Chicago Botanic Garden
Recognizing Change (Observation vs. Inference)
What is the difference between making inferences and making observations? Young climatologists refer to a PowerPoint to make observations on each slide. They record their observations in a provided worksheet before drawing a...
California Academy of Science
What's on a Penny?
As a lesson on scientific observation, have your class investigate the features of a penny and a nickel. Working in pairs, they practice writing detailed descriptions using their senses and a ruler to gather information. This is an...
Curated OER
The Scientific Method
Students study the steps involved in the scientific method. They apply the scientific method to their science fair projects.
Curated OER
Learning Scientific Coral Terminology
Students explore properties of coral. In this scientific observation lesson, students investigate properties and characteristics of coral. Students write statements describing the coral using observation words.
Curated OER
Introduction to Scientific Method
Students investigate safe laboratory procedures, classroom management guidelines, and group roles and procedures. They study a set of safety guidelines with their parents, and to sign a contract stating that they understand the...
Curated OER
Journal Introductions
Learners explore the idea of scientific observation and the use of a journal to record their observations. They examine the proper vocabulary used when describing scientific inquiry. Students observe a science experiment and they discuss...
Intel
Forensics: Get a Clue
Although the methods are all scientific, forensic science was started by police officers rather than scientists, who relied on observation and common sense. Young detectives use many tools to solve crimes around the school in a...
American Psychological Association
Sampling or Assignment?
Each discipline has its own vocabulary, terms it uses to identify key concepts and processes. Sample, to psychologists, refers to those people (participants) a researcher is studying, while assignment refers to the treatment conditions...
Curated OER
Observation
Students practice observation skills by discussing physical attributes of family artifacts. They determine what characteristics of an object are considered important details.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Historical Climate Cycles
What better way to make predictions about future weather and climate patterns than with actual climate data from the past? Young climatologists analyze data from 400,000 to 10,000 years ago to determine if climate has changed over...
IB Psychology
Key Terms Traffic Lights
How much does your class know about psychology? What about empirical evidence? If they could use some time to learn the essentials of psychology, use a quick reference sheet to note what they know before the test, after the unit, and at...
Curated OER
Household Things that Fly and Why!!!
Students examine the four forces of flight. In this flight activity, students test to see which types of items will fly. Students make predictions on whether the item will fly or not. Students gain knowledge about lift, gravity, thrust...
Curated OER
Can You See It, Touch It, Hear It?
Students develop and practice observational skills through lab activity.
Curated OER
Measuring Wind Speed
Students study wind speed and collect wind speed data. In this wind speed lesson, students visit a website to learn about the local wind speed forecast for their week. Students discuss wind and wind speed. Students collect wind speed...
Curated OER
Designing the Experiment and Answering the Question
Learners investigate scientific methods by analyzing an article from the Natural Inquirer. In this data analysis lesson plan, students read an article from the magazine and discuss at least 2 scientific methods that could be used...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Science Pen Pals
Young scholars explore the scientific career of Benjamin Franklin. In this science lesson, students discuss Franklin's correspondence with other scientists and write letters describing Benjamin Franklin's experiments.
Curated OER
Acid in the Water
Ninth graders learn about the effect pollution has on water and how this affects their community. In this environmental awareness lesson, 9th graders expand their vocabulary and create a flowchart that demonstrates the...
Curated OER
The Tipping Point
Students rewrite word problems and solve using math. In this word problem lesson plan, students gather data and observe the data. They relate this process to the scientific method and math. They review their data to be able to answer...
Curated OER
Models as Tools for Ecosystem Management
Fifth graders explore the concept of environmental management. In this ecosystem instructional activity, 5th graders discover how models help scientists learn more about managing ecosystems. Students create their own model, make...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Alike and Different
Students compare and contrast objects and are introduced to a Venn Diagram. In this alike and different lesson, students make observations regarding properties of objects. Students classify object and build ideas about variables....
Curated OER
Create a Cloud In a Jar
Young scholars investigate cloud formation. In this weather lesson, students examine how clouds are formed. Young scholars participate in experiments that model how water vapor in the air works.
Curated OER
Sports Activity Stations
Fourth graders observe and understand forces applied to an object and the change in speed or direction of the object. In this forces lesson, 4th graders divide into groups and play at various sports stations. Students mark push or pull...
Curated OER
Lunch
First graders view and sort a display of fruits and vegetables by one characteristic. They listen as the teacher reads the story, "Lunch." Students identify items on the pages as living or nonliving, fruit or vegetable. Using magazines,...
Curated OER
Classification
Students gather and classify samples of a given item (rocks, fossils, seeds, etc.) They discuss various ways of classifying and that there are many different ways that are acceptable.