Curated OER
What Can Data Tell Us?
Students analyze data they have collected themselves and by their classmates. In groups, they create data distributions to identify the highest, lowest and middle values. As a class, they discuss the concept of sample size and how it can...
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Heat and Conduction
This simple activity is ideal for upper elementary learners when studying physical science. Using their sense of touch to describe how hot something feels, and then comparing their observations to thermometer measurements, they discover...
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Snack Attack - Food Packaging
Class members examine a variety of snack foods, noting the packaging that they come in. They work in groups to design a heat-proof and waterproof package that will safely transport a s'more snack. They test to see if it prevents the...
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Physical Changes and States of Matter
Fourth graders identify a physical change as one that results in a change in size, shape, or state of matter. After an initial teacher-led discussion and demonstration, groups of students get together to perform an experiment which...
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Travelogs
Pupils make travelog journals to send to acquaintances in other states in order to receive mail in return. They make scrapbooks with the return mail they receive.
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Fluorescence
Here are some instructions for leading learners through a hands-on activity for investigating ultraviolet radiation. First, introduce them to light and refraction. Then introduce them to the electromagnetic spectrum. Finally, give...
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Wire Maze
Middle school electrical engineers design a maze out of wire and connect it in a circuit to a noise-making or lighting device. The idea is to string a paperclip along the wire without touching it along the way. The noise-maker or light...
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Making Choices
Students explore the life of Harriet Tubman. They examine a painting of Harriet Tubman and consider the tools used to communicate information about her. Sudents describe how the color of a painting explains the mood of the illustrator....
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All About Me: Measuring Height and Weight
Students take personal fitness inventories. In this personal health instructional activity, students take measurements of their heights and weights. Students record the data, calculate their BMI, and then chart their physical activity.
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Wonders of Weather
Fourth graders complete activities to study weather and the water cycle. In this water cycle lesson, 4th graders observe a demonstration of the three stages of water. Students work in groups to complete a water cycle lab activity....
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Centripetal Force
In order to investigate cetntripetal force and angular momentum, youngsters compare the motion of erasers hung from a string. It is not clear what type of Amish toy is needed in the warm up activity, so you may not be able to use it. The...
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Help, I'm Melting!
Students explore the parts of the rock cycle and the process of erosion as they build their own mountain and observe the effects of wind and rain as erosive agents.
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Comparing-Contrasting With Cookies
Students compare and contrast cookies. In this compare and contrast lesson, students complete a graphic organizer and identify the similarities and differences in Girl Scout Cookies. Students write an analysis.
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Creating Energy From Water
Students study water and its energy. For this water energy lesson, students discuss hydroelectricity and make models of water turbines.
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Earth at Night
Students examine the Earth at night. In this geography instructional activity, students identify the continents at night using various Internet Web sites. This instructional activity may be adapted for use with middle school and high...
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Germs Experiment 2
Students express artistic ideas thru art glitter and science. Students experiment with the theory of how germs spread. Students summarize findings in an art format. Students work in groups to analyze data.
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How Much Water Do Plants Need?
Learners experiment with the effects of varying amounts of water on household plants. They give different amounts of water to plants and then observe and record the effects.
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Lewis and Clark's Journey West: A Timeline Activity
Students complete a scavenger hunt which highlights events on the journey by Lewis and Clark. Using the internet and journals, they identify events on the journey and places them on a timeline. They complete a worksheet as well to end...
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Lewis and Clark: Equipping the Expedition
Students examine the preparations made by Lewis and Clark before leaving on their expedition. They make predictions about what they believe the two explorers took and organize the list into a venn diagram. They compare their predictions...
Growing Minds
Growing Minds: Cucumber Exploration
After reading a picture book about planting and harvesting cucumbers, learners get a chance to examine some cucumbers of their own. First, they see photographs of a cucumber on a vine, and learn that it is part of the gourd family. They...
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Patterns
Explore early algebra by participating in a pattern identification activity using a random assortment of different household materials. The class creates, completes, and analyzes different patterns with the help of leggos, buttons,...
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Art On Trial (A Mock-Court Activity)
Students engage in a mock trial to decide if a work of prospective public art is "art" and accepted for a city park. They broaden their definitions of what "art" is. Students distinguish between opinion and informed judgment of art works.
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Perplexing Puzzles
Elementary and middle schoolers explore scatter plots. In this graphing lesson, pupils work in small groups and use jigsaw puzzles to develop a scatter plot. Younger learners may develop a bar graph.
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What Happened?
Students read legends about volcanoes. They develop their own legend and shares them with the class. They practice their writing skills as well.