Curated OER
Whodunnit?
Want to create an exciting mystery activity? Investigators will identify the elements of a mystery, review mystery stories, then write their own mysteries. They engage in forensic science experiments related to mysteries and learn to ask...
Cornell University
Polymers: Instant Snow
Is it easy to make snow? Scholars use critical thinking skills as they investigate the concept of polymers by making snow. The class tests several different variables and takes measurements over the course of several days. They then...
Curated OER
The Physics of Sound: How We Produce Sounds
First graders construct a KWL chart on sound. In this physics lesson, 1st graders describe different ways to produce sound. They explain how sound waves propagate.
Curated OER
The Science of Sleep and Daily Rhythms: Sleeping in Space
Students write about strange places that they have slept. In this sleep science lesson students read about astronauts sleeping experience in space. They reflect on unusual places that they have slept and write about it.
Purdue University
Garden Surprise
View vegetables a little differently. A hands-on instructional activity begins by examining different vegetables and identifying the part of the plant they come from. Learners then create exploding seed balls they take home to grow their...
Curated OER
The Physics of Sound: How We Produce Sounds
Learners are introduced to how they produce sounds. In groups, they participate in experiments in which they measure sound and identify their five senses. Individually, they make their own musical instruments using different objects and...
Curated OER
States of Water
Students investigate the 3 states of matter. In this physical science "matter" lesson, students observe and participate in a number of demonstrations involving melting and freezing water. Students observe the effect heat has on changing...
Baylor College
What Dissolves in Water?
One of water's claims to fame is as the universal solvent. Young physical scientists experiment to discover which materials dissolve in this special compound. You could never be more prepared for teaching this lesson than by using this...
Curated OER
Games on Echolocation
Get a little batty with life science! This fun simulation game replicates how bats use echolocation to hunt moths in their native Hawaiian habitat. After creating blind folds and discussing some basic principles of echolocation, students...
Micron Technology Foundation
Early - Weather and Seasons
Young scientists from any region can take a scientific journey and be exposed to weather changes that include rain and snow.
Curated OER
Balls & Hoops : Fun with Balls and Tubes
Students race to keep these balls rolling. In this early childhood physical education lesson, students experiment with cause and effect as they work with different heights of cardboard tubes.
Curated OER
Matter and Energy
Students investigate the effects of air pressure on humans by utilizing the Internet. In this physical science instructional activity, students research the Internet to discover altitude sickness and air pressure. Students prepare...
Curated OER
Fast and Slow Motion
Explore the world of motion and force with an activity for kindergarten and first grade. After determining how people can make balls or bikes move slower, kids use a cardboard tube and a marble to experiment with motion and speed. A...
Michigan State University
Gases Matter
Young scientists learn that seeing isn't necessarily believing when it comes to the states of matter. After performing a fun class demonstration that models the difference between solids, liquids, and gases, children complete a series of...
National Wildlife Federation
Sensory Discovery Walk
Let your senses be your lead. Pairs of pupils blindfold their partners and then lead them around nature areas. They use their senses to find landmarks and create maps with their findings. Once they create their maps, they go back to the...
Curated OER
Soapy Solids
Students observe and explain how a change in temperature causes a physical change in a substance. In this physical science lesson plan, students use a soap making kit to observe the effects of adding heat to the bar soap as they create...
Curated OER
The Bouncing Ball
Students use the scientific method to conduct an experiment to test how a ball bounces. For this inquiry-based physical science and scientific method lesson, students drop a ball from specified heights and record the rebound, then record...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Noodling Around: Powers of Ten
How many noodles long is your classroom? Find out when engineers of all ages explore measurement through the use of pool noodles. With the noodles pre-cut to certain metric lengths, the activities could be used to introduce the metric...
Curated OER
Animals and Humans
Students identify the functions of various body parts. They participate in the "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" song, draw a picture of themselves and other mammals, and create a traced outline of their body that they add features to....
BBC
Rivers
The water cycle, rainfall, and the flow of water into rivers then out into the ocean are the main ideas covered here. After a teacher-led discussion and activity, learners pair off and write a commentary about the water cycle that is to...
Curated OER
Am I Taller than an Antelope
Students investigate biology by examining body sizes of different animals. For this antelope measurement lesson, students research the physicality of Antelopes and other large animals that inhabit Earth. Students create a model Antelope...
Space Race
Sensory Detectives
Test your learners' sensory awareness with three hands-on activities that ask pupils to use their other senses to identify and describe everyday objects hidden from sight.
Curated OER
Magnificent Magnets
Learners identify the properties of a magnet. In this physics instructional activity, students explore the strength of the magnet by testing out how a magnet reacts to various materials. The various objects the learners test include...
Curated OER
Dinosaurs - Physical Characteristics
Students describe the physical characteristics of dinosaurs, compare and contrast the evolution of land, and they explore the extinction of dinosaurs.