Pairs use an online simulation to determine the epicenter and magnitude of an earthquake. Using actual data about the earthquake's maximum S wave amplitudes, they then determine the magnitude.

The Inquiry in Action: Fifth Grade Curriculum set contains five chapters, comprised of 16 lessons, activity sheets, videos, and other resources to help explain science concepts to young learners. In Chapter 1 - Matter is Made of Tiny...

Inquiry in Action: Fifth Grade Chapter 5 - Engineering Design is comprised of a single project-based assessment. The assessment helps highlight the importance of prior knowledge as individuals design a floatation device for a cell phone....

Chapter 4 in the Inquiry in Action series for fifth graders consists of a single, hands-on lesson. To verify that mass remains the same, learners measure the mass of substances before and after melting, dissolving, and undergoing a...

Fifth-graders experiment with substances that can mix, react, and combine to form new substances using hands-on lessons. In the first lesson, pupils observe how different substances react to form different amounts of gas, leading to a...

The five lessons in Chapter 2 ask fifth graders to use their observation skills to identify substances. They dissolve known and unknown substances to determine the identity of the mystery substances. Next, learners investigate the...

Four lesson plans investigate all phases of matter and provide pupils with hands-on experiences that demonstrate that all matter is made of tiny particles. First, scholars explore solutes and solvents. Using candies and water, they...

Twenty-one Inquiry-based lessons provide young scientists with an opportunity to experiment with a variety of chemical reactions. Classroom investigators make observations, develop basic lab skills, and follow step-by-step instructions...

The six-unit modules in the Inquiry in Action curriculum set is designed for second graders. With hands-on instructional activities and experiments, young scholars investigate the properties of materials, liquids, and dissolving is a...

Inquiry in Action: Second Grade Chapter 6 – Atoms begins with young experimenters using Snap Cubes to model a larger object created from smaller parts. Then, investigators view an interactive video describing the chemical structure of...

The first of two lessons in the Inquiry in Action: Second Grade Chapter 5 - Heating and Cooling unit is a hands-on instructional activity that allows learners to experiment with melting and freezing butter to observe changes as substance...

Chapter four in the Inquiry in Action module has learners explore what objects sink and float in water. In the inquiry-based lesson plan, young scientists conduct experiments to find similarities between float materials and those that sink.

Inquiry in Action: Second Grade Chapter 3 - Dissolving is a Property presents a hands-on instructional activity that has learners explore the dissolving properties of candies in water. They complete an activity guide to record...

A lesson in Inquiry in Action: Second Grade Chapter 2 looks at the properties of liquids. Learners conduct different property tests on water, mineral oil, and corn syrup using a student activity guide. They record their results and use...

Four lessons comprise the first chapter in the Inquiry in Action Unit module. Sorting objects by properties is an instructional activity in justification. Second graders examine the properties of specific items and use them to classify...

Two lessons introduce youngsters to vaccines and vaccine makers. The first lesson in the module asks learners to research and complete a graphic organizer that showcases the differences between a virus and bacteria. Groups then research...

As part of a study of the history of the Chumash on California's Channel Island chain, class members view the documentary Once Upon a Time, respond to discussion questions, and create a timeline for the different waves of migration....

As part of their study of the history of the Channel Islands, class members watch Dark Water, a documentary about a traditional Chumash ceremony. The documentary launches a series of lessons about this tribal nation that inhabited the...

How do scientists provide evidence to support the theories they put forth? What clues do they put together to create these theories? After watching West of the West's documentary Island Rotation, class members engage in a series of...

The tale of the restoration of California's Channel Islands begins with a video that details the devastation of Santa Cruz Island by introducing species that are not native to the region. Additionally, the video discusses the controversy...

West of the West's Arlington Springs Man series documents the history of the archeological digs on Santa Rosa Island and the discovery of human and mammoth bones that challenge the once-popular theories of human migration to the...

NASA and Design Squad Nation aim to inspire a new generation of engineers with five hands-on challenges designed for grades four to eight. Young engineers design a landing device that protects a hard-boiled egg, create robotic arms like...

The five lessons in NASA’s On the Moon Educator Guide challenge young engineers to design and build an air-powered rocket, a shock-absorbing system to protect two marshmallow astronauts, and a rubber band-powered rover. In addition, they...

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,...