PBS
Blow the Roof Off!
Blow the minds of young scientists with this collection of inquiry-based investigations. Based on a series of eight videos, these "hands-on, minds-on" science lessons engage young learners in exploring a wide range of topics...
Curated OER
Onion Skins
Students explore the structure of a plant cell. They carefully peel a single layer of onion skin from a slice of onion and stain it with methylene blue to observe the structures inside. They use a Digiscope connected to a computer to...
Curated OER
Human Epidermal Cells
Students explore epidermal cells. After following specified procedures for removing epidermal cells from their wrist, students view the cells with the use of a microscope. After creating a drawing of their observation, students label the...
Beyond Benign
Daphnia Bioassay LD50
De-icing materials may have a harmful effect on our environment; have your class perform an experiment to test the nature of these effects. Scholars monitor the survival rate of a sample of daphnia as the concentration of a de-icing...
Curated OER
Activities of the Immune System (Activity 1)
Students cut an apple in half and cover half with plastic wrap. They place drops of liquid on each half and discover how our skin protects us. They answer discussion questions to end the lesson.
Curated OER
Mud Splat Craters
Students simulate crater formation using mud. For this earth science lesson, students identify the features of a crater. They explain how the force of impact affect the crater's appearance.
Chymist
Tritration: Standardization of a Base and Analysis of Stomach Antacid Tablets
Do antacid tablets really do what they claim? An experimental lesson attempts to answer this question. Individuals practice the process of titration during the first part of the experiment. They then use those skills to neutralize an...
Cornell University
Discovering Enzymes
Explore the function of enzymes through a series of lab investigations. Learners use household enzymes such as hydrogen peroxide to model the role of enzymes. The enzymes break down proteins with and without a catalyst.
Colorado State University
Why Do Raindrops Sometimes Land Gently and Sometimes with a Splat?
A mouse can fall from large heights without injury! Air resistance is a large influence on small falling objects. In an exploratory lesson, young scholars build a raindrop bottle to compare the falling rate of different-sized objects.
Curated OER
Sensing Energy: Designing to Stay Cool
Students examine the energy the sun produces on a daily basis. In groups, they discover the properties of visible and invisible light. They also adjust the exposure time to change the properties of various objects. To end the lesson,...
Curated OER
Skeletal System
Third graders describe and identify the parts of the skeleton and how they support the body. They observe two chicken bones that have been soaked in vinegar for 5 - 7 days. They observe the bone's appearance after it has been removed...
Curated OER
Experiment on Measuring Reaction Rates
Learners investigate the rate of a chemical reaction. In this rate of reactions lesson plan, students use an electronic balance to measure the change in mass of a chemical reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate. They...
Curated OER
Household Hazardous Waste Reduction
Learners discover the different types of hazardous waste. They examine ways to dispose of the hazardous materials safely and without harming the environment.
Curated OER
How Strong is the Solution
Young scholars investigate the strength of solutions. In this scientific inquiry lesson plan, students examine various solutions of food color and water as they discover the concentration of the solutions by adding bleach to clear the...
Curated OER
Introduction to Lumbriculus variegatus
Students conduct two set experiments on Lumbriculus worms and create a third experiment of their own. The first of the two set experiments allows students to observe regeneration of the worms while the second allows students to test the...
Curated OER
Movement Across the Membrane (Diffusion)
Learners investigate the concept of diffusion and how materials enter and leave a cell. In this movement across a membrane lesson plan, students use perfume, food coloring in water and a sugar cube in water to observe diffusion. They...
Curated OER
Balloon Fun
Students conduct an experiment with balloons and skewers. They speculate the reasons for the balloon's reactions to the skewers and write about their observations.
Curated OER
Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads
Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them. In this investigative lesson students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings.
Curated OER
Surface Tension and Bubbles
Pupils investigate surface tension and bubbles. In this scientific inquiry lesson plan, students explore how the surface tension of water is able to support tiny objects that actually weigh more than the water as they collect date by...
Curated OER
Use of Microscopes and Creation of Slides
Students explore the use of microscopes and the creation of slides. They practice using, adjusting and viewing with a microscope. they view slides of familiar substances such as blood and fibers. In addition, they create slides using...
Curated OER
The Synthesis of Some Organic Compounds And Their Representative Structures
Students examine how to represent organic compounds three-dimensionally. They write a synthesis reaction for three demonstrations, and construct a three-dimensional structure using a molecular modeling set.
Curated OER
Hand Sensitivity
Students experiment with the sense of touch. In this tactile lesson plan, students determine the most sensitive area of the hand. Students experiment by describing objects through touch only. Students compare the amount of sensory data...
Curated OER
All About Me: My Senses
Pupils explore the world around them and identify their five senses and the parts of their bodies that are associated with each sense.
Curated OER
How Do Cells Reproduce?
Learners discuss the importance of reproduction of cells. They identify and describe the stages of Mitosis. They discover what happens to chromosomes and DNA during reproduction.