Science Matters
Potential and Kinetic Energy
Everything has potential energy; learning to use it is the key to understanding all types of energy. Scholars learn the difference between kinetic and potential energy. They then apply the concept to drawing examples of both types of...
Science Matters
Oh Heron
Two teams—the environmentalists and herons—play four rounds of the game, Oh Heron. Using hand symbols to represent food, shelter, and water, players locate their match to produce more herons while those unmatched decompose.
Virginia Department of Education
Equations
Science equipment can be handy for math class, too. Scholars learn to solve one- and two-step linear equations by using the concept of a balance. They solve real-world problems in a variety of contexts by writing and solving linear...
Curated OER
We Have Work to Do!
An excellent lesson awaits your young scientists! In it, learners are invited to explore the world of pulleys, levers, and planes; simple machines that make lifting heavy things much, much easier. They watch video, and engage in hands-on...
Curated OER
Defining Division
Upper graders explore division through fair-shares. They will review fair shares and fractions as a segway into division. They start by playing "Share Fairly" game and create mathematical arguments for solving problems. Manipulatives and...
Curated OER
Technology and the Science of Mummies
Students explore how new advancements in technology can lead to advancements in scientific knowledge. They research and discuss how new technologies are advancing the study of mummies.
Curated OER
The Solar System
Students study the planets of the solar system. Students observe a model of the solar system, and name each planet, in order. In pairs, students write acronyms to assist in remembering the plants in order and share them with their...
Curated OER
Student Designed Investigations Part 2 – Testable Questions, Predictions, Materials and Procedures
Students create their own investigations. In this science experiments lesson, students use the steps of the scientific method to design an investigation. Students share their findings on a poster.
Curated OER
Alexander Graham Bell's Patent for the Telephone and Thomas Edison's Patent for the Electric Lamp
Young scholars read a short biographical account about Bell and student B about Edison. Ask each pair to exchange information and determine what qualities these inventors shared. Ask students if they think all inventors share these...
Curated OER
How Many Pancake Tortoises
In this mathematics lesson, 3rd graders estimate how many pancake tortoises they think it will take to reach the height of a giraffe. Students watch a video and take notes before they begin the estimation process
Curated OER
COMMON KINDS OF INSECTS
Young scholars will recognize and name three common insects.1. Share background information with students. 2. Provide young scholars with the "bug body" puzzle pages, and have them cut the puzzles out.1. Share background information with...
Curated OER
I Wonder What That Thing Is On My Manduca
Learners use the internet to gather more information on the anatomy of the Manduca. They make predictions of what the insect will look like when it hatches and complete a crossword puzzle to practice their vocabulary. They continue to...
Curated OER
Meiosis
Learners study meiosis and how it leads to variation. In this genetic reproduction lesson students complete a lab activity that calculates different genetic possibilities.
Curated OER
Science Under Control
Students investigate and assess scientific issues for which government regulation has been or might be enacted. Using their research, students write letters to lawmakers supporting or contesting related legislative efforts.
Curated OER
Science, Sounds And Hearing
Students examine various sounds that are played on musical instruments. They conduct an experiment to listening to different instruments. They define significant vocabulary like "vibration" and "oscillation". Students suggest ways that...
Curated OER
Technological Twins
Learners list comparisons between technology and nature. Then they create superheroes with special animal characteristics and describe how ordinary persons might replicate the changes with technology.
Curated OER
Electron Dot Structures, etc.
In this electron dot structures handout, new chemists read about electron arrangement and how to draw electron dot diagrams. They complete a chart with the mass number, atomic number, isotope notation, number of neutrons, and Bohr...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Synthesis of Nickel Nanowires
It's all about the scale—they're not just wires, they're nanowires! The second lesson of the series builds on the oxidation-reduction experiment in the first lesson. Scholars synthesize a sample of nanowires using electrolysis. As they...
Curated OER
MicroHike
Middle schoolers observe insects in a small area. They calculate the number of insects in a large area as well. They share their calculations and observations with the class.
Curated OER
Disaster Victims and Relief Efforts
Students examine the challenges faced by relief workers. In this earth science lesson, students brainstorm on things they want to find out about relief agencies. They research the answer to these questions and write a reflection journal.
Curated OER
Water Taste Test
Students brainstorm the different characteristics of potable water. In this general science lesson, students test several water samples and hypothesize which samples and brands they are. They discuss where drinking water came from and...
Curated OER
Order It Up!
Students use the game "Order It Up" an activity about the solar system statistics. The teacher is in the front of a classroom with an Internet-capable computer and a computer projector projecting the game onto the screen. Students have...
Curated OER
Satellite Sense
Students look at data to understand how it is interpreted by scientists. In this satellite sense instructional activity, students complete worksheets based on radar and satellite images. Students work in groups of two to diagram a...
Curated OER
Our Inventions
Students construct or draw an invention of their own design. In this problem solving lesson, students define the word invention, discuss famous inventions, invetors, and how inventions come about. Students work in groups to determine...