Cornell University
Diffraction Demystified
Study diffraction patterns using CDs and DVDs! Scholars measure the diffraction patterns of a light wave as it hits a CD or DVD. Using the information, they can measure the distance between the tracks.
Curated OER
Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly
Students identify the stage of the butterfly's life cycle. In this life cycles lesson, students create a KWL chart about monarch butterflies. Students observe monarch caterpillars in an aquarium and identify the various stages of growth.
Science Friday
Ugh, a Bug!
Young entomologists familiarize themselves with the physical characteristics of insects. Composed of two activities, each lesson involves your scientists tapping into their prior knowledge of bugs and making observations of real live...
Museum of Disability
Taking Visual Impairment to School
What is the world like when you can't see, or when your vision is impaired? Learn about how Lisa communicates with the world around her with Taking Visual Impairment to School by Rita Whitman Steingold. Learners answer discussion...
National Park Service
The Young Naturalist
Beginning with a brief history of our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, then followed by a discussion of his interest in nature, young scientists take to the outdoors to locate and observe local plants and insects. Scholars return to...
Curated OER
Microscopy
In this microscope worksheet, students complete 15 review questions of labeling, defining and short answer after finishing a compound microscope lab. Lab included.
Curated OER
Bones
Fifth graders observe real bones and models to learn about the structure and function of the skeletal system. In this skeletal system lesson plan, 5th graders manipulate objects and models of bones. They handle real bones and determine...
Curated OER
2.4: Metamorphic Rocks
Second graders work with material to simulate changes caused by both heat and pressure. They assimilate what they learned learned in past lessons to explain the rock cycle.
Curated OER
Garbage in the Garden
Students create their own compost. In this soil lesson, students fill a bag with waste and soil, in order to create a mini compost bin. Students observe the baggies over a 6 week period, they record their findings and collect data on...
Curated OER
Teaching Kids about the Environment
Fifth graders identify the species of plants and animals found in an environment. They compare these findings to plant and animal species found in an unlike environment. Students acquire and compare soil samples from the two sites chosen.
Curated OER
The Watershed Quest
Students examine their connection to local watersheds. They describe the water cycle and list species living in their local watershed. They also draw a map of their community.
Curated OER
Panning for Gold and Magnetite
Students pan for minerals in a stream and discover why magnets attract magenitite but not nonmagnetic grains. They participate in the actual panning process and bag samples to be examined in class. Students recognize minerals by color...
Curated OER
Germination: Name that Seed
Students investigate seeds, flowers and germinating seeds. In this germination lesson plan, students observe a stalk of corn, a corn seed, Gladiolas and glass jars containing germinating sees and plants. Students answer 8 questions...
Curated OER
Capturing Watershed Experiences
Learners observe organisms found in the water. For this lesson on organisms, students collect water from local streams and tributaries in order to study the organisms found in the water. As a culminating activity, learners create a...
Curated OER
The Microscope and Cell
In this science worksheet, students calculate the size of different samples using the microscope as part of a formal lab assignment.
Scholastic
Minibeasts
Lead young scientists to discover insects outdoors. After investigating, students will record observations, learn about these fascinating creatures, craft, and role play.
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...
Curated OER
Geometry: Practical Applications of the Distance Formula
Students, working independently and in groups, apply the distance formula to practical situations. After solving various problems, students in pairs design coordinate planes from the school blue print to measure the distance from the...
Curated OER
Saving Makes Cents
Young scholars identify ways families save money. In this financial lesson, students read the book A Chair for My Mother and discuss ways to save money. Young scholars identify coin values and practice counting money.
Curated OER
Fingerprints
Students analyze their fingerprints. In this fingerprint lesson, students make prints and observe the patterns for arches, loops, and whorls. They write a brief autobiography about themselves titled "I'm Thumbody."
Curated OER
Observation Challenge
Fourth graders, in groups, use observation skills at 12 stations and describe what they see.
Curated OER
Jack and the Beanstalk: Plant a Bean and Watch It Grow
Students plant bean seeds, watch them grow, and measure them with non-standard objects. They describe the bean's growth in a journal and record the growth on a calendar.
Curated OER
Matter
Third graders are introduced to the topic of matter. As a class, they brainstorm what they already know about matter and its properties. After completing a worksheet, they participate in an experiment in which they observe matter in...
Curated OER
Fish Parasite Survey
Pupils count nematodes, cestodes and crustaceans on approximately one-hundred and fifty fish. They fill out autopsy reports for external and internal parasites then complete and discuss guide questions to make inferences about parasite...