Curated OER
Measuring Permeability of Soil, Sand and Gravel
Middle schoolers investigate the different materials in their environment. In this geology lesson, students collaborate in groups to examine the differences in sand, soil and gravel. Middle schoolers utilize a magnifying...
Curated OER
Time and Cycles - Dendrochronology
Students investigate the lives of trees by examining ring cycles. In this plant life lesson, students identify the field of study known as dendrochronology and discover its history. Students investigate a simulated tree ring...
Curated OER
Look At Those Leaves!
Students observe, measure and sort leaves. For this leaf lesson students divide into groups and observe the different kinds of leaves.
Curated OER
Fossil Formation
Students discuss fossils. In this science lesson, students simulate fossils within Earth's layers by using gummy fish and bread.
Curated OER
How Can You Test Your Soil?
Students investigate chemicals in soil samples. In this soil science lesson, students test local soil to measure the pH, nitrate, phosphate, and potassium content.
Curated OER
Mineral Identification
Students investigate the environment by examining mineral characteristics. In this mineral lesson, students perform scientific observations in groups in which they identify minerals found in everyday objects by using a...
Curated OER
Eco-enrichers
Students discover the importance of plant and animal components within soil. In this soil instructional activity, students test the quality of soil. Students then conduct an experiment adding different components to bags of soil to see...
Curated OER
Hazardous Waste Hot Potato
Students investigate hazardous substances. They work in groups to decide how to properly dispose of such materials..
Curated OER
The Growth of Islam
Seventh graders gain insight into the daily lives of Muslims and to develop empathy for them by studying the Islamic world and creating presentations.
Curated OER
Coconut-Shell Cup
Students research and discuss the social ritual of drinking chocolate in viceregal Mexico. They explain its cultural and historical and geographical roots. Students create their own "drinking" vessel from papier-mache. They experiment...
Curated OER
Outdoor Art
Learners create art projects outside. In these outdoor art lesson plans, students use items in nature to enhance their creativity. They are encouraged to paint rocks, use fences for collages, weave sticks/feathers through picket fences,...
Curated OER
Aquatic Organisms and Their Habitats
Students investigate the presence of specific organisms in a freshwater habitat to determine the quality of that habitat. They conduct a field study and distinguish and classify organisms found during the field study.
Curated OER
More Than Anything Else
Second graders investigate the life of Booker T. Washington by reading a biography. In this biographical lesson, 2nd graders read the story More Than Anything Else, and examine the geographical locations Washington once resided...
Curated OER
ESL Holiday Lessons: Malaria Awareness Day
In this ESL reading comprehension worksheet, students read a passage about World Malaria Awareness Day. Students answer 100 varied questions about the text. There are links provided for online exercises and MP3 listening as well.
Curated OER
Zimbabwe
In this Zimbabwe worksheet, students read an article and examine a map of Zimbabwe and then respond to 11 short answer questions regarding the economy and geography of the country.
Curated OER
The Search for El Nino
Sixth graders complete an El Nino scavenger hunt. In this earth science instructional activity, 6th graders describe the conditions that create El Nino and compare it to normal condition. They discuss how this phenomenon affects marine...
Curated OER
Waste Watchers
Students recognize the importance of saving energy to save natural resources. In this saving energy lesson, students complete a worksheet to find types of electricity meters in their homes. Students use meter readings to calculate energy...
American Chemical Society
Production of a Gas - Controlling a Chemical Reaction
Though the publisher designated this unit for use with third through eighth grades, this particular lesson would be best used with middle schoolers due to the specific measurement skills required. Basically, they set up the reaction...
Curated OER
Shaded Bottles
Learners draw, and then paint three-dimensional bottles to practice shading which shows shape and perspective. The step-by-step process for creating dimensional still life art is outlined, which makes teaching art an attainable task. Oil...
Curated OER
Transportation and Environment
Students make an eco-friendly vehicle to help make transportation better for the environment. In this transportation lesson, students learn how transportation inventions are bad for the environment. They then see how engineers have tried...
It's About Time
Mass and Volume
Don't be so dense that light bends around you; study the relationship between mass and volume instead. Young chemists measure the density of a variety of liquids and solids. A reading passage and analysis questions introduce pupils to...
Exploratorium
Geyser
Although it requires a little extra preparation the first time you use this geyser demonstration, it can be used repeatedly once it has been constructed. This demonstration is useful in showcasing how heat leads to increased pressure and...
Curated OER
Forecasting the Path of Mudflows
Students watch a demonstration to introduce them to the consistency of mudflows and how they move. In groups, they compare and contrast volcanic avalanches and mudflows. They create their own model of a volcano, simulate how it erupts...
Virginia Department of Education
A-Mazing Plants
Have your young scientists questioned why plants grow a particular way? Through this learning opportunity, scientists gain firsthand knowledge about how plants develop and various factors that affect rates of growth as they bring plants...