Curated OER
Penny Science
A penny can be a much more valuable teaching tool that you might think. Whether you are teaching about chemical reactions, surface tension, the behavior of gases, or are just looking for engaging activities for early finishers,...
Q Continuum
Planets
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what constellation you were seeing or whether that bright object was a star or a planet? Are you searching for the best tilt-to-view constellation and planet app that money can't buy?...
Curated OER
How Can They Tell?
Pupils compare the characteristics of arcade tokens to those of a circulating U.S. quarter to determine how a video game can tell the difference between the two. They examine coins and arcade tokens very closely to observe the differences.
Curated OER
Putting Your Money to Work
Learners create a collect data on expenses. In this algebra lesson, students create a spreadsheet to solve scientific equations. They incorporate math, science and technology in this lesson.
Teach Engineering
Penny Perfect Properties (Solid-Liquid Interations)
I can get more water to stay on a penny than you can! Collaborative pairs determine the volume of liquids that can be contained on the surface of copper pennies and plastic coins. The pairs analyze their results using graphs and go on to...
Curated OER
Metal Composition & the U.S. Mint
Students study the meaning, symbolism, and value of U.S. coins,
especially the quarter. Theyresearch why in 1965 the U.S. Mint decided to
change the metal composition of the quarter to copper coated with nickel.
In addition, they perform...
Illinois State Board of Education
Solar System
Aspiring astronomers solve problems involving mixed units of the same attribute, including time, money, length, and area. They convert large numbers into scientific notation, then compute and compare ratios to explain why drawing...
Curated OER
Please Help!
Sixth graders examine the prairie food chain while designing a rescue strategy for an endangered species. They compare their strategy to that of a professional conservation expert.
Curated OER
Lights Light Up My Life
Students conduct an investigation. In this energy conservation lesson, students observe and make predictions about fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs. Working in groups, students conduct an investigation to compare the two light...
Curated OER
Magnify It!
Learners view objects of various sizes from several viewing distances to discover that their visual field is limited. They record what they see and compare their observations with classmates. They conduct more structured experiments.
Curated OER
Why Eat Organic?
Ninth graders explore the concept of organic eating. In this environmental stewardship lesson, 9th graders compare and contrast organic foods with conventional foods and discuss the benefits of eating organic foods.
Center for Learning in Action
Investigating Physical and Chemical Changes
Super scientists visit ten stations to predict, observe, and draw conclusions about the physical and chemical changes that occur when different states of matter—liquid, solid, and gas—are placed under a variety of conditions. To...
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
A Classroom Solar System
Create a scaled model of our solar system in your classroom! Scholars work collaboratively to build paper mache planets and hang them in their proper position to showcase each planet's location in the solar system.
Space Awareness
Living in the Milky Way
Get to know our galaxy with an astronomy-themed, hands-on activity. Scholars watch an informative video, answer questions, and construct a model of the Milky Way in order to examine its contents and the distance inside it.
Curated OER
The Benefits of Biodiversity
Students examine the concept of biodiversity. They toss coins to determine what traits mouse parents have and the babies traits as well. They predict what would happen to the baby mice if the traits of the parents were different.
Curated OER
The Modern Atmospheric CO2 Record
Students compare carbon dioxide (CO2) data from the Mauna Loa Observatory , Barrow (Alaska) , and the South Pole over the past 40 years to help them better understand what controls atmospheric (CO2).
Curated OER
A “Scientific” Approach to Buying a Car
Students examine what it takes to purchase a car and the resources out there to help find what you are looking for. In this scientific method lesson students complete different problem solving situations.
Curated OER
Who Wants to be a Cellular Biologist?
Eighth graders review concepts in cellular biology. In this biology instructional activity, 8th graders play an interactive game based on the idea of winning money. They discuss misconceptions about the topic.
Curated OER
Mineral Munch
Second graders explore the sodium content in foods they eat. After observing a table setting, 2nd graders then identify items made from rock. They taste low sodium crackers and compare them to regular crackers. Students discuss the...
Teach Engineering
Let's Get it There Fast
Are planes the best shipping method? Using maps, pupils determine the fastest mode of transportation between two cities. Given a list of items to ship, groups decide the best shipping method to finish the 18th segment of a 22-part unit.
Curated OER
From Curiosity Cabinet to Museum Collection
Students study binomial nomenclature and museum-based research. They create a curiosity box, label the objects in their curiosity box , develop a classification scheme for the objects, and create a database of all objects collected by...
Curated OER
Grocery Store
Students explore food and grocery stores. In this lesson on foods, students are introduced to the food pyramid and healthy eating through a variety of center activities. Students have to opportunity to role-play working at a grocery store.
Curated OER
Local Weather And Location
Students explain how uneven heating of Earth affects wind and water currents. They describe the limits on current technology in predicting weather and how the Water Cycle is related to local weather.
Curated OER
Trash! How Cities Work: Dealing with Garbage in the US and India
Students identify how different cultures deal with the challenge of trash. Read an excerpt from a chapter book based on real life written from the Southern Indian perspective. Describe the life of a street child in Southern India....