PHET
Planet Designer: Retro Planet Red
What does the atmosphere on Mars look like? This fourth lesson in the series of five is designed for high schoolers. Scholars apply previous knowledge to add atmosphere to Mars in an online simulation. This comprehensive lesson includes...
Curated OER
Cell Communication
Students clarify common misconceptions about cells. They assess initial knowledge of cells and cell behavior, read and discuss an article and consider the role of cell communication in the diseases of diabetes, multiple sclerosis and...
University of Colorado
Can Photosynthesis Occur at Saturn?
In the 19th activity of 22, learners determine if distance from a light source affects photosynthesis. Participants capture oxygen in straws and find that the amount of water the gas displaces is proportional to the rate of photosynthesis.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Understanding the Greenhouse Effect
Dive into the power of the sun with a two-part activity. Budding scientists model the greenhouse effect in a hands-on activity, and then participate in a skit that explores the earth's energy balances and what really occurs in the...
Curated OER
Trash to Gas
Students experiment with biomass materials as alternative energy sources. In this biomass material lesson plan, students participate in an experiment with cow manure to determine how it can be used as an energy source. They record their...
It's About Time
Building a Motor/Generator Toy
Combine science and playtime with the final lesson in an innovative unit. Scholars apply everything they have learned in previous lessons to build their own motors/generators and use it in a toy of their own design.
Curated OER
Word Search
Here is a word search that has more educational value than most. After finding the 14 words that have to do with natural resources, learners must then use the words in context. They answer 14 questions on the second page of the...
Curated OER
Organ Systems
Students examine organisms that are composed of tissues, organs, and systems. They dissect a fetal pig and explore the assigned organs systems such as the skeletal, muscular, and circulatory organs. Students identify and explain their...
US Geological Survey
Water Cycle Poster
How many parts make up the water cycle? How many things on Earth rely on water as a system? Learn more about the water cycle in an informative and colorful poster. Print and hang, or project the graphic in the classroom for optimal use.
Science Friday
Make a Model Eardrum to Detect Sound Waves
Make sound waves visible with an experiment that asks middle schoolers to build a model ear drum using plastic bottles, rubber bands, plastic wrap, and sand-like substances.
Nuffield Foundation
Identifying the Conditions Needed for Photosynthesis
Budding biologists often ask how scientists know what they do about different topics. In the lab described here, they have a chance to find out first-hand about the requirements for photosynthesis. Three sequential investigations are...
Cornell University
Characterizing a Solar Cell
Young classes are sure to get a charge out of this lesson! Learners experiment with circuits of a solar cell. They practice determining current, voltage, and power for the circuit and maximize the voltage and current of the cell.
Curated OER
Walk a Mile for a Burger?
Young scholars are introduced to the pedometer, and use this tool to associate physical activity (physical energy) with calories burned (chemical energy). They comprehend the making and burning of energy.
Curated OER
Energize Your Future
Pupils consider the positive and negative aspects of alternative energy. For this physical science lesson, students consider the sources of energy they use everyday. Pupils compare alternative sources of energy and complete a...
Curated OER
20 Questions Energy Sources Scavenger Hunt for Energy Kids
In these scavenger hunt worksheets, students go to the 'Energy Facts' section of the Energy Information Administration Kids' Page web site. Students read through the different energy forms for renewable and nonrenewable energy. Students...
Curated OER
Structure of the Atom
In this atom worksheet, students review the structure of an atom. Students also explore radioactive elements and quarks. This worksheet has 10 fill in the blank, 6 true or false, 1 short answer, and 3 multiple choice questions.
Curated OER
String Telephone
Young scholars investigate sound as a form of energy. In this energy, forces, and sound lesson plan, students work in pairs to examine how sound travels through solid things as they construct a telephone exchange system using string and...
Curated OER
Light Travels As A Game
Pupils identify ways that light can travel and why. In groups, they develop an experiment to show that light can travel because it is a form of energy. They use this information and apply it to other forms of energy to end the...
Curated OER
Eating your Energy's Worth
Students calculate the amount of electrical energy used in a week in food units. They create ways to reduce energy use. Students discuss the different forms and sources of energy. They discuss how people use electrical energy to power...
Curated OER
Sugar and Light
Students connect starch to sugar as the storage form of energy. They find that no starch is produced in the plant without light. Students perform the old favorite of looking at starch deposition in geranium leaves using Lugol's iodine...
Curated OER
Cycling Energy
Fourth graders are introduced to how electricity is produced. In groups, they compare and contrast the linear production of energy with other forms of mechanical energy production. They try to make a turbine work acting like it is part...
Curated OER
Studying Photosynthesis
In this photosynthesis learning exercise, students conduct an experiment to show the making of starch in a plant's leaves during photosynthesis. Students complete 2 short answer questions.
Curated OER
How a Liquid Changes to a Gas
Second graders identify three forms of matter- solids, liquids, and gases with 100% accuracy. They observe water evaporating from an open container and water evaporating and condensing in a closed container. The students assess that a...
Curated OER
Learning the Basic Levers...One, Two, Three: Different Basic Arrangements Levers
Fifth graders read information about levers. They complete worksheets to summarize their learning. This instructional activity relies heavily on the Silver Burdett Ginn text, Science Discovery Works, Energy, Work, and Machines. The...