build a DNA model using simple materials. They demonstrate how bases pair up in the helix.

Students build a bridge out of an index card that support the largest amount of mass. They create their bridge using an index card and books. Students place weight on the index card. They observe what happens as more weight is added to...

Learners investigate the history of fighter kites and build their own.  In this aeronautics instructional activity, students discover how other countries utilize fighter kites and where they originated.  Learners create their...

Students study different motors and how they convert electrical energy to mechanical energy.  In this motor lesson plan students make a model of an electric motor and examine how it can be used to do work.

Students discuss various types of trees. In this forest structure lesson, students cut out pictures of a wide variety of trees and paste the pictures onto index cards. Students identify each tree and present information about each forest...

Students assess and apply recurring patterns in natural systems. They evaluate the wave properties of frequency, wavelength, and speed as applied to sound. Students develop a relationship to quantify aspects of wave motion. They predict...

Learners discover how to capture the speed of wind. In this science activity lesson, students gather materials and follow procedures to create an anemometer to measure wind speed.

Students create a visual timeline of skyscrapers built in the past 20 years. In this physical science instructional activity, students research important facts about the building. They discuss the challenges architects face when building...

Students use everyday materials (milk cartons, water bottles, pencils, straws, candy) to build a small-scale transportation device that incorporates the wheel and axle and the lever. They race their carts/trucks, measure distance, time...

Eighth graders design and build a gingerbread house. For this technology lesson, 8th graders research the important components of a house. They evaluate the strength of their design and suggest modifications when necessary.

Students experiment with the construction of shelters and the various types of architectural designs.  In this shelters activity, students draw the building they live in.  Students compare and contrast buildings made today and...

Students explore the concept that not all light is visible to the human eye. Although UV light is not visible, it can still be harmful, causing sunburns or skin cancer. They use special beads to detect UV light around the school....

High schoolers demonstrate rocketry principles through a cooperative, problem solving simulation. They work in teams to simulate the development of a commercial proposal to design, build, and launch a rocket.

Fourth graders, using candy, build models of DNA replication, RNA transcription, and tRNA translation.

Students read and discuss background information included with this lesson. They brainstorm the best sources for developing a list of native or migratory pollinators. Students work in groups to design habitats based on information...