Students study the history of the paper plane.  For this design lesson students create several types of paper planes and determine if there is a difference in mean flight distances.

Discover the results of reflecting an image. Learners use transparency paper to manipulate an image using a reflection in this fourth lesson of 18. They finish by reflecting various images across both vertical and horizontal lines.

Students create a Hexaflexagon using a formula. In this calculus lesson, students apply the definition of delta epsilon as it relates to limit to create a shape using creases. They relate the same rule to triangles and investigate angles.

Breaking the rules is one thing, proving it is another! Learners expand on their previous understanding of congruence and apply a mathematical definition to transformations. They perform and identify a sequence of transformations and use...

Uncover the properties of translations through this exploratory lesson. Learners apply vectors to describe and verify transformations in the second installment of a series of 18. It provides multiple opportunities to practice this...

Engineering challenges are not just man-made ... nature has its own set of them. A hands-on STEM activity has groups designing a seed dispersal system. Each group can only use one sheet of paper — a tough task!

Young scholars compare the colloquial definition of temperature with the scientific definition. They, in groups, then explore the changes of water under different temperatures and calculate and compare their findings on three different...

What is family? Challenge your scholars to write an encompassing definition of what this word means to them. After reading "It May Be a Family Matter, But Just Try to Define Family," class members discuss the emotional issues surrounding...

Study the importance of word choice in informational text. Middle and high schoolers locate unfamiliar words and phrases in newspaper articles of their choosing, and use online word sites to explore the definitions and histories of each....

Here's an algebra II activity that strives to make the concept of a radian less abstract and more conceptual. It takes a hands-on approach to exploring the idea of a radian and allows individuals to develop a definition of a...

Right angles, acute angles, obtuse angles, central angles, inscribed angles: how many types of angles are there? Learners first investigate definitions of inscribed angles, central angles, and intercepted arcs. The majority of the...

Learners design and test paper airplanes to understand the concept of lift and how it affects flight. This technology-based Science lesson is excellent for use with upper-elementary and middle-level learners and uses spreadsheet software...

Young scientist use reference materials to research various local aquatic plants and or animals to find out whether they are natives or exotics. They investigate their impacts on people, other animals and the environment. Students...

Explore the definitions of algebraic properties through a hands-on activity. Individuals cut and paste examples and match them to the correct properties. After examining the provided examples, pupils create examples of their own.

Explore rigid motion transformations using transparency paper. Learners examine a series of figures and describe the transformations used to create the series. They then use transparency paper to verify their conclusions. 

Develop a definition of irrational numbers through an exploration of square roots. The 11th lesson in this series of 25 asks scholars to estimate the value of a square root. Learners observe as the estimation extends further and further...

Students explore water, molecules, and surface tension. In this floatation lesson, students discover why some objects are able to float on water as they follow the procedures included in this activity.

After brainstorming reasons why Native Americans mapped their lands, your young critical thinkers will work together to review their ideas and determine the definition of a map. With today's extensive use of mapping technology and GPS...

Students are introduced to the basic states of matter: solids, liquids and gases. Through experimentation, students determine that liquids and solids have definite volume, that gases do not have definite volume, and that solids have a...

Students describe the functions and characteristics of their local community. In groups, they develop a definition of a city and identify the characteristics that make up a city. Using the internet, they rank cities based on their...

Students experiment with sunlight and temperature. They study the definition of albedo, or the percentage of incoming sunlight that is reflected, rather than absorbed.

Eighth graders make inquiry about the existence of matter. A definition of the word is needed before students can engage in various activities. The application of knowing about matter is done in the working of experiments.

Students explain that some things can float on top of water because of what we call "surface tension." They see that if something happens to disturb these water molecules from tugging on each other, the skin-like surface breaks up.

Fourth graders use math software and geoboard paper to design basic shapes. They write individual definitions for the geometric shapes based on what they see in the shapes. They apply their background knowledge of the shape as they write...