Alabama Learning Exchange
Float or Sink?
Experiment with mass and density as scholars figure out what makes things float or sink. First, they watch a podcast introducing these concepts. Be sure to use the comprehension question to test their understanding. Young scientists...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Volume of Regular and Irregular Objects
Fifth graders examine patterns and relate to equations to solve math problems. In this patterns lesson, 5th graders diagram, graph, use models and use tables to solve equations for real world problems.
Curated OER
Playground Measurement
Fifth graders find a rectangular or square object in the classroom to measure. They measure to the nearest centimeter and apply that knowledge to measuring perimeter. They recognize, describe, and determine surface area and volume of...
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
Jupiter’s Relative Size
How do you properly illustrate the extreme size difference between two planets—Earth and Jupiter? With the help of jellybeans, of course! Create a scale model of Jupiter's mass compared to Earth using a fishbowl, 1,400 beans, and a dixie...
Space Awareness
Oceans on the Rise
Temperature rises and land disappears! Through a lab exploration, learners understand the effect of temperature increase on water similar to the effect of global warming on our oceans. As they heat the water in a flask, they measure the...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Candies R Us
A box is fun to make, especially when it's a candy box! These activities help to cement understanding of the difference between surface area and volume. Have individuals measure the surface area of their box in two-dimensions before...
Curated OER
The Same, But Different
Third graders examine the phase change between solids and liquids and determine it to be a physical change. Ice is the perfect item to use to demonstrate this phase change. Pupils experiment with measuring and weighing solid ice and the...
Curated OER
Ruminating on the Digestive System
Students compare the digestive systems of the buffalo and of the zebra, diagram their systems, and compare their lengths. In this digestive system lesson plan, students learn about their diets as well.
Curated OER
Balloons: Math with the Montgolfier Balloon
Students discover the history of hot air balloons by watching one ascent. In this physics lesson, students utilize a Montgolfier Hot Air Balloon from an earlier lesson and record the temperature, rate of ascent and the volume. Students...
Curated OER
How Long? How Wide? How Tall? How Deep?
Young scholars estimate the length of given objects. In this measurement lesson, students explore the use of standardized measurement. They also approximate the measurement of given items. Young scholars read stories about measurement...
Curated OER
Changing Twines: Exploring Area and Perimeter
Third graders review formulas for area and perimeter in quadrilaterals. They arrange pre-cut twine on a centimeter graph paper to create non-congruent quadrilaterals. They calculate the perimeter and area of each form.
Curated OER
Tiling Tessellations
Learners explore tessellations. In this shapes and geometry lesson, students describe the attributes of many of the shapes displayed on an Elmo. Learners create examples of tessellations using pattern blocks.
Curated OER
Make This Week's Lessons Pop(corn)!
Students create popcorn timelines, maps, and graphs; do popcorn science and math; explore popcorn history and nutrition; and munch leftover popcorn snacks too!,
NOAA
What's a CTD?
Why are the properties of the water important when exploring the ocean? Young scientists discover the tools and technology used in deep sea exploration in the fourth installment in a five-part series. Groups work together to examine...
Alabama Learning Exchange
The Water Cycle
Learners identify the stages of the water cycle. They listen to the book "Magic School Bus: Wet All Over," examine the Build Your Own Water Cycle website, predict and measure the amount of water in a jar for a week, and read a short play...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Sky High
How are skyscrapers built? What does it take to make a structurally sound building? How can one work within a budget to complete a building project? These guiding questions will be investigated and answered within a hands-on lesson....
Curated OER
Go The Distance Car Construction
Learners build and program a car to drive a specific challenge distance.They must at the end of the lesson, have the car that stops the closest to a challenge distance.
Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools
Rep Tiles
In addition to the catchy title, this lesson plan provides upper graders an opportunity to more closely scrutinize the attributes of plane figures. In particular, they focus on the similarity of different shapes. Both whole-class and...
Curated OER
Thirsty Rocks: Please "Porous" a Drink!
A simple activity goes a long way in demonstrating the property of porosity to your rock hounds. They will mass a specimen of dry sandstone and then soak it in a pre-measured amount of water. After seven minutes, they once again measure...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Build What I've Created
n this geometric instructional activity, young scholars define and identify two dimensional shapes based on their attributes. They complete worksheets based on the geometric concepts.
Curated OER
Classroom Archaeology
Students, in groups, receive a box of artifacts. They record their findings and discuss what the items would have been used for. They come together at the end of the lesson to share their findings.
Curated OER
Oobleck
Here is a good activity which aptly describes how to do the classic "Oobleck" lab with your young scientists. Unfortunately, the "Oobleck Investigation Sheet" in the plan doesn't open. However, this is a very clear description about how...
Curated OER
Watershed Lesson Plan
Students are introduced to the concepts of a watershed, stream flow and water quality. This five-day plan is an excellent way to introduce students to the concepts involved. They create their own watershed using a paper bag, water and...
Curated OER
Changes in the Copper Penny
Third graders explore the difference between a physical change in a substance and a chemical change. students study the volume, density, altering shape and chemistry of a copper penny.