Illustrative Mathematics
Floor Plan
A multi-step problem has learners finding the actual area based on a scale drawing and then converting units at the end. Two different solution choices are listed depending on the preference on which step to start first. Both methods can...
Alabama Learning Exchange
How Old Is That Tree?
Fifth graders study environmental changes by examining the annual rings of a cross-section of a tree trunk. They access websites to complete a worksheet on the parts of a tree. They count the annual rings on a tree slice while observing...
Curated OER
Exploring Area and Perimeter
Two students are blindfolded and each receives a cardboard square, one with pompoms glued around the edge and one with pompoms glued all over the surface. They identify what they feel. The class discusses perimeter and area of polygons....
Exploratorium
Peripheral Vision
Life science learners discover the range of peripheral vision. They compare the angles at which they can detect motion, colors, and detailed shapes.
Curated OER
Busted Bubbles
Using the scientific method, and bubble gum, learners conduct a motivating experiment. After conducting a series of tests involving bubble gum, they graph and analyze their results. This is the type of activity everyone loves.
Scholastic
Discussion and Dissection of an Owl Pellet
Young scientists get the chance to dissect pellets "owl" by themselves to determine the owls environment and nourishment. This is the third part of a three-part series.
Cornell University
Investigating and Modeling Hardness
Model hardness testing with a self-designed hardness test. Young scholars rate the hardness of different types of aspirin using the Vicker's Hardness scale. They then relate hardness to the solubility of each aspirin tablet.
Exploratorium
Whack-a-Stack
Go wild as you hit a stack of wooden blocks to demonstrate Newton's first and second laws of motion. The blocks at the top of the stack stay put as you knock one at a time out of the bottom. Note, however, that you will need to visit a...
Curated OER
Vincent VanDuca
Students create art with the Manduca by placing gel on their body and letting them walk over colored paper. They discover what their footprints and movements are like. They create a piece of art by using the Manduca markings.
Curated OER
Building a Telescope
High schoolers construct a simple refracting telescope. They calculate the magnification.
Curated OER
Tick Around the Clock
Students examine and discuss the differences between clocks they are shown. Using the internet, they research how people used to tell time before clocks. They review what the long and short hand on the clock represent and practice...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Effects of Friction on a Moving Block
Students investigate how friction affects the movement of a block across surface areas. They test five different kinds of surfaces—smooth surface, wax paper, a paper towel, course, and fine sandpaper. They predict and record the results...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Keep It Movin'!
Learners conduct an experiment to study friction. They complete a KWL chart on friction and conduct an activity about the amount of friction on a moving object. To conclude, pupils create a table or graph of the data collected and they...
Curated OER
A Real Difference
Fifth graders use the Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers to compare temperature readings. They use the Internet to find the temperatures of selected cities. After data is collected for five days, 5th graders graph the temperatures.
Curated OER
Using the Pythagorean Theorem
Young scholars apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve real-world problems. They draw diagrams based on written descriptions to calculate the examples.
Curated OER
What's Your Angle?
Third graders read the story, Magic Schoolbus Inside the Human Body. Then they form right, acute, and obtuse angles using the joints inside their bodies. They write a brief summary about what they learned about angles as a review the...
Curated OER
Barge Building: What Floats Your Boat?
Students construct aluminum foil boats that float while holding the greatest number of pennies. They investigate the concept of water displacement, record their results, and watch a Bill Nye video on buoyancy.
Curated OER
Math 6 - Act. 04: Dishes for a Penny
Sixth graders complete activities to determine if they would like to do the dishes on this pay schedule: first night 1 penny, and each night after the amount double.
Curated OER
What's the Area?
Fifth graders use area to calculate the cost for new flooring. They find the area of a square or rectangle. Calculating Area problems and worksheet are attached.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Investigating Friction
Young learners explore friction. They view a video or DVD (bibliography provided) and define terms related to friction, and work in groups to experiment with the effects of friction on speed and motion using ramps and toy cars.
Curated OER
Pumpkin Circuit
Students complete a variety of activities using pumpkins. They visit various stations with various pumpkin activities.
Curated OER
Medieval Castles
Second graders design a scale model of a medieval castle and its surroundings including the following items: castle, moat, bailey, drawbridge, turrets, dungeon, grounds, and outer walls. A perfect lesson for those kids who are fascinated...
Curated OER
Focusing Light With a Lens
Young scholars experiment with a converging lens. They observe the image of an object through a lens. They determine the magnification of the lens.