Robert Hass's article "Rivers and Stories" underscores the importance of rivers in the development of civilization and the importance of reclaiming supposedly dead rivers and implementing policies that protect river health. Groups...

Discover firsthand the effects of internal waves on coral reefs. Through a series of experiments, learners simulate internal waves and upwelling events as they make observations on the movement of water and other debris. They then...

Time to show off what they've learned! The final instructional activity in the series of six asks young scholars to process their learning from the previous lessons. They identify possible elements of the sun as well as a possible origin.

It's a jungle out there! Young biologists journey to Darien, Panama to examine the intricate relationships between the organisms that inhabit the jungle. Groups begin by demonstrating an understanding of energy flow in ecosystems, then...

We all know someone who won't eat the banana with a brown spot, the grape with a dimple, and the apple with a bruise. Scholars use different fruits to explore what happens when fruits really start to decompose. They set up an experiment...

Viewers learn about three different weather measurement tools in installment five of the 10-part Discover Your Changing World series. They build weather vanes to collect data on wind speed, barometers to determine air pressure, and...

Why don't we just capture carbon dioxide in the air and store it somewhere else? A hands-on lesson allows scholars to explore a complex concept. First, they will create a carbonated beverage, and then they will determine...

Students explore the cardiovascular system. Through the use of video, students observe the heart pumping an oxygen-enriched blood supply through arteries to the muscles in use during exercise. They participate in activities to explore...

Students describe what it means for a marine animal or fish to be threatened or endangered after playing game simulating extinction.

Students investigate the length of various objects. In this measurement lesson plan, students convert one metric unit to another. They explain the importance of a uniform system of measurement.

Students design a program to make an automated vehicle perform a specific task. In this robotics lesson, students play the role of scientists competing to win a factory's contract. They present their algorithm to class.

Students examine the techniques and principles of photographic composition using various scientific tools such as a camera, a digital computer scanner, and a computer.

Students measure, weigh, and document the amount of trash and garbage generated by the school for one day. They brainstorm solutions for trash in the area and assist with the school-wide recycle program.

Learners experiment with simple pendulums to determine the validity of an equation for all angles. Students discover the usefulnes and limitations of approximations in science. Using spreadhseets and a java applet, learners observe the...

Students navigate through a web-based survey to help engage curiosity about energy concepts. They describe how prior perceptions influence examineing of energy concepts. They evaluate comprehension about concepts of energy.

Eighth graders determine the density using mass and volume. In this science lesson plan, 8th graders explain why some materials float or sink. They estimate the density of objects based on whether it floats or sinks in a liquid of...

Learners conduct several simple lab activities to explore the five fundamental load types that can act on structures: tension, compression, shear, bending, and torsion. In this activity, students play the role of molecules in a beam...

Third graders make parachutes to learn about gravity and the science process. For this gravity lesson, 3rd graders create parachutes and observe their flight in air. Students discuss wind and gravity for the activity.

Students inquire about human anatomy by completing a worksheet. In this body systems lesson, students discuss the importance of a self-regulating body and how the skeletal, muscular, respiratory and digestive system all take care of...

Students create a build-it-yourself boat that runs on two small electric motors. Swamp Thing has an electronic brain that can be controlled and steered with a flashlight.

Students participate in a nature hike and record the natural resources observed. They compare traditional and modern versions of everyday use items, and create graphic organizers that demonstrate the interconnectedness of resources.

In this forms of water instructional activity, students explore the different characteristics of water. Students are given a word pool with five words and they complete the five sentences with one of the words.

Ninth graders explain how wind can produce electricity. In this geometry lesson, 9th graders construct their own pin wheel turbine and calculate its power. They discuss the pros and cons of using wind generator.

Ninth graders concentrate on arsenic poisoning as an example of the connections among health, geography, and geology as they develop a persuasive presentation about the dangers of arsenic in the drinking water, targeting a specific...