Students analyze an engineering problem. They contrast paper and pencil mastery of concepts with hands-on mastery. They present their design and rationale behind it, whether it works or not.

Get learners excited about reading with literature circles! Small groups discuss the day's reading in various roles, including Discussion Director, Summarizer, Word Wizard, Literary Luminary, Travel Tracer, Connector, and Fact Finder,...

Students investigate the properties and uses of rocks and minerals. They build towers using only one material from a pile of stones, tiles, wood, etc. provided by the teacher. Students test the hardness of rocks by scratching them with...

Young scholars examine the three primary colors of light and design a numerical code to represent those colors. They tell how satellites use numbers to create satellite images after completing a number of experimental activities.

What is "viral marketing" and how does it relate to mathematics? Young mathematicians use exponential functions to develop a mathematical model for a business advertising campaign. Learners then see how their campaigns increase...

Tenth graders define and identify the cell membrane functions and structures. They study cell membrane properties" lipid bilayer" and explore cells under the microscope. They draw what they see, label any parts they can identify, and...

Students explain how electricity is transferred from source to load without actual wires connecting the two. In this physics lesson plan, students explore how wireless electricity was discovered. They cite practical applications of this...

Students build simple gear trains and record data to discover how to compute gear ratios. They investigate the definition of torque and how torque can be increased or decreased in a gear train.

Students review data from a 24-hour dietary recall to gain a practical understanding of information regarding energy intake and macronutrients.

Students discover the characteristics of polyhedra. Through hands-on activities and interactive videos, students investigate and retrieve information on polyhedra and crystal structures. Students study angles and symmetry. They...

Students study the formation of metamorphic rock. In this metamorphic rock lesson, students examine how metamorphic rock forms as part of the rock cycle. They review the rock cycle using chocolate chips, conduct Internet research, and...

Young scholars understand the parts of the terrarium and why they are important in establishing an ecosystem. In this ecosystem lesson, students recall background information on aquariums, terrariums and the water cycle. Young scholars...

Students construct plankton nets to be towed and collect specimens to be examined and analyzed in the classroom. They develop research skills through collection of an aquatic sample. They write lab reports after interpreting, identifying...

Students comprehend the physical properties of pressure and Boyle's Law by designing a depth gauge. They construct a capillary depth gauge and calculate the calibrated depth marks of the capillary tube. They determine the margin of error...

Students explore what happens to light intensity as depth increases using a light intensity logger. They construct a PVC model to hold water and identify what factors could influence the amount of light attenuation.

Students make a hydrophone and attach it to their Sea Perch ROVs. They use the hydrophones in conjunction with the underwater cameras on the ROVs to explore their local aquatic environments.

Learners build and program a Lego Mindstorms Roverbot to travel for a given amount of time. They gather data on time versus distance traveled to determine a calibration constant for their robot, which relates time to distance.

Young scholars use heart rate monitors and complete a swimming and running test. These tests allow students to obtain personal data, to manipulate the data through calculations of various parameters, and to graphically represent the data.

Young scholars complete cycle ergometer test to enable them to discuss their potential in each of the three events in a triathlon. They use their own dataset to make decisions as to their abilities in each sport.

Young scholars participate in a hair analysis lab. Using a digital microscope, students compare and contrast hair samples. They determine if the hair samples are human or animal. After completing lab results sheets, young scholars share...

Students observe a demonstration on how we see space between water molecules.  In this experimental instructional activity students discover what elements make up the things around them and discuss what they learned. 

Students identify the importance of the Stamp Act and how it affected the Revolutionary War. As a class, they discuss what a stamp is, how it is made and why they are used. Using a rubric, they write a letter to develop their writing...

Students explore robotics. They design and draw a robot to fit a specified function. Students examine motor functions necessary for the robot to perform. They discuss types of sensors available to assist in the building of a robot.

Young scholars examine how aerodynamic forces affect the flight of aircraft, animals and sports balls and projectiles (like a javelin or boomerang). They discover the origins of the boomerang and early usage in hunting.