Curated OER
Mass vs. Weight
Students explore physical science by conducting a measurement experiment. In this mass lesson, students identify the differences between mass and weight and define a list of other vocabulary terms. Students utilize electronic scales and...
Curated OER
Comparing Properties of Elements & Compounds
In this elements and compounds worksheet, students review the physical properties of different compounds and elements using websites for information. This worksheet has 1 graphic organizer and 1 short answer question.
Curated OER
Energize Your Future
Students consider the positive and negative aspects of alternative energy. In this physical science lesson, students consider the sources of energy they use everyday. Students compare alternative sources of energy and...
Curated OER
Studying with Chemical Compounds
Students create a foldable to help them remember topics on chemical compounds. In this physical science lesson, students differentiate ionic and covalent compounds. Given certain compounds, they identify whether it's ionic or covalent.
Curated OER
ChromaCool!
Fifth graders watch a video about physical and chemical changes. In groups, they participate in a variety of activities involving color. They write their observations in a journal. To end the lesson, they use a checklist to classify...
Curated OER
Is It There?
Students participate in a lesson designed to illustrate these concepts using simple materials. They use Science process skills to observe, measure, predict, make inferences, and communicate while completing the activity. Proper safety...
Curated OER
Solids, Liquids, and Gases
First graders explore the properties of matter. In this states of matter lesson, 1st graders conduct scientific investigations that require them to mix, cool, and heat objects in order to observe changes in the properties of matter.
Curated OER
Elements In Chemistry: Solids, Liquids and Gases
Young scholars investigate the kinetic-molecular theory. In this state of matter lesson plan, students consider the differences of melting glaciers, melting icebergs and investigate on what happens when submerged water melts.
Curated OER
Get to know H2O!
Students investigate scientific concepts and inquire about physical states of matter. The transition of water is considered and is easy to facilitate because of its abundance and often observed physical changes.
Curated OER
It's in the Bag!
Eighth graders measure temperature changes and make drawings of the interactions between matter and energy. By measuring the temperature students can conclude if there are changes in levels of energy.
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Curated OER
Science: Avalanche!
Eighth graders examine avalanches after reading excerpts from John Muir's book, "The Yosemite." In small groups, they conduct experiments with flour, sugar, and potato flakes representing different snow consistencies. Then, 8th graders...
Curated OER
To Float or Not to Float - A Lesson on Density
Students observe and experiment with the concept of density. This is done using a simple experiment that helps them to apply scientific principles of observation and proving a hypothesis.
Curated OER
Water in the Biosphere
Environmental explorers examine the campus and take note of living organisms. Introduce them to the biosphere and the questions of the day: How much water can be found in the biosphere? A slide show helps you along, and even contains a...
Curated OER
Water in Earth's Hydrosphere
Environmentalists test stream water for temperature, pH, and turbidity. Each group shares their information and then the class makes an overall evaluation of the water quality. A slide show sets the backdrop for the teaching portion and...
University of Minnesota
Dendritic Spines Lab
This is your brain on drugs ... literally! Your neuroscientists-in-training examine the evidence of drug use on the human brain and how neurons change their connectivity when altered by drugs. They then work together to create testing...
Science Matters
Oh Heron
Two teams—the environmentalists and herons—play four rounds of the game, Oh Heron. Using hand symbols to represent food, shelter, and water, players locate their match to produce more herons while those unmatched decompose.
SF Environment
Compost Tag
Composting is a great way to get children involved in recycling. First, they discuss how biodegradable products decompose to make compost. Then, they talk about what can and cannot be composted. They play a game similar to around the...
Curated OER
Physical Changes and the Water Cycle- Three
Third graders take note of the changes in the water level in a cup of water that is left out. Using a model of the water that depicts a lake and landscape that is being heated by a heat lamp, the students observe precipitation, and...
Curated OER
The Same But Different
Fourth graders identify the characteristics of a simple physical change. They describe objects by the properties of the materials from which they are made. Students discuss the different states of matter and their distinct physical...
Curated OER
The Physical Setting
Pupils study atoms and their protons and neutrons. In this physical setting lesson students work together to complete a lab activity.
Curated OER
Unknown Element Project
Pupils work with a partner to determine the identity of an unknown element based on given descriptions. Groups use classroom textbooks, encyclopedias, and science internet sites to identify their unknown element then write a report as...
Curated OER
Animal Classification Unit
Third graders study how to group animals by their physical characteristics. They examine how animals have adapted to have their needs met by the environment.
Curated OER
What's Happening in My World?
Students look for examples of chemical and physical changes in the world around them and complete "What's Happening in My World" worksheet.
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Students investigate the states of matter. In this physics lesson plan, students use water and ice to demonstrate the characteristics of a solid and liquid. Students record their observations as the state of the water changes.