Teach Engineering
Inside the DNA
Get your class to take a closer look at DNA. Pupils conduct research to determine the methods used by scientists to analyze the molecular structure of DNA. The class members investigate different types of molecular imaging along with gel...
Curated OER
Brine Shrimp Life Cycle
Third graders examine brine shrimp through "A Sea Monkey's Life" story. They study the living environments and life cycle of brine shrimp. They look at brine shrimp and cysts through a microscope, identifying new vocabulary that was...
Curated OER
Applied Science -Technology (6B) Pre Lab
Sixth graders discuss how simple machines overcome friction. In this simple machine lesson, 6th graders review the parts of a plane and how they make up for gravity and friction. They roll different objects down an inclined board...
Curated OER
Exploring Magnification and the Micro-world
Students examine what magnification is and does. In this microscope and magnification instructional activity, students listen to a reading of Greg's Microscope by Millicent E. Selson which explains what a microscope does. They talk about...
Curated OER
The Cell: Unit of Life
Students identify the parts of plant and animal cells, how samples can be obtained and what the differences are.
Curated OER
The Energy of Life in Zebrafish
Young scholars study the stages of development of an unknown organism. In this zebrafish lesson, students examine and collect data as they use microscopes to view a zebrafish embryo.
Curated OER
Pond 2: Life in a Drop of Pond Water
Students observe organisms found in pond water with a microscope. In groups, they discuss how single-celled organisms satisfy their needs for food, water and air. They compare and contrast the needs of macroscopic and microscopic...
Curated OER
Waterworks
Students investigate the water quality of a river. In this water quality lesson plan, students use microscopes, probing devices, and global positioning systems to determine water quality and create presentations on it.
Curated OER
Classification of an Echinoderm
Students study starfish through dissection. In this biology lesson plan, students explore the lives of starfish as they view a slide show, observe parts of echinoderms, and compare the classification of the starfish with other...
Curated OER
Build-A-Horseshoe Crab
Students discover many facts about horseshoe crabs. Students identify the main body parts of horseshoe crab. They explore the habits of the horseshoe crab and their importances to the ecosystem. Adaptations for younger students are...
Curated OER
Comparing Animal and Plant Cell Structure
Students work as a team to use the ProScope Digital USB Microscope and a computer to collect microscopic images from a variety of organisms. When they compare these specimens, they are able to determine how they are alike and different...
Curated OER
Cell Division
Students describe the cell cycle. They make a connection between DNA replication and cell division. Students describe the parts of the cell that participate in cell division and the steps of cell division.
Texas State University
Earth: Deposition and Lithification
Geology geniuses analyze sediment samples with a hand lens and sort according to physical characteristics. They also learn about the processes of cementation, compaction, and lithification within the rock cycle. The lesson plan is...
Curated OER
Observation and Discovery
Students explore the basic skills guiding sound scientific invvestigation and methodology. They are introduced to a powerful scientific tool-the microscope. Students review the parts of the microscope. They discuss the inventor of the...
Curated OER
Seeing the Cell as a System
High schoolers explain how the components of a cell operate as a system. Students examine a bicycle and find out if parts were arranged differently, could the system still be carried out. They look at cells as well and see what...
Curated OER
A Bug's Journey
Students examine the artwork of John Baldessari that was inspired by a 16th century drawing of a beetle. They analyze a drawing of a beetle, discuss the insect's characteristics, and write a story from the perspective of a bug. Also,...
Curated OER
Root Caps and the Effect on Gravity Sensing
Students conduct an experiment to determine how the absence of a root cap affects a plant's ability to sense gravity. They make comparisons between capped and decapped roots.
Curated OER
Creating Coacervates
Students create and observe coacervates. In this origin of life lesson, students create coacervates by mixing carbohydrate and protein solutions. They observe the life-like qualities of the structures and discuss the origin of life.
Curated OER
Fossil Impressions of Ancient Life
Students make a mold using Plaster of Paris and then make a cast using that same mold. They pick a fossil and describe how it looks. They write a fictionalized story about its life, or burial. (
Curated OER
The Microscope
In this microscope lesson students explore the compound light microscope. Students discover techniques concerning cleaning, storage and proper use of the microscope. Students discover the working parts of the compound light microscope as...
Kenan Fellows
Microorganisms in Pond Water
That is living in the water? Groups of two to three view pond water with microscopes in order to find microorganisms. They draw pictures of the ones they find in their slides. The groups compare their drawings to pictures of common...
Read Theory
Analogies 3 (Level 6)
Positive and negative may be opposites, but what does that have to do with the words clean and filthy? Ask your pupils to consider word relationships as they complete the 10 analogies presented here. Note that the exercise gradually...
Curated OER
Let's Learn About Lettuce
Students learn more about lettuce. In this agriculture activity, students listen to their instructor lecture about the history of lettuce. Students then participate in an activity that requires them to compare and contrast iceberg...
Curated OER
Using A Winogradsky Column to Analyze Microbial Communities
Students use easily obtained materials to study ecological succession in a microbiological community. This investigation is appropriate for a variety of age groups. Elementary Students be fascinated by the changes occurring over time...