Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Bridges, Building and Breaking
Students will design, build and test the load bearing capacity of a scale model bridge. They will explore types of bridges. Learn about forces that effect bridges. Make scale drawings. Grading rubric is included as is a presentation for...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Introduction to Human Tissues: How Are Tissues Classified?
In this investigation, young scholars will observe slides of unknown tissues and then draw their observations in a science notebook. They will then work in groups to reach a consensus as to the classification of tissues. This lesson is...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: A Comparative Approach to Animal Dissections (A Phylogenic Study)
In this biology inquiry lab, students study evolutionary relationships by making observations of preserved animal specimens, developing a question, then investigating by dissecting the specimens provided. This comparative approach offers...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Dissecting Soil
In this soil study, students investigate a soil sample to discover what is inside the soil. Working in partners, they explore to see if there are any plants, animals, dirt, or other (water and air) in the soil.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Discovering Density Through Lava Lamps
Students first predict, then mix several liquids and then add salt to the mix, simulating a lava lamp.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Comparing Soil Samples From Different Locations
In this field investigation, students compare various soil samples taken from specific locations. Students compare samples, record data, create a chart or graph, and keep records in a journal.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: A Balance Between Art and Science
In this classroom activity, students will use balance to create a beautiful piece of art inspired by artist Alexander Calder.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: 2 Day Investigating Soil Samples: Observing and Identifying Soils
This description of this activity is a 2-day lesson: Day 1, Field Lab, Day 2, and Classroom Investigation. In this field lab, children working in groups will collect 3 samples of soil from different locations. Each sample will be placed...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Connecting the Story "Diary of a Worm" to a Daily Activity Diary
Beginning with reading, "Diary of a Worm" to the students, guide a discussion about how the story is like real worms. The students then keep a day by day activity diary of all the things that happen in their lives to compare their lives...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Classify the Trees/leaves
Students go outside to look for trees and gather leaves. Working cooperatively they will sort and try to classify the trees by the characteristics of their leaves.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Bacteria Growth Inquiry: Bodily Bacteria and Healthy Hygiene Habits
For this inquiry activity, groups of students will generate investigable questions to explore the link between hygiene/cleanliness and bacteria growth/population. They will record their processes and reflections in a journal and present...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Observing,describing, Measuring Changing Physical Prop: Making Ice Cream
Students will create an endothermic chemical reaction by making ice cream. They will observe, describe, and measure the ingredients. After making ice cream, students will measure the temperature of the ice cream and the ice/salt mixture....
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Animal and Plant Cell Models and Cell Tour Given to Life Science Students
A biology class is divided into two groups: one an animal cell, and the other one, a plant cell. They are given a list of cell organelles to research and construct in their 9 M X 9 M model. Students must organize and assign duties,...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Balloon Rockets
In this activity, students will learn that compressed air creates pressure to propel an air balloon. Students will create a graph in their science journals based on the relationship between the number of air pumps and the distance the...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Allelopathy
In this biology lab investigating allelopathy, students design and carry out an experiment to test for the presence of allelochemicals released by plant species found locally. Students will be grouped into teams to design and carry out...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Designing Fast and Slow Airplanes and Measuring Velocity
In this activity, young scholars design their own airplanes and fly them. The challenge is to create a fast plane and a slow plane and compare the speed to the design.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Design, Build and Test Hot Air Balloon
Students design, build, and then test hot air balloon designs. The activity concludes with flight testing the balloons and then a review of the design features of all balloons for the most advantageous design features.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Acceleration of a Wheel and Axle
A lab investigation of an accelerating object can be difficult without motion sensors or computer photogates. The accelerating object can gain velocity in such a way that it moves a great distance in a short time.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Calculating the Speed of Sound
In this physical science lab, students will calculate the speed of sound. They will observe that the speed of sound is constant, regardless of wavelength or frequency, and see the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Construction of a Complex Machine Through Classroom Collaboration
Students take a simple task and make it much more complicated using a cardboard box. Each group must use a minimum of six simple machines utilizing at least four types of simple machines. The goal is to keep the initial impulse moving...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Determining Bird Populations Through Counting
Students participate in a bird count to determine the number of birds sighted in four different sites. Students draw inferences from recorded data on a bar graph in regard to the number of species in the area and relative population size.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Direction of Acceleration
In this short lab, students use Tonka trucks to observe the acceleration of a object as it initiates acceleration, maintains a steady speed, and slows to a stop.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Chemical Reactions and Pancakes
In this lesson plan, students will hear a story about the ingredients that go into pancakes called, "Pancakes, Pancakes!" by Eric Carle. We will then discuss preference of light and fluffy vs. flat and rubbery pancakes. Students will...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Adjusting Your Water Heater to Conserve Energy
In this lab-based activity, the students will accomplish two sequential goals. The first goal is to understand the law of conservation of energy.The second goal is to use their knowledge in part one to determine the temperature of a hot...