Unit Plan
SRI International

Performance Assessment Links in Science: Follow Those Tracks

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
This lesson plan requires students to make an inference (hypothesis) about two animals based on the tracks they leave behind. Students are asked to write a story explaining their inference.
Activity
National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California Santa Barbara

Kids Do Ecology: Data and Science

For Students 3rd - 8th
Learn about conducting your own investigation with these tips on following the scientific method. Find out how to state hypothesis, make observations, collect and analyze data, and display data to share results and conclusions of your...
Handout
Indiana University

Indiana University: Science vs. Non Science

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This mini-lesson at the Evolution and Nature of Science Institute site from Indiana University provides a criteria by which students can evaluate an idea or explanation for scientific credibility.
Handout
McGraw Hill

Glencoe Publishing: Practicing Scientific Processes

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Glencoe Publishing not only explains hypothesis but also tells how to design an experiment to test your hypothesis. Includes the difficult task of "Separating and controlling variables."
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Bloodstain Pattern Doesn't Lie

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students will formulate a hypothesis about the relationship (linear, direct, indirect, etc.) between the distance a drop of blood falls and the diameter of the splatter it makes. To test their hypothesis, the students will work...
Interactive
Quia

Quia: Nature of Science Scientific Method Concentration

For Students 3rd - 8th
Play a game of concentration by matching terms used in the scientific method to their proper description.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Investigating Rocks: Seeing Your School's Area

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this earth science lab, students will find, identify, and create a visual presentation of the rocks that are found around their school. They will determine the mass, volume, density, color, texture, and hypothesize what each rock is....
Website
Other

Open2.net: Ecosphere

For Students 9th - 10th
Designed by the Open University and the BBC, this website from Open2.net explores ecosystems. Included is a lengthy discussion on closed ecosystems and their importance to research, as well as a virtual ecosystem, an interactive showcase...
Unit Plan
Texas Education Agency

Texas Gateway: Physics: The Scientific Methods

For Students 10th - 12th
By the end of this section, you will be able to explain how the methods of science are used to make scientific discoveries; define a scientific model and describe examples of physical and mathematical models used in physics; and compare...
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...
Activity
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Curious George: Ramp N Roll Experiment

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Identify simple principles of physical science and engineering by exploring ramps and things that roll. Predict which items will slide or roll down a ramp and test your predictions.