Inspire young scientists to investigate the natural world, promote an understanding and excitement about how the environment works and how we affect it with four unit modules. Scholars investigate Darwin’s research into bees, consider...

This collection is a blast. Kids can explore the science behind plate tectonics, examine the life cycle of volcanoes, and engage in hands-on projects that model volcanic processes. They'll see lava.

The three lessons in the don’t Mess with Mercury Unit Module are designed to teach middle schoolers about the dangers of mercury. The first option is teacher-led. Class members learn about mercury by reading case studies and...

The excavation of a cache of artifacts, believed to have been buried by Juana Maria, a Nicoleno Native American who lived alone on San Nicolas Island for over 18 years, is the focus of a unit that shows how archaeologists uncover...

Renewable energy is the focus of a seven-part environmental science unit for middle and high schoolers. Lessons challenge students to look closely at the type of energy they consume in their home, examine the regulations and limitations...

As part of a STEM renewable energy series, middle schoolers design a standard solar heater. First, they create a simple solar heater to measure the temperature change in a vial of water, then calculate the heat energy transferred to the...

The Space-Based Astronomy Educator Guide teaches middle schoolers about the Earth’s atmosphere, the electromagnetic spectrum, and telescopes. Divided into units of study, including science demonstrations, lesson plans, and worksheets,...

The three units in the “Water is Life: The Earth’s Hydrosphere and Its Impact on Living Systems” are designed to teach middle schoolers about the role water plays in all life. Unit 1 builds background knowledge. In Unit 2, scholars...

Far Out! The MAVEN Educator Ambassador project trains the trainers on space science topics for middle and high school scholars. The five lessons in the collection were developed by the project, and focus on planetary atmosphere and...

A collection of seven videos teaches middle schoolers how to understand percentages and models how percentages are used in math and in life. The big idea here is that percentage (%) equals (=)  a fraction of a whole number. Viewers learn...

The point of this collection of 12 videos is to introduce learners to three basic parts of geometry—points, lines, and planes. The presenter provides definitions, shows how to classify shapes, provides examples, and shows how to use...

Astronaut Christa McAuliffe had several lessons planned for her Challenger STS 51L Teacher in Space mission. With the help of Astronauts Ricky Arnold and Joe Acaba, the demonstrations were filmed aboard the International Space Station...

You may not be able to feel it, but you're on the ride of your life! Add presentations and activities to your lesson about the solar system and the Earth's rotation around the sun.

Brighten up your middle school unit on photosynthesis with a collection of worksheets and lessons, perfect for illuminating this brilliant topic.