Curated OER
What Does Your "Homunculus" Look Like?
Students investigate the density of touch receptors in various parts of the body. They discover how the body senses various stimuli, then maps a picture of the "homunculus" of the experimental subject.
Curated OER
Live Well Now to Live Longer Later
Ninth graders select a topic to research, completing the sentence, "Are the effects of _______ really that detrimental to one's health?" They record information in a journal, including sources of information. Students work in groups with...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Save the Dinosaurs with Copper and Zinc!
Create a coat of armor for dinosaur volunteers. Young scientists explore the oxidation-reduction reaction facilitated by electric current. The result of the reaction is a dinosaur coated in copper and zinc, which leads to an...
Curated OER
Are Enzymes Specific for Their Substrates?
Students discover enzyme to substrate specificity. The experiment uses samples of glucose and lactose in combination with the enzyme lactase. Students observe the reaction between the lactose and the lactase; the lack of a reaction...
Curated OER
Activities of the Immune System (Activity 1)
Students cut an apple in half and cover half with plastic wrap. They place drops of liquid on each half and discover how our skin protects us. They answer discussion questions to end the activity.
Curated OER
What a Waste!
Fourth graders explore the kidney, bladder, and function of the excretory (urinary) system.
Curated OER
Infectious Diseases
Eighth graders identify and explain how infectious diseases effect organ systems. Using an analogy with automobiles and body systems, they discover how one part influences the operation of the whole. Students write paragraphs about...
Curated OER
Physical Principles in Living Systems
Seventh graders experiment with white light, plane mirrors, and curved mirrors in order to demonstrate the physical principles of living systems. In this physical principles lesson plan, 7th graders take 3 days to discover what happens...
Curated OER
The Brain Reflex System And How It Works
Students explore reflexes. For this biology lesson plan, students discover the basic facts about the reflex systems of the brain as they take part in hands-on activities.
Curated OER
Applied Science - Science and Math Lab (read without sight)
Students consider the senses. In this sight and touch instructional activity, students discover what it is like to function like a person who is blind. They work in groups and individually on various activities to experience this...
Curated OER
Portable Sundial
Middle schoolers work together to identify the accuracy of sundials. They track the position of the sun and create a shadow plot. They discover the difference between real time and clock time.
Curated OER
Science: Entomology in Action
Students discover how coroners use insect life cycles to estimate the time of death in cases. they describe how forensic entomologists combine environmental factors with insect life cycles to note the changes. Students examine an...
Curated OER
Microbiology Design Challenge
High schoolers discover dangers to human health by researching what's in our drinking water. In this water purification instructional activity, students discuss the conditions of water in undeveloped countries and why it is unsafe to...
Curated OER
What is the Relationship Between DNA and Cancer?
Students examine the structure and functions of DNA. They discover the effects radon has on one's DNA and how it leads to cancer. They discuss why DNA is so important to us.
Curated OER
Studying Plant Development Through Metabolic Activity
A hands-on activity which allows students to learn about cellular respiration. This lesson contains a range of investigations testing the rates of cellular respiration to demonstrate the relationship between metabolic rates of...
Curated OER
The Microscope
In this microscope instructional activity students explore the compound light microscope. Students discover techniques concerning cleaning, storage and proper use of the microscope. Students discover the working parts of the compound...
Curated OER
Movement, it's FUN-damental!
Students discover how muscles work. In this biology lesson, students explain the causes of fatigue and muscle soreness. They create graphs and compare results with their classmate.
Curated OER
Genetics, Heredity, Environment
High schoolers are introduced to the concept of genetics. In groups, they discover how traits are passed down from generation to generation. To end the lesson, they determine which trait they got from each parent and review how a cell...
Curated OER
Anatomy
Fifth graders identify and describe the functions of the major body systems. They discover how to maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise. They answer comprehension questions to end the lesson.
Curated OER
Pond 1: Pond Life
Learners work together to investigate familiar and unfamiliar ecosystems. Using the internet, they discover how different organisms use their environment to satisfy their needs. They also examine the relationshiops between organisms...
Curated OER
Different Types of Orange Juice Contain the Same Amounts of Vitamin C?
Students measure and compare the amount of vitamin C in orange juice samples. They discover the effects of different factors on the concentration of vitamin C. They participate in an experiment to test the orange juice.
Curated OER
Spreadsheets - WP9/Quattro Pro
Learners discover spreadsheet applications using Quattro Pro. They demonstrate basic knowledge and application of hardware, software, and Internet use. They recognize and appreciate the value of recording keeping, data input and data...
Garden Earth Naturalist Club
Parts of a Flower! Flower Dissection
Sometimes the best way to learn about plants is to see the different parts of a plant yourself. Groups of learners dissect flowers to answer questions about what they observe and what they wonder about their flower.
Cornell University
Thinking with the Eyes
Objects are larger (or smaller) than they appear! Scholars use a laboratory investigation to explore the difference between resolution and magnification. The activity allows them to calculate the size of the field of view of their light...