Curated OER
Outdoor Activities: Taking Science Outside
Students participate in various outdoor science activities to enhance their observation, classification, and analysis skills. In this outdoor instructional activity, students begin by observing a tree from a straightforward angle, then...
Curated OER
The Scientists’ Way
Students summarize the steps of the scientific method. In this life science lesson, students explain the importance of varying only one variable at a time. They analyze possible flaws in their experiment.
Curated OER
Contaminated Water
Young scholars review and use the steps in the scientific method to complete the experiment. In groups, they research the importance of water to plants and animals in their local area. They examine how water can become contaminated and...
Curated OER
Chemical Changes
Students explore chemical changes. in this lesson about the properties of chemical changes, students do experiments, observe, and record results. Students complete four experiments in order to observe chemical changes. In each experiment...
Curated OER
The Lepidoptera Project
Students are introduced to Scientific Inquiry and discover how to design an experiment that answers critical questions using butterflies as the topic. They design experiments that compare the number of species of butterflies in a vacant,...
Curated OER
Measurement: When Degrees Matter
Eighth graders record the temperature change of the beakers. In this general science lesson, 8th graders create their own data table for recording observations. They discuss experimental results and cite real life applications.
Curated OER
Taxonomic Keys
Seventh graders create their own dichotomous key. In this biology lesson, 7th graders classify animals based on their observable features. They explain how to use their dichotomous key.
Curated OER
Physical Difference and Classification
Students use a microscope and observation skills to compare and contrast several physical properties and develop a classification system.
Curated OER
pH Testing
Students explore the use of variables in the scientific method. They identify the dependent and independent variables through pH testing. Students construct graphs of their data and analyze their findings.
Curated OER
Can You See It, Touch It, Hear It?
Students develop and practice observational skills through lab activity.
Curated OER
Bungee Man Lab
Students explore the motion of a toy bungee jumper using the scientific method. They view a video of a bungee jumper and discuss what can be measured about a bungee jump. Students discuss the scientific mehtod and how to design an...
National First Ladies' Library
A Blessing in Disguise
Young scholars study the history of polio as well as a history of modern medicine, the history of alternative medicine and the role of the scientific method in each of these histories. They review the scientific method and research...
Curated OER
Leaarn to Think Like an Archaeologist
Students examine how to act as archaeologists by examining artifacts. The inquiry is meant to teach learners about analysis of ancient civilizations and scientific finds. Fossil evidence is also covered to make connection to the...
Curated OER
Spring Awakenings
Students observe changes in a selected tree bud/leaf during spring. They record changes in the bud/leaf using words, pictures and numbers. They understand that trees adapt to changes in temperature, light, and moisture by sprouting leaves.
Curated OER
Nature Notes
Students spend some time outdoors and record their observations of abiotic conditions, geologic surroundings and living organisms. They reflect and write about the experience of being observant in nature.
Curated OER
Cool! Awesome! What is it?
Students infer what a mysterious object is in a photo. In this inference instructional activity, students practice their scientific skills to identify what they see. Students enjoy solving the mysterious identity of objects and extending...
Curated OER
Touching Traits
Students describe objects using only their sense of touch. In this lesson plan on describing characteristics, students use only their sense of touch to describe an unseen object in a box. This lesson plan can be used an an introduction...
Curated OER
Help Save the Polar Bear
Learners use ice cubes to demonstrate how the polar ice caps are melting and how it effects the polar bears. In this polar bear lesson plan, the teacher explains how polar bears live on the north pole and how they are having trouble due...
Curated OER
Plant Motion: The Untold Secrets
Young scholars identify and categorize knowledge needed to design an experiment. They observe, recognize and describe the motion viewed. They document any changes caused by various solutions.
Curated OER
Science Experiments - The Low-down
Third graders discover the process thinking about science experiments, and why they are important. They work in small groups using incline planes and a small toy car to design one scientific question that can be answered through...
Curated OER
The Characteristics of Living Things
Eighth graders explore the characteristics of living things. In this living things lesson plan, 8th graders review as a class the cell theory and the characteristics of living things. They answer questions about how to determine if...
Curated OER
Schoolyard Field Guide
Fourth graders observe, plan, research, and create a field guide for the trees that are in their schoolyard. In this trees lesson plan, 4th graders make careful observations of what they see around their school and create a guide.
Curated OER
Applied Science - Science and Math Post-Lab
Students use scientific tools. In this Applied Science lesson, students investigate the use of scientific tools to enhance observation and discovery. Students indicate how each tool assists scientific work.
Curated OER
Bluebirds Project
For this bluebirds project worksheet, students are given directions on completing a project about bluebirds including measurements, scientific method questions, data entry, and more. Students complete 15 exercises.