Curated OER
Making Cents of Density
Middle schoolers utilize their knowledge of the physical properties of matter such as mass, volume, and density to solve a problem. They utilize the scientific method to solve a problem. Pupils analyze their data to determine whether...
Curated OER
The Mozart Effect
Students develop a concept of why skepticism is important in science by looking at actual scientific studies regarding the effect of playing Mozart's music to infants. They record a journal of their inner thoughts and feelings while...
Curated OER
Strings and Things: An Investigation into pH
Students test the pH of everyday substances. In this chemistry lesson, students test the pH of household substances using litmus paper to classify substances as acids or bases, then use pH to test the validity of the claim that dock...
Curated OER
Rain Forests
Middle schoolers investigate claims of medicinal plants found in the rain forest. In this research skills lesson plan, students examine the validity of Internet sources as they visit websites in search of information about rain forest...
Channel Islands Film
The Legendary King of San Miguel: Lesson Plan 3 - Grades 9-12
The documentary, The Legendary King of San Miguel Island, introduces the fascinating tale of Herb Lester, his family, and their life on San Miguel Island. Viewers have an opportunity to expand their study of the island and of Lester's...
Channel Islands Film
Santa Cruz Island - Writing for Information
After re-viewing a documentary segment on the restoration of Santa Cruz Island,, individuals craft an essay in which they compare the views of the various stake holders featured in the video and identify the point of view they find the...
Cornell University
Light Waves: Grades 9-12
Explore the behavior of light waves with a lab activity. Scholars build new vocabulary through experimentation and observation. Using different mediums, they model reflection, refraction, transmission, diffusion, and scattering of light.
Discovery Education
Cool It!
Adjust the melting time of ice without varying the temperature! Learners experiment with different materials to decide how the materials affect the rate an ice cube melts. They then connect their findings to the conductivity of each...
Curated OER
Evidence of Evolution by Natural Selection - Testable Hypotheses
The factors that affect selection and evolution are investigated here. Information about some common ancestry examples are given but with no real scientific evidence. This presentation is very obvious in making biased claims about...
Curated OER
A Scientific Approach to Teaching about Evolution
Middle schoolers examine fossils and analyzing their significance in relation to theories of evolution. Hand-outs are provided. This lesson could be supplementary to a broader unit on evolution or geology.
Curated OER
Listerine: Miracle Liquid or Product in Search of a Purpose?
High schoolers analyze and research the claims of Listerine advertisements and commercials. They observe commercials and ads, then participate in numerous activities to determine the credibility of the claims made by Listerine. ...
Curated OER
Science: Handwritten Personality
Pupils watch an episode of "Frontiers" and discover the scientific basis for handwriting analysis. In the video, they discover how size, shape, and slant of handwriting suggest personality traits. After a discussion, students offer...
Curated OER
U.S. History: de Soto's Alternate Route
Eighth graders examine various maps associated with Hernando de Soto's expedition. By comparing their textbook maps with newer maps, they answer a battery of focus questions. Using Microsoft Word, 8th graders answer the questions...
Curated OER
Dissecting Diets
Students practice making comparisons and evaluating claims regarding different suggested dietary plans using their knowledge of Biological, scientific facts. This lesson can be accomplished individually, in small groups, or in a think,...
Curated OER
Hoodia Hoodoo
Students assess the credibility of various Internet sites that advertise and review Hoodia weight-loss products. They review news stories on Hoodia products and compare to the claims made by advertisers of Hoodia. Each student also...
Curated OER
Introduction to Inventions
Fourth graders construct an invention to the best of their creative ability using the teacher provided resources. They identify four scientific processes during the experiment and log them on the teacher prepared ditto.
Curated OER
Introduction to Science
Seventh graders investigate scientific methods to solve problems. They demonstrate creating data tables and graphs. They study the role of a scientist and the importance of safety in a science lab. They distinguish between an...
Curated OER
Media Lessons Help Students to Better Understand Persuasive Language
Beginning a media unit by taking a closer look at advertising, and persuasive techniques can keep students engaged.
Cornell University
Fibers, Dyes, and the Environment
Nanofibers can be made through electrospinning or force spinning in order to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Pupils study the role of fibers and dye on the environment through a series of five hands-on activities. Then,...
Curated OER
Creature Seekers
Does it actually exist? Consider the sighting of a giant squid, much like the one that appears in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Middle and high schoolers read the article One Legend Found, Many Still to Go, and research other mysterious...
Personal Genetics Education Project
DNA, Crime and Law Enforcement
Civil rights meets biotechnology in a instructional activity that scrutinizes the collection of DNA of citizens who have been arrested, but not yet convicted of a crime. Real-life cases are examined in which the DNA of a relative was...
Cornell University
Shedding a "Little" Light on Cancer Surgery
Many types of cancer treatments now depend on nanotechnology—a big "little" discovery. Scholars begin by removing "malignant" tissue from simulated brains, one using fluorescent markers thanks to nanotechnology and one without. This...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Patterns in the Distribution of Lactase Persistence
We all drink milk as babies, so why can't we all drink it as adults? Examine the trend in lactase production on the world-wide scale as science scholars analyze and interpret data. Groups create pie charts from the data, place them on a...
Curated OER
Perceived Risks
Students rank a list of everyday risks to compare with classmates. They rate each risk on both its ability to be controlled and its observability in the environment. Results are graphed.