Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA-B-C's

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars review what they already know about DNA. After reading an article, they discover a new technique to map the course of evolution. In groups, they create ways to present this material to younger children and research DNA's...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Case for Space

For Teachers 6th - 12th
In this lesson, students share what they know about gravity and flight, and then develop marketing strategies promoting careers in aerospace to young people. Using what they have learned, they then write recommendation letters to the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Destination Red Planet

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore reasons why people are interested in exploring other planets. After reading an article, they identify developments in the mission to Mars. Using the internet, they research the history of exploring Mars and create a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

I Wish I Were a Butterfly

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Learners inquire about biology by reading a children's book in class. In this insect lesson plan, students read the story "I Wish I Were a Butterfly" and identify the unique characteristics of butterflies and other insects. Learners...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You Have All the Answers

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the concept of theories in science while examining the theory of evolution. They conduct research and participate in a discussion about current issues in science culminating in the creation of question and answer pamphlets.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

We Are All In This Together

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students complete a variety of activities centering around insects. In this insects education lesson, students read People by Peter Spier and discuss the similarities and differences among people. Students gather and explore materials...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cooking Up an Explanation

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students pose scientific questions about food items and research their explanations. They then create recipe cards with the answers and present their findings in a cooking show format.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shedding New Light

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars consider why photographs in space might not show stars and research the importance of light in this phenomenon. They research other scientific processes related to light or its absence and create "How It Works" posters...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Crash Test Smarties

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students share hypotheses about the variables needed to produce a collision between two moving objects. They simulate the impact of a moving object on an object that creates a spray of debris, and simulate a NASA Deep Impact study.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Does Your KinderGarden Grow

For Teachers K - 5th
Learners find forecast and graph weather by using WeatherBug site, create flower books by using Wiggleworks, and plant radish seeds both on KidPix and in class garden.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Something Fishy?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students try to draw and identify a jellyfish from a physical description. After reading an article, they discover new information about cnidarians. In groups, they research and develop dioramas about a specific cnidarian species. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Elements 'R' Us

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders participate in a Web Quest in order to examine the periodic table of elements. After collecting information about an element of their choice, they share with group members what they have learned. Groups create class...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Disasters: An Adventure in Non-Fiction

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students study different natural disasters.  In this natural disaster lesson students read a nonfiction book followed by a discussion, an experiment,  then collect illustrations from their experience. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Branching Out

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate the causes and effects of the spread of tree diseases in the U.S., and research certain American species of trees and the diseases that commonly threaten them. They create pamphlets to help identify healthy and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dust in the Wind

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students investigate causes and effects of droughts by participating in a simulation 'town hall meeting.' Acting as community members, students make informed decisions to help a town and its surrounding areas suffering effects of a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

All Creatures Microscopically Small

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate physical and behavioral characteristics of different microbes and create research- based 'Microbe Biographies.' students compare microbe sizes and examine how size of a microbe relates to its physical and behavioral...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plastic Peas

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the life cycle of certain plastics products and propose improved recycling legislation in their own communities.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cranberry Bog

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars explore cranberry farming in Massachusetts and the rest of the nation. They research on challenges facing cranberry farming industry and then write reflection papers on optimum pest control methods from the perspective of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students brainstorm and share opinions about products that can be reused or recycled after reading the article, "Seattle's Recycling Success Is Being Measured in Scraps." They then investigate, analyze and evaluate articles on recycling...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

How Clouds Form

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Young scholars analyze how clouds form. In this cloud formation lesson plan, students brainstorm types of clouds and what they think they're made of. Young scholars conduct an experiment to see how clouds form and discuss their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Ogre Bully

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Young scholars listen to the book, The Ogre Bully, and discuss the problems the farmer and his family had during the story.  In this garden themed lesson, students examine different fruit and vegetables and plant them in soil...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Eating the Rainbow: A Student's Guide to Healthy Foods That Grow

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine the nutritional value of different foods. In this health science lesson, 3rd graders create a daily log of the foods they eat and categorize them. They plan a healthy menu for their family.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Threat of Bioterrorism

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students assess germ warfare and debating related ethical issues in the social studies classroom
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Clearing the Air

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read a New York Times article and investigate a variety of emissions that contribute to global warming. They participate in a mock international summit in which they present recommendations for reversing the global warming trend.