Computer Science Unplugged
Beat the Clock—Sorting Networks
Can multiple computers sort a list faster than one? Using a network drawn with chalk outside, groups move through the decision network to sort numbers. A series of extension questions come with the lesson and can be used in the same...
Computer Science Unplugged
The Muddy City—Minimal Spanning Trees
What is the most efficient way to ensure everyone is connected? Individual pupils determine the least expensive route to pave roads in a fictional city. In doing so, they learn to find the minimal spanning tree for the situation. They...
Computer Science Unplugged
Ice Roads–Steiner Trees
As an introduction to Steiner Trees, class members are challenged to find the shortest paths to connect multiple points. The teacher introduces the problem by showing how to connect three points. Groups then go outside and construct a...
University of Rhode Island
The Interactive Boston Computer Museum Tour
Fifth graders use the Internet to use an interactive program which helps them explain the Internet better. They take a tour of a computer museum and focus on how the Internet works through an exhibit.
Curated OER
Sextant Solutions
Students explore ways a sextant can be a reliable tool that is still being used by today's navigators and how computers can help assure accuracy when measuring angles. This activity will show how computers can be used to understand...
Curated OER
Mapping Meteorites
After reading an article, "Cameras Capture a 5-Second Fireball and Its Meteorite's Secrets," space science superstars use the triangulation method to determine the location of a distant object. In-class activities and homework are...
Curated OER
Science: When Autumn Leaves Fall
Students conduct Internet research to discover the reason why leaves change color in autumn. On a nature walk around school grounds, they collect leaves of various colors and shapes over a three-week period. finally, students select...
Curated OER
Foliage Tracker
Young scholars discuss the change of leaf colors and the role that climate and elevation play in those changes. They then track leaf changes, input data, and graph foliage changes with a free online tool.
Curated OER
Forensics 101
Students interpret how to communicate information and ideas in ways that are appropriate to the purpose and audience through spoken, written, and graphic means of expression. They use information-gathering techniques, analyze and...
Curated OER
Going with the Flow
Learners survey each other and determine their common interests. They examine the use of algorithms by various websites that are used to develop networks of interest groups among users. They then design proposals for a social networking...
Curated OER
Tell Us All: Tools for Integrating Math and Engineering
What a scam! Middle and high schoolers pose as journalists exposing consumer fraud. In this lesson, they write an article for a magazine using data collected during previous investigations (prior lessons) to defend their findings that a...
Teach Engineering
Windy Tunnel
Lift—it is about the wing's attack. Using a virtual wind tunnel, pupils investigate wing shape and angle of attack. Learners use worksheets to record their observations and to convert verbal relationships into mathematical equations in...
Curated OER
TE Activity: A Tornado in My State?
Students study data about tornadoes in the United States while completing a worksheet. They develop a bar graph showing the number of tornadoes for the top ten states in the US. They find the median and mode of the data set.
Teach Engineering
Stay in Shape
Using their knowledge of right triangles, pupils find out how far a ship is from a light house. Class members determine how far around the world a ship would be sailing at a constant speed.
Curated OER
Lego Robotics: Measuring Speed
Students build and program a LEGO robotic car as well as measure and graph its speed. They acquire familiarity with principles of construction, motion, design and problem solving. They compare a robot's speed over two different surfaces...
Curated OER
Botanical Discoveries
Sixth graders examine the Lewis and Clark Expedition. For this plant discovery lesson, 6th graders put in chronological order the plant discoveries of Lewis and Clark. Students understand the characteristics of leaves and find the area...
Curated OER
Completing the Circuit
Students use a battery, wires, small light bulb and a light bulb holder to learn the difference between an open circuit and a closed circuit, and understand that electric current only occurs in a closed circuit. They describe the...
Curated OER
Once in a Blue Moon
Third graders identify the phases of the moon. They use technology to access websites on the Internet dealing with the moon.
Curated OER
Finding the Average Temperature
Students calculate averages. In this average temperature lesson, students collect data and use their problem solving skills to calculate average temperatures.
Curated OER
Linear and Exponential Growth
Students explore the concept of linear and exponential growth. In this linear and exponential growth lesson, students collect data about China's population. Students model the data to determine if it is linear or exponential.
Curated OER
Sorting
Students sort a variety of manipulatives and use a software program that provides more sorting practice.
Curated OER
Air Born
Students make wings that produce enough lift to fly a hand held styrofoam glider.
Curated OER
Wildlife, Wolves, Endangered Species
Middle schoolers use the Internet to research wildlife and conservation efforts. They examine pictures and graphics to research endangered species and humans role in their lives. They also use math to measure areas of habitats and add...
Curated OER
Surveys
Students collect data from middle school survery. They tabulate percentages by grade level. They create a graph to display the survey results.