Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Popcorn Science

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students identify and apply the scientific method through an experiment with popcorn. Then they identify what independent, dependent, and control variables are and create a list of different variables that affect popcorn popping....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bubbles

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students experiment bubbles. In this scientific method lesson, students identify variables used in proper experiment design. Students conduct experiments with different brands of dish-washing detergent to determine which brand makes the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Apply Scientific Inquiry and Scientific Habits of Mind

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they develop hypothesis on a variety of different topics and design an investigation or experiment to test it. They share their conclusions with the class and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Wheels on the Bot Go Round and Round, Part I

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Young scholars determine how speed is measured. In this physics lesson, students design an experiment to find out if the robot's drive wheel size affects its speed. They collect data and discuss results.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Watch Me Grow

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students observe that plants need air, food, light, and water to survive.  In this plant biology lesson, students observe the growth and development of two plants, one is the control plant and the other is denied either air, water,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Designing Experiments - Overview

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the concepts that enable them to design and conduct sound scientific experiments. They critique a faulty experiment and become familiar with some of the criteria of a good experiment. They conduct their own experiment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Makes a Seed Breathe Faster?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Here's a five-star lesson plan in which inquisitors conduct sophisticated experimentation with cellular respiration in plant seeds. Placing seeds in a closed system they measure the amount carbon dioxide produced and relate it to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Velocity and Acceleration

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders look at local speed limits and traffic controls and see if they are reasonable. They plot the displacement and time to represent velocity, develop a plan for improving the current system, and organize experimental...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Experiences and Experiments - There is a Difference

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders plan and conduct an experiment on food spoilage. They design the experiment, create a display, record and analyze data, and make inferences regarding the results of the experiment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Up, Up and Away with the Scientific Method

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners utilize the scientific method to design a way for a balloon to be suspended between the floor and the ceiling.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Apply Scientific Inquiry and Scientific Habits of Mind

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they apply this method to various experiments they are given to complete. They also use the correct scientific habits of mind when researching different concepts.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

See How They Grow: Plants And Their Parts

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students discuss what plants require in order to grow, identify plant parts and their functions and discuss a video about plants. They conduct a controlled experiment with bean seeds and then record and observe the bean plants.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Amazing Apple

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students analyze an apple. In this lesson plan about developing inquiry skills, students do an experiment with an apple. Students make several observations about the apple. Students answer questions to help them improve and practice...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rules of the Roll

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers roll a ball down a plank and measure the distance it travels. Students graph the distances the ball travels as they change the height of the incline (increase slope).
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Graphing Your Motion"

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the concepts of motion, velocity, and acceleration through graphing their own movement using LoggerPro. They explain the difference between speed and velocity using the weather vane example. They discover the difference...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Environmental Models to Determine the Effect of Acid Rain on an Ecosystem

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Demonstrate to your middle school science learners how chalk breaks down in a weak acid. Discuss what affects acidic rain might have on ecosystems. Lab groups then choose one of two questions: "How does acid precipitation affect an...
Lesson Plan
Discovery Education

The Everyday Science of Sports

For Teachers Pre-K - Higher Ed
Physical science juniors will enjoy this sensational enrichment on aerodynamics, especially if they are also sports fans! With a focus on physical features and behaviors, collaborative groups make observations on five different golf...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Altering a Plant Environment

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Young scholars investigate what a controlled group is by creating an experiment.  In this plant growth lesson, students identify the different parts of a plant and discuss what is needed for a plant to be successfully grown....
PPT
Curated OER

Steps of the Scientific Method

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Steps of the scientific method are summarized, and then an example experiment is presented to allow practice identifying the steps. The graphics and animations are a little blurry, but this otherwise well-formulated presentation will...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fortune Teller Fish

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners demonstrate how to create and test a hypothesis. They design an experiment and set up a variable, experimental group and control group.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Leaf Pack Study

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students conduct an experiment using leaf packs.  In this leaf lesson plan students complete an activity in groups and complete a handout. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bruchid Investigations: Bruchid Development Investigations

For Teachers 7th - 12th
While this lesson is based on the Bruchid beetle, the focus is on conducting a scientific investigation. Ecology explorers vary the temperature or the type of leaf that Bruchid eggs are laid on and test for effects on the development...
Lab Resource
Royal Society of Chemistry

Electrochromic Polymer—Chemistry Outreach

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed Standards
From windows that tint themselves to OLED technology, electrochromic polymers are redefining our ideas about conducting materials! Introduce your chemistry class to the emerging trend with an exciting lab activity. Budding materials...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Experimental Design Reference

For Students 9th - 12th
In this experimental design worksheet, students are given a full comprehensive outline for designing an experiment. There are checklists included for each section of the experiment for students to use as a guide for properly completing...