Curated OER
Canoe and Kayak
Young scholars explore canoes and kayaks. In this canoe and kayak lesson, students research the history, parts, and sport of the canoe and kayak. Young scholars then practice how to use a paddle for each boat, and go on a field...
Curated OER
What is Sound? How Can We Change Sound?
In this lesson, students investigate the phenomenon of sound! Students compare and contrast how sound travels through solids, liquids, and gases. They explain how length and thickness affect sound. Students know the difference between...
Curated OER
Air...What Gives?
Pupils investigate the properties of air by capturing it, squeezing it, and feeling its weight. In this forces instructional activity, students capture bags of air and examine its properties. The weight and pressure of air is emphasized.
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Sky and Cloud Windows
Students monitor the weather, clouds, and sky. In this weather activity, students create a sky and cloud window to focus their sky observations. They write observations in a notebook and include the date, time, cloud cover, types of...
Curated OER
Simple Machines I - Inclined Planes, Wedges, and Screws
Fourth graders examine the physics behind and uses for inclined planes, screws, and wedges. They determine examples of how these simple machines are used in daily life. Working in three small groups, they move from station to station...
Curated OER
Lunar Craters
Learners explore crater impacts. In this moon crater lesson students evaluate and interpret the physical characteristics of a crater.
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Friction
Students explore the force of friction between materials. For this physics lesson, students participate in an experiment using various materials such as wood, waxed paper, and aluminum foil and explore which item produced the most friction.
Curated OER
Seeds of Change
Students recognize, compare and contrast physical characterisics of seeds, identify parts of a peanut seed, and observe and record the growth rate and habits of a variety of seeds.
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Adding Colors
Students investigate the combination of colors created by the human eye. The lesson highlights the eye's ability to retain the individual colors and add them together to produce a third when the colors are spun.
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Lenses
Students explore vision by experimenting with lenses in equipment. In this optics lesson plan, students define the different technology that enhances vision such as microscopes, telescopes and cameras. Students experiment with these...
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Animal Signs Word Search
Although this animal and environment word search has little educational merit, it may serve as a vocabulary review tool for scholars new to these terms. The words students must find include camouflage, interdependent, muskrat, food...
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Pet Rescue
Students, in teams, follow the process of design, including the stages of investigation, creation, and reflection, as they devise a way to help "save" a (simulated) pet who is trapped in a pipe.
Curated OER
Make Your Own Temperature Scale
Differentiate between temperature and thermal energy. Your class will build a thermometer using simple materials and develop their own scale for measuring temperature. Discuss with your class and consider why engineers need to understand...
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California Poppy Postcards
What a great lesson plan! Learners discuss California history, including the state flower, the poppy, and then engage in an art activity. For the activity, they learn about value, shading, layering, blending etc. to produce a realistic...
Curated OER
A Closer look at Oil and Energy Consumption
Upper graders analyze basic concepts about the consumption, importation and exportation of the worlds oil production. They create several graphs to organize the data and draw conclusions about the overall use of oil in the world.
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Will There Be a White Christmas This Year?
Students examine historical weather data, and create map and color key that illustrates the likelihood of a white Christmas in different locations across the United States.
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Introducing Industries
If you are looking for a way to explore Michigan's resources, physical features, and more, this lesson is for you. After discussing Michigan and the Great Lakes, learners fill out a graphic organizer identifying the state's natural...
Purdue University
Design of a Door Alarm
How does electricity work? Budding scientists explore the concepts of electrical currents and open and closed circuits with class discussion and a hands-on activity using a battery to turn on a light bulb. Learners also make predictions...
Curated OER
Scientific Method: How Many Drops of Water Fit on a Coin?
Young investigators conduct an experiment using the scientific method. They see how many drops of water fit on a coin; have them conduct several different trials. This involves making a hypothesis, looking at controls, and introducing...
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Zoo-Goers Ready to Greet Baby Panda
The Smithsonian's National Zoo, also known as the Washington Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Youngsters read and discuss a news article about Tai Shan, baby panda that was one of the zoos most famous residents. They...
Curated OER
Levers and Wedges in the Human Body
Students identify the various parts of the body that serve as wedges and levers, identifying the fulcrum for each body lever. They bite into carrots and apples to analyze how their jaws and teeth work, then complete three worksheets that...
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Sculpture in Balance
Students discuss the difference betwen two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional art. In this art lesson, students discuss what symmetry or balance is in art and construct a symmetrical and an asymmetrical mobile.
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Sally Ride: Forging a Path to the Stars
Carry on the legacy of the heroic astronaut/educator who spent 30 years nurturing science learning for young girls.
Curated OER
Physical Properties Of Coal
Students examine and identify the observable properties of coal. After a lecture/demo, students perform a simple experiment. They observe samples of coal and record data in an organized manner.