Curated OER
Stream Study
Students study the characteristics of a stream habitat. In this life science lesson, students use sieves, nets, and jars to collect aquatic organisms. Students also measure the temperature of the stream and calculate the speed of the...
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Seed Sorting
Students examine and sort seeds. In this life science lesson plan, students make general observations of a tub of seeds, then develop sorting criteria for sorting the deeds. Lesson includes extension activities.
Curated OER
Scientific Method and Crystal Growth
Learners conduct a hands-on experiment growing crystals to demonstrate the nature of science as inquiry. They discuss and test variables that affect crystal growth. They research mineral crystallization and mineral formation on the...
Curated OER
Asphalt Lab
Students are introduced to basic engineering principles, road construction and material science. They explore how material properties and strength can be affected. Students become Civil Engineers by both creating Asphalt cookies and by...
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Sedimentary Rocks
Fourth graders discuss the basic properties of rocks, the processes
involved in the formation of soils, and the needs of plants provided by soil. They write descriptions in their Science journal and identify and discuss each type of...
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The Magic School Bus Spins a Web
Students learn along with Ms. Frizzle's class. In this Magic School Bus lesson plan, students explore the world of spiders as they travel into a science fiction film to learn the truth about spiders.
Curated OER
This Can't be a Plant
Students grow mold. In this science experiment instructional activity, students grow mold on different pieces of bread by adjusting the moisture, temperature, and light. They record the results to see which grows the most mold.
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Activity Plan 5-6: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!
Young scholars become entomologists for a day. In this life science lesson, students go on an insect hunt and investigate insects and their homes. This leads to the creation of an insect by each student. Lesson includes a take-home...
Curated OER
Nanaotechnology: Small Science, BIG DEAL!
Students read an article that introduces them to the science and applications of nanotechnology. They discuss the the everyday examples of how nanotechnology is and can be used. In small groups, they observe and make inferences about...
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Applied Science-Science and Math Lab
Learners explore magnification. In this scientific observation skills lesson plan, students observe sea life items and draw pictures of what they observe. Learners predict which lens will have the strongest magnification when given three...
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Science: Suddenly Snow
Students engage in snow-related activities during the first winter snowfall. After explaining the elements needed for it to snow, they preserve snowflakes on frozen slides and observe them under a microscope. Then, they write diamante...
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Capturing Light: The Science of Photography
Young scholars create their own cameras to understand how artists use light to capture an image in a photograph. In this light lesson plan, students use tape, wax paper, rubber bands, and more to create their cameras.
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Bug Hunt
Students strengthen observational skills by searching for insects in their home and classroom. In this observation lesson, students use magnifying glasses to classify what kinds of bugs were found. Students then create a bar graph to...
Virginia Department of Education
Weather Patterns and Seasonal Changes
Get your class outside to observe their surroundings with a activity highlighting weather patterns and seasonal changes. First, learners take a weather walk to survey how the weather affects animals, people, plants, and trees during...
Art Institute of Chicago
Color Combinations
Explore color through an examination of pointillism and light. Class members view Georges Seraut's famous painting on a computer, zooming in and out to see the details and effects of the technique. They then cover how light and color are...
Curated OER
Germination: Name that Seed
Learners investigate seeds, flowers and germinating seeds. In this germination lesson plan, students observe a stalk of corn, a corn seed, Gladiolas and glass jars containing germinating sees and plants. Learners answer 8 questions...
Curated OER
Cells: The Units of Life
In this cells activity, 9th graders identify and use a microscope to look at cells. They explain the purpose for a microscope and how to find the total magnifying power of a microscope. Students also determine what would cause an image...
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Scientific Tools
Students list different uses for common scientific instruments. They identify appropriate instruments to measure length, temperature, and mass. Pupils are given a copy of the "Science Tools" task sheet, students place the correct number...
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Plants and Animals
Students discuss the different types of plants and animals in a local environment. In this science lesson, students name some plants and animals understanding that they require different habitats to live. Students use computers to...
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Crickets Guided Discovery
Sixth graders investigate insect anatomy by analyzing a live cricket. For this insect science lesson, 6th graders discuss their knowledge of insects and describe their characteristics from memory. Students observe live crickets in...
Computer Science Unplugged
Drawing Lines with Pixels
How do the computers keep it straight? Using the provided algorithms, class members draw a line and a circle using pixels. They then check the drawings using a straight edge and compass to determine the accuracy of their drawings.
Curated OER
Organism Detectives
First graders take a nature walk and search for organisms. They use magnifying glasses to see things that live on or near the surface of the Earth in land, air, and water.
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Moh's Hardness Test
Young geologists utilize Moh's hardness scale to help them correctly sort and classify different types of rocks. This lesson has everything you need, including an excellent example of the Mohs' Hardness Test, to successfully implement...
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The Rock Cycle
Third graders, in groups, examine soil samples with magnifying glasses. They discuss the living and non-living things they find in their soild samples.