PBS
Before We Travel, We Research
Context is key when it comes to historical research. Prior to field research, class members learn as much as they can about the site they are going to visit. Groups investigate and prepare presentations about the history of the site, the...
Shodor Education Foundation
Transmographer
Introducing ... the Transmographer. Young mathematicians investigate translations, reflections, and rotations. The applet lets users perform transformations on triangles, squares, and parallelograms.
Shodor Education Foundation
Derivate
Derive tangent lines through derivatives. Scholars use an app to graph functions and investigate derivatives and tangent lines. The interactive automatically graphs a tangent line at a specified point and can also produce tables of values.
Shodor Education Foundation
Cross Section Flyer
Scholars see cross sections come to life using an app to investigate cross sections of three-dimensional solids. They look at prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones, and double cones.
Shodor Education Foundation
Recursion
Perform the operation ... and then do it again. Scholars investigate recursive formulas by creating and graphing them. Using the interactive, pupils set the variable, determine the initial value, and type in a recursive formula.The...
Shodor Education Foundation
Rabbits and Wolves
A change in a parameter can end in overpopulation. The resources gives pupils the opportunity to control the parameters of rabbits and wolves in a natural setting. Using the set parameters, the simulation runs and displays the population...
Kenan Fellows
Unit 2: DNA Analysis
Ever wonder how they solve those mysterious murders in TV crime dramas? The second of four units in a Biotechnology series introduces scholars to the many methods of DNA analysis. Pupils create and run their own gel electrophoresis...
Kenan Fellows
Unit 3: Genetic Variation
What happens when genes change? Junior genetic investigators examine the effects of mutation in the third unit of a four-part Biotechnology series. Individuals discover the types of mutations through a series of PowerPoints, then partner...
Curated OER
WebQuest on Chester Himes
Students perform a WebQuest to find out why Chester Hime's detective books were so popular. Small groups perform the research together then report to the class.
Curated OER
Archaeological Detectives
Students, in groups, examine in depth one aspect of forensic archaeology to determine the skeleton's age, gender, and possible cause of death. To do so, students must first explain what is involved in each aspect of forensic archaeology.
Curated OER
Soil Detectives: The Case of the Lost Friends
Learners show how soil varies across the landscape, they explain how soil can be used to solve mysteries. Pupils are introduced to techniques that would be used to distinguish soils from different places.
Curated OER
INFORMATION DETECTIVE
Students generate 2 or more questions without teacher support. They state known information and make personal connections without teacher support. They select two or more resources to answer his/her question. They distinguish...
Curated OER
Environmenal Detectives at Work
Young scholars investigate influence of one human on our natural world.
Curated OER
Potrait Detectives
Students examine a variety of portraits and distinguish them from other art forms such as landscapes and still lifes. They investigate why artists make portraits and why patrons wish to have portraits made.
Curated OER
Food Detectives
Students investigate the regions in which particular grains are grown. Using the packaging from a variety of foods, grains are identified and the general locations where they are grown are plotted on a map.
Curated OER
Cemetery Art And Architecture Detectives
Students investigate the architecture found in cemeteries in order to separate different time periods of distinct design. The use of examples helps them to recognize the design in correlation to its time. The lesson is delivered in a...
Curated OER
Forensic Detectives: Mysteries and Solutions
Middle schoolers examine forensic science. In this video based lesson, students examine the tools and techniques of forensic science. They write a report about a fictional crime scene from the Discovery video.
Curated OER
Who Did It?
Students explore how forensic science is used in criminal investigations. They learn that for the next few days that are going to try to solve a crime that took place in the classroom. Students are given a story to read about the crime...
Curated OER
Earthquake Detector
Students investigate earthquakes and describe the interactions inside the Earth that cause them to occur. Then they research the equipment and systems for detection and measurement of earthquakes. Students also build and engage in a...
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Sarah Green Probate Record
The proof is in the probate record. Much can be learned about history by investigating old, primary source documents. Class members hone their detective skills by examing the 1759 probate record of Sarah Green. Who was this lady? Was she...
Explore Sound
Sound and Music
What causes sound? Groups of sound detectives use a variety of tools including ping pong balls, pasta noodles, raisins, rubber mallets, and a tuning fork to investigate what causes sound. The young Sherlocks conduct a series of...
Curated OER
Who Done It?
Pick and choose which activities to include in this crime scene investigation. Junior detectives can examine fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, or bone structure. The plan suggests you have teams solve a mystery, but it does not...
Learning to Give
Start Cleaning the Air
Advocate for the environment! With the short story included, learners are prompted to think about radon (the odorless and colorless gas) and possible ways to get donations or raise money to purchase detection equipment. The plan spans...
Curated OER
Fluorescence
Here are some instructions for leading learners through a hands-on activity for investigating ultraviolet radiation. First, introduce them to light and refraction. Then introduce them to the electromagnetic spectrum. Finally, give...