Curated OER
The Dinosaur Body
Students investigate how body design affects balance. They make simple models of dinosaur bodies using straws and marshmallows. Before making their models, they discuss the effects of gravity and the importance of balance in body shape.
Curated OER
The Fossil Record
Young scholars research about the animals found in Burgess Shale. In this earth science instructional activity, students evaluate the significance of fossils in human history. They create models of their chosen animal.
Curated OER
Down on the Farm
Students are introduced to a map of an Illinois farm. They determine whether the map is of the past, present, or future by looking at features on the map. They also use the map to make a three-dimensional model.
Curated OER
Castles and Forts of Wales and Oregon
Students compare a castle in Wales to a fort in Oregon and design and build a castle or fort. In this structure study lesson, students complete activities to study castles in Wales to forts in England. Students then design their own fort...
Curated OER
Will Global Warming Push Trees to Extinction?
Learners examine the extinction of plants and animals through loss of habitat. They investigate the effects of global warming. They use a computer model to analyze the impact of global warming on tree growth and distirbution...
Curated OER
Math and Science in a Wetland
Students describe safe practice when doing field and lab investigations in a estuary or wetland. They create a model of an estuary and describe their value and function. They participate in field study in which they collect and analyze...
Curated OER
Mud in the Water
Students build a soil erosion model to study the importance of soil conservation. They investigate how land forms from both constructive and destructive forces.
Curated OER
Math and Science in a Wetland
Students use scientific methods during field and lab investigations. Students collect specimens and make measurements using the metric system. Students describe biotic and abiotic factors in an estuary and design a model.
Curated OER
A Worm World
Students maintain a compost bin and build a worm observatory. They design experiments relating to worms and record observations in a worm journal.
Curated OER
Beyond the Tap
Students explain the basic properties of a watershed including how water flows from higher to lower elevations and how watersheds are interconnected. They comprehend how the placement of buildings, roads, and parking lots can be...
Curated OER
Family Mouse Behind the Wheel
Young scholars examine how their transportation choices affect the natural environment and their physical health as well as the power of community involvement and the dangers of over development.
Curated OER
Outdoor Explorations: Mystery Plot Vacant Lot
Students utilize observations skills as they work together in groups to solve a mystery. They discuss and perform strategies to solve mysteries that occurred on a vacant lot. Students use a field guide to identify plants and animals...
Curated OER
Living, Non-Living Mobile
Middle schoolers are introduced to the concept of living and nonliving organisms in general and participate in a starter activity where they build their own definitions of living and nonliving organisms.They sort organisms into living...
Curated OER
Get Your Butt off the Beach!
Learners participate in a Beach Field Study in which the analyze the affect pollution is having on beaches and the animals that live there. Students focus specifically on the damage cigarette butts are causing on the environment.
Curated OER
Artist's Work/Artist's Voice: Louis I. Kahn
Learners explore the process of construction and architecture. In this construction research lesson, students complete image based discussion activities and three related activities for architecture and design.
Curated OER
Spider Webs
Students create spider webs. In this spider webs lesson, students research various types of spider webs then write a report about a spider of their choice. Students also make their own web similar to an orb spider.
Curated OER
Eco-Detectives
Students explore natural decomposers. In this decomposing lesson, students participate in a WebQuest to discover how nature handles decomposition. Students compare natural methods for decomposition with recycling efforts.
Curated OER
Marine & Aquatic Habitats Activities - Aquatic Animals
Learners explore importance of marine or aquatic habitats, and investigate habitat characteristics and conditions required by various organisms to ensure survival. They then select an animal to study and design an artificial habitat...
Arizona Geographic Alliance
Geography of Ancient Greece
In this geography skills worksheet, students read a selection about the geography of ancient Greece and then respond to 6 essay, short answer, and graphic organizer questions based on the selection.
Curated OER
Pollution and Conservation
For this pollution and conservation worksheet, students read a passage on pollution and conservation, and answer short answer, multiple choice, and vocabulary matching questions. Students complete 27 questions.
Curated OER
Friendly Letter Format
In this Westward Ho worksheet, learners write a friendly letter and fill out a cause and effect chart for the story Westward Ho. Students complete 7 rows in the chart.
Curated OER
Which Way is Up? The Tree of Life in Africa
Students read a book titled This is the Tree about a baobab tree and draw a picture and label the tree. In this tree lesson plan, students also write a paragraph explaining why they drew that tree.
North Carolina State University
Exploring Genetics Across the Middle School Science and Math Curricula
Where is a geneticist's favorite place to swim? A gene pool. Young geneticists complete hands-on activities, experiments, and real-world problem solving throughout the unit. With extra focus on dominant and recessive genes, Punnett...
Cornell University
Constructing and Visualizing Topographic Profiles
Militaries throughout history have used topography information to plan strategies, yet many pupils today don't understand it. Scholars use Legos and a contour gauge to understand how to construct and visualize topographic profiles. This...