Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rotation Sensor Challenge

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students participate in a challenge to construct a rotation sensor with the highest degree of accuracy and repeatability. They conduct computer analysis of their sensor using repeated trial.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stratigraphy -- Layers of Time in the Earth

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students are introduced to the process of stratification. Using the internet, they read about the Richard Beene archeological site near San Antonio. Using a map, they color code the different layers present at this site and answer...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Microbial Contaminants in Drinking Water

For Teachers 9th - 12th
When presented with three unopened bottles of water, pupils are asked to tell decide which one is contaminated with a microbe. Students work in small groups and role play being a Microbiologist, a patient, or a recorder. The patient is...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reservoir Activity

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Young scholars research the economic importance of the major reservoirs in Illinois. In groups, they manage a budget for one of the lakes to promote tourism in the area. They also work together to create advertisements.
Lesson Plan
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A Chance of a Life Time

For Teachers K - 4th
Learners view and discuss the painting A Narrow Escape, by Alfred Jacob Miller. They write their own narrative about a time they were either scared or frightened. They make sketches of that time and choose one to paint using watercolor.
Lesson Plan
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How Does Water Cause Weathering?

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the weathering process of water on rocks. They observe how water and friction from other rocks cause them to weather. Students discuss examine and discuss various rocks found on the playground, beach, etc. They...
Lesson Plan
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Predicting the Past

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners study how archaeologists record the past. They discuss archaeology and artifacts. They view a list of artifacts discovered by Marquette at the Illinois Village and answer questions regarding them. They complete a test about...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You Light Up My Life: Developing a Scientific Theory for What Fuels a Candle's Flame!

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine how candles work and how scientific theories are developed and tested. Students propose hypotheses about what is burning in a candle then perform tests in order to develop their scientific theory. After a teacher...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Effects of The Great Depression

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders discuss the unemployment trends of the 1920s-1930's. They look at it faces of the citizens that lived in the time period. Students work with visual clues to investigate about the living conditions during the Great...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using My Nasa Data To Determine Volcanic Activity

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students use NASA satellite data of optical depth as a tool to determine volcanic activity on Reunion Island during 2000-2001. They access the data and utilize Excel to create a graph that has optical depth as a function of time for the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mendellian Genetics

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Pupils describe the inheritance patterns other than simple dominance. They are taught how Mendel's principles apply to all organisms. Students review the use of Punnett Squares. They are taught the principles of probability and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Air in Soil Administration Procedures

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students study soil and its composition. In this soil composition lesson, students study examples of soil during several days of aeration. Students summarize their data, organize it, and must be able to explain their findings.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Heat Transfer and Pollution

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students perform computer simulations on air dispersion. In this chemistry lesson plan, students calculate energy transfer based on specific heat and temperature change. They explain the causes of smog.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock Identification Lab

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders compare and contrast the three different types of rock. For this earth science lesson, 8th graders classify rock samples according to their correct rock type. They design their own data collection table.
Lesson Plan
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Mineral Lab

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the physical properties of different minerals. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders explain the uses of minerals in their daily lives. They complete the mineral identification table during the lesson.
Lesson Plan
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Weather Instrument Use and Application

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders measure temperature, wind speed and pressure using Skymaster SM-28. For this earth science lesson, 8th graders collect data and record observations taken from outdoors. They explain why numerical values are different in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Weather Elements and Instruments

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders identify the different weather elements. In this earth science instructional activity, 8th graders explain the difference between relative humidity and dew point. They discuss the different instruments used to predict...
Lesson Plan
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Weather Forecasting Basics

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders analyze weather diagrams and weather maps. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders explain why it is important to know the weather. They complete a handout at the end of the lesson.
Lesson Plan
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Ecology: Adaptations

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders identify different types of adaptation in organisms. In this biology lesson plan, 8th graders explain how adaptation help organisms survive. They complete a worksheet at the end of the lesson plan.
Lesson Plan
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Wind Turbines

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Pupils build their own wind turbine. In this physics lesson, students calculate the power output of their wind turbines. They evaluate their design and make the necessary modifications.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Cycle

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students answer short answer questions about the water cycle and other cycles. For this water cycle lesson plan, students explore clouds, rain, evaporation, and more.
Lesson Plan
Read Works

Read Works: Predicting 1st Grade Unit

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
[Free Registration/Login Required] A two-instructional activity unit designed to teach students to make predictions and support them with details from the text. Lessons are based on the books Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes and No Roses...
Lesson Plan
Read Works

Read Works: Drawing Conclusions 3rd Grade Unit

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
[Free Registration/Login Required] A two-lesson unit on drawing conclusions through which students learn how to recognize the difference between implicit information and drawing conclusions. Students also learn to draw conclusions in...
Lesson Plan
Read Works

Read Works: 1st Grade Unit: Supporting Predictions

For Teachers 1st
[Free Registration/Login Required] A lesson utilizing the book No Roses for Harry! by Gene Zionin in which students make a prediction and then support it with details from the text. Ideas for direct teaching, guided practice, and...