Unit Plan
Vision Learning

Visionlearning: Ideas in Science: Theories, Hypotheses, and Laws

For Students 9th - 10th
Learning module looking at scientific explanations. Discussion covers theories and how they develop, some well-known theories and their origins, and how theories are revised and refined. Also, covers hypotheses and laws. The three...
Lesson Plan
University of California

University of California at Berkeley: Understanding Science: Poking Around

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students work in groups to develop an understanding of the size and shape of an object hidden beneath a plywood board, asking questions, testing their reasoning, and drawing conclusions, as scientists do. Students are never permitted to...
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Water on the Earth

For Teachers 11th - 12th Standards
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage discusses the processes of weathering and erosion, along with their effects. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and...
Article
Science Daily

Science Daily: Researchers Image Language Recovery After Stroke

For Students 9th - 10th
This article from ScienceDaily illustrates a recent medical study where researchers at Washington University have identified and imaged language areas of the brain in recovery after stroke.
Activity
University of Missouri

Microbes in Action: "There's Something Fishy": The Nitrogen Cycle

For Teachers 9th - 10th
An opportunity for students to experience the nitrogen cycle through observing daily changes in an aquarium. Students test the level of three nitrogen compounds to understand the process of nitrification. Lesson plan gives a lab...
Handout
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Intro to Photosynthesis

For Students 9th - 10th
Discussion of the conversion of light energy to chemical energy through the life-sustaining process of photosynthesis. Explores the reactions of photosynthesis, where they take place, and their ecological importance.
Website
Canadian Wildlife Federation

Hinterland Who's Who: Benefits of Wildlife

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the importance of wildlife in our lives. Look at the role of wildlife in natural processes, as well as in science, agriculture, and medicine. Also, discover how wildlife factors into the Canadian economy. Finally find out how...
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Education: Minerals, Crystals, and Gems

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Through this series of three lessons, students will gain an understanding of the basics of mineral science. In their investigation they will also work through the scientific process as they practice their observation skills, form...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Estimation Station

For Teachers 3rd - 5th Standards
During this lesson, students will learn the difference between estimation and guessing. Knowing how to estimate is an essential skill that will help students determine approximate totals as well as check the reasonableness of their...
Article
Famous Scientists

Famous Scientists: William Bayliss

For Students 9th - 10th
Meet the English physiologist known for his contributions and study of peptide hormone called secretin and the process of peristalsis.
Website
Other

Beyond Mannahatta: The Welikia Project

For Students 9th - 10th
The Welikia Project examined what the landscape of New York City looked like in 1609. Use the map to explore the city then and compare it to today. Provides a collection of thirteen lessons for upper elementary but which can be adapted...
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Observing Refraction of Light

For Students 9th - 10th
This video segment adapted from Shedding Light on Science illustrates how light changes speed, and thus direction, in a process known as refraction. Includes background reading and discussion questions. [2:05]