American Institute of Architects
Architecture: It's Elementary!—Fifth Grade
Young citizens construct an understanding of urban planning in this cross-curricular unit. Covering every aspect of city development from the political, economic, and social influences to sustainable building practices, this...
Curated OER
Drawing Favorite Physical Activity
Young elementary students will discuss their favorite activities and then draw a picture of themselves participating. The lesson provides opportunities for cross-curricular study as students can then write about why they like the...
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
Physics of Sound: How We Hear Sounds
Second graders identify the different function and parts of the ear. In this physics lesson plan, 2nd graders explain how we hear sound. They read about the life of Helen Keller and respond to questions that follow.
American Institute of Architects
Architecture: It's Elementary!—First Grade
Build an interest and appreciation for architecture in your young learners with this fun 10-lesson art unit. Engaging children in using their five senses, the class first observes the environment around them, paying...
National Park Service
Reduce Our Carbon Footprint, Let’s Compost!
Roll up your sleeves and get a little dirty with this elementary and middle school compost lesson plan. All you need is a large plastic container, a couple old newspapers, some organic waste, and a few hundred worms and you're ready...
Curated OER
Solar Kit Lesson #3 Parts of a Solar Panel - Part I
A solar cell is similar to a rechargeable battery in many ways. Science lab groups connect each in a series circuit to run a mini motor and then compare and contrast them by answering questions and completing a Venn diagram. This is an...
Colorado Unit Writing Project
Simple Machines
Planning an elementary science unit has never been simpler! These twelve lessons guide young scientists through an exploration of simple machines and their many uses in the real world before asking them to apply their learning...
Curated OER
EMH Time Lesson
Tell time using a number chart! Elementary schoolers of all ages demonstrate their ability to tell time by using a clock. They use this skill to follow a daily schedule.
Curated OER
Total Physical Response Storytelling
Fifth graders are introduced to the strategy TPRS (Total Physical Response Storytelling) for studying world languages. They utilize this strategy as a vehicle to storytelling and expand their vocabulary by contextualizing it in high...
Curated OER
The Physics of Sound: How We Produce Sounds
Young scholars 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...
Curated OER
Physical Changes to Matter
Pupils explore matter by conducting an in-class experiment. They experiment with water's various forms by melting and freezing water, identifying its new shape. These observations are recorded to supplement later discussion. They also...
Newspaper Association of America
Using the Newspaper to Teach the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment
Of all the amendments found in The Bill of Rights, the First Amendment contains some of the most important freedoms for American citizens. A unit plan on the First Amendment features interactive lesson plans designed to teach about those...
Curated OER
Your Energy Out
How much activity is appropriate for elementary school youngsters? What kind of activities do they need to do? Check out the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Look to see what are age-appropriate activities for each grade...
Curated OER
Magnetic Field
Students explore how compass and Gauss meter detect a magnetic field. In this physics instructional activity, students build their own Gauss meter and sensor based on given procedure. They cite real world applications of magnetism.
Curated OER
Kite Experiments and Building Information
Learners build their own kite following certain procedures. In this physics lesson plan, students explain the aerodynamics concepts involved in flying kites. They trace the development of aviation.
Curated OER
Magnetic Levitation
Young scholars conduct a series of experiments on magnetic levitation. In this physics lesson, students discover how Maglev trains operate. They explain how magnetism make even simple objects levitate.
Curated OER
Electromagnets
Students conduct a series of experiments on electromagnets. For this physics lesson, students build their own electromagnet and explain how it works. They determine the factors that affect its strength.
Curated OER
Homopolar Motor Experiments
Students construct a homopolar motor following certain procedures. In this physics instructional activity, students explain how generators and motors work. They compare and contrast the characteristics of both.
Curated OER
Lenz's Law
Young scholars conduct a series of experiments on electromagnetic induction. In this physics lesson, students apply the right hand rule to determine the current direction and electromotive force. They test Lenz's and Faraday's law by...
Curated OER
Reed Switch
Students build simple electromagnetic reed switch motors. In this physics lesson, students explain how it works. They cite real world applications of reed switches and relays.
Curated OER
Galvanometers
Learners construct their own galvanometer. In this physics lesson, students explain how it is used to detect electric current. They conduct an experiment to measure how much electricity flows through the circuit.
Curated OER
Rechargeable Batteries
High schoolers explore how rechargeable batteries work by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students discuss the benefits of using rechargeable batteries over disposable ones. They build their own battery...
Curated OER
Using "Student Power" to Generate Electricity to Run a Portable Compact Disc Player
Students explain the relationship between magnetism and electricity. In this physics lesson, students describe the transformation of energy. They create an electromagnet and investigate the factors affecting its strength.