Curated OER
Cells are 3-D!
Students design three dimensional models of plant and animal cells. They identify the cells parts, and compare animal and plant cells.
It's About Time
Volcanic Landforms
Did you know the word volcano comes from the name of the Roman god of fire, Vulcan? During this activity, scholars make a topographic map, interpret topographic maps, and infer how lava will flow based on their analysis.
Science 4 Inquiry
Eukaryotic Cells: The Factories of Life
Eukaryotes include humans, animals, and plants. Scholars learn about the parts of eukaryotic cells. They design models of a store and match the correct function of each part to the function of a part of the cell. They review their...
PhET
Build a Molecule
How many different molecules can you build? In a simulation, learners make molecules from given atoms. There are numerous collections from which to build three to five molecules from given kits of atoms. Scholars can also view their...
Curated OER
Prisms, Pyramids, and Nets
Students compare and contrast the characteristics of prisms and pyramids. In groups, they are given different colored construction paper to make rectanglar prisms. They identify the shapes of the faces and record the number of faces,...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Shapes Around Us
Learners use manipulatives to study shapes. They sort shapes and use correct geometric terminology to describe them. Students find real-life examples of 2 and 3 dimensional shapes, and classify figures in their classroom according to...
PHET
Iron Filings and Magnetic Field Lines
How do magnetic fields differ? Allow scholars to see the difference between 2-D and 3-D magnetic fields. They construct models of both and observe how they are similar and different. It is the fifth installment of an 18-part unit.
Science Geek
VSEPR and Molecular Geometry
Many chemistry jokes have no reaction. Presentation begins by explaining what models are and the limitations of various forms before introducing the VSEPR model. Then it outlines the rules for creating a VSEPR model and shows examples of...
Scholastic
STEM Challenges and Activity Sheets for Grades 6–8
From 3-D cities to building bridges, young engineers engage in innovative STEM challenges that promote brainstorming and collaboration. Learners take on the roles of different types of engineers as well as become familiar...
EngageNY
Comparing Linear and Exponential Models Again
Making connections between a function, table, graph, and context is an essential skill in mathematics. Focused on comparing linear and exponential relationships in all these aspects, this resource equips pupils to recognize and interpret...
University of Alaska
Clay Model Earth
What a great way to incorporate hands-on learning while teaching about the earth's layers. The class observes an overhead transparency (linked in Included Materials) as they create their own model Earth using different colors of clay....
Curated OER
Sculpture in Balance
Students discuss the difference betwen two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional art. In this art lesson, students discuss what symmetry or balance is in art and construct a symmetrical and an asymmetrical mobile.
US Environmental Protection Agency
Aquifer in a Cup
Young scientists create their very own aquifers in this science lesson on ground water. After learning about how some people get their drinking water from underground wells, young learners use sand, modeling clay, and aquarium rocks to...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
The DNA Molecule Is Shaped like a Twisted Ladder
One of the first models of DNA appeared to be a triple helix. Young scientists learn about the many scientists who worked to find the shape of DNA. They observe multiple models, tests, and experiments to understand the conclusions. An...
Curated OER
Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Shapes
First graders explore 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes. In this geometry instructional activity, 1st graders examine the attributes of 2 -dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes. They also create the shapes as they build models. This...
American Chemical Society
Changing State: Evaporation
Why do experiments require a control? Guide scholars through designing an experiment to see what they can do to evaporate water faster with a instructional activity that stresses the importance of controlling all variables. The second...
Curated OER
Three-Dimensional Play Dough
Fourth graders make models of three-dimensional figures and then use these play dough figures to observe and count the vertices, edges, and faces of the figure.
Curated OER
3 dimensional shapes
Students play a bingo game to classify 3 dimensional shapes. In this 3 dimensional shapes lesson plan, students identify, describe, and classify shapes by playing a bingo game.
Curated OER
Applied Science - Science and Math Lab
Create three dimensional objects in an applied science instructional activity. The goal is for your class to recognize, compare, and model shapes. Using cookie cutters and clay or play dough, they create models for three-dimensional shapes.
EngageNY
Analyzing Residuals (Part 1)
Just how far off is the least squares line? Using a graphing calculator, individuals or pairs create residual plots in order to determine how well a best fit line models data. Three examples walk through the calculator procedure of...
Kentucky Educational Television
The Road to Proportional Reasoning
Just how big would it really be? Young mathematicians determine if different toys are proportional and if their scale is accurate. They solve problems relating scale along with volume and surface area using manipulatives. The last day of...
Curated OER
Why Does the Cocoa Tree Need a Tropical Rainforest to Grow?
Fourth graders explore the requirements a cocoa plant needs to survive. They research where chocolate comes from and how humans can affect the growth of cocoa trees. Students create a 3-D model of a cocoa tree and compare and contrast...
Curated OER
Modeling the Seasons
Learners explore the seasons and their attributes. In this geography lesson plan, students create a 3-D model of the Earth that showcases the elliptical travel of the Earth that causes seasons.
Tech Museum of Innovation
Human Body Exhibit
Explore human anatomy and physiology using models. Scholars study systems of the human body and design a display for a museum exhibit. To complete the activity, individuals create analogous models of their chosen human body systems.