Curated OER
Lesson One: Lifting Latent Fingerprints
Crime scene investigators practice collecting fingerprints off of surfaces in order to compare them to an imaginary crime suspect's prints. Instructions for using graphite powder and a Zephyr brush to collect the evidence are outlined....
Curated OER
Alphabetical Order
Young scholars complete an online alphabet activity. In this alphabetical order instructional activity, students identify the list of words in alphabetical order. Young scholars discuss ordering using the alphabet and practice with the...
Cornell University
Sun or Water? or Both?
Over the course of 10 days, young scientists observe their cups of seed and soil—one that gets sun and water and one that gets no sun and only water. Then they reflect on the results of the experiment to determine if their hypothesis was...
Curated OER
What Parts Are There to a Plant?
Students explore botany by completing plant science worksheets. For this plant anatomy lesson, students examine real vegetables in class using magnifying glasses. Students identify the plants anatomy and complete worksheets discussing...
Curated OER
Particulate Matter: The Lorax
Students explore air pollution. In this ecology lesson plan, students participate in an experiment in which 5 numbered jar lids are placed outside. Students bring one lid a day in until all jars are inside. Dirt specks are counted,...
Curated OER
Summer Machines Activity: Cool Tools
Students examine and think about various tools in their surrounding environment to facilitate development of their primary observation and sorting skills. In this tool observation lesson, students first sort a variety of tools any way...
Curated OER
Be a "Peder-Reader" - A Discovery Activity
Students investigate millipedes. In this math and physics lesson plan, students examine the millipede's physical structure and characteristics by observing its behavior in given activities. Pupils will hypothesize whether they think the...
Curated OER
Micro-Organisms
Students investigate microscopic life by viewing video clips. In this organisms lesson, students view photographs and video clips on the internet of micro-organisms and discuss the harms and benefits of the creatures. Students complete...
Curated OER
What on Earth?
Second graders investigate the different living and nonliving things they can find on Earth. In this life science lesson, 2nd graders record their observations as they dig into the soil. They examine them under the magnifying glass and...
Curated OER
Dissecting Owl Pellets
Learners explore owl pellets. In this animal science lesson, students use owl pellet dissection kits to dissect one owl pellet. Learners use a magnifying glass to identify the foods that the owl ate.
Curated OER
Grocery Store
Students explore food and grocery stores. In this lesson plan 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...
Exploratorium
Pupil
Give pupils a magnifier, a mirror, and a flashlight so that they can examine their own pupils. As they shine a light on their eyes, the light is shone on how this structure dilates and contracts to control how much is allowed into the...
Curated OER
Moh's Hardness Test
Young geologists utilize Moh's hardness scale to help them correctly sort and classify different types of rocks. This lesson has everything you need, including an excellent example of the Mohs' Hardness Test, to successfully implement...
K-State Research and Extensions
Crystal Shapes
Of quartz I love geology! The chapter offers five activities at three different levels. It features hands-on activities that cover crystal shapes, cleavage and fracture, hardness scale, specific gravity, and mineral identification....
Curated OER
Measuring Permeability of Soil, Sand and Gravel
Students investigate the different materials in their environment. In this geology lesson, students collaborate in groups to examine the differences in sand, soil and gravel. Students utilize a magnifying glass or microscope and record...
Curated OER
Bug Hunt
Students strengthen observational skills by searching for insects in their home and classroom. In this observation lesson, students use magnifying glasses to classify what kinds of bugs were found. Students then create a bar graph to...
Curated OER
Take a Hike!
Learners explore the benefits of staying active by going on a hike. In this physical education lesson, students discuss the concept of a hike, where a good place to hike is and what types of foods are necessary to stay nourished....
Curated OER
All About Me
This is an awesome resource for any elementary or middle school teacher about to start a new school year! This resource includes an extensive list of activities for introducing the members of your class to each other. Some of the ideas...
American Chemical Society
Changing State: Condensation
When you have a cold drink and you notice the water forming on the outside, it is literally pulling the water from the surrounding air to form the condensation. After watching a demonstration of condensation forming on a glass,...
Curated OER
Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
The Green Education Foundation found that this lesson plan, written by the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, is right up their alley when it comes to teaching sustainability. It is ideal as a first lesson plan on photovoltaic...
Curated OER
Animal Homes
Match animals to their environments with a cute lab activity. Kids draw a line between each animal, such as a fish, a rabbit, and an ant, to the place where it lives. For hands-on practice, a science investigation instructs learners to...
Curated OER
The Life Cycle of a Butterfly
A well-designed instructional activity on the life cycle of the butterfly is here for you. In it, young scientists spend 45 minutes a day, for one school week, engaged in their study. They take nature walks, participate in activities in...
Curated OER
Spider Watching
Spiders are creepy, crawly - and interesting! Young entomologists learn about parts of a spider's body, their habitats, ways spiders catch their prey, and what they most like to eat. Some excellent art activities are included in the plan...
Curated OER
Investigating Fingerprints
Pupils study the individuality of fingerprints. In this fingerprint lesson, students determine that each person has a unique set of fingerprints. They rub their fingertips with soft pencil lead and rub the print off on a piece of tape....