Lesson Plan
Curated OER

NUMB3RS Activity: A Matter of Half-Life and Death

For Teachers 11th - 12th Standards
Students investigate exponential decay.  Students explore the biological half-life of Cesium-137.  Students investigate the Goiania Accident of 1987 which is considered one of the worst incidents in the history of the Atomic...
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The Wonderful World of Polymers

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders investigate the concept of polymers. They discover unique properties and how polymers are natural. The lesson contains sufficient background information for the teacher. Students examine different types of materials and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Science Box

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students investigate snails and their physical and behavioral characteristics.  In this investigative lesson students create a pie chart to show the results of their findings.
Lesson Plan
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Crash Test Dummies

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders are introduced to Newton's First Law of Motion. In groups, they describe the differences between balanced and unbalanced forces. They participate in experiments that demonstrate how equal and opposite forces act upon...
Lesson Plan
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The Making of a Good Friend

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine the text of the Ethics of the Fathers. They decide which characteristics would make a better friend. They evaluate the actions of others around them and write a poem with a partner about sharing.
Lesson Plan
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The Path of Pollution

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Learners follow the path of pollution from the Chernobyl accident. Students name and locate countries where radiation traveled to, describe how air pollution travels from one area to another, and seqence the travel of radiation in...
Lesson Plan
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the Wonder of Wetlands

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students explore the importance of the wetland ecosystem, its properties and functions, as well as, the many birds, animals, and plant life found there.
Lesson Plan
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States of Matter: Liquid

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students work in a mini lab where they measure the temperature every 30 seconds for several minutes as water is heated. They are asked what makes liquid different from a solid. Students view a PowerPoint on the model of liquids,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Flipping Coins: Density as a Characteristic Property

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Young scholars explore linear functions in a crime solving context. They collect and analyze data using linear equations, then interpret the slope and intercepts from a linear model.
Lesson Plan
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Inter-State Matters

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the six phase transitions between gases, liquids and solids for a variety of elements. Each group of students focuses on a different element, investigating its physical properties during each of the six phase transitions.
Lesson Plan
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Force and Motion

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners experiment with force and motion. In this force and motion lesson, students test gravity using a variety of objects. Learners rotate through a series of stations which use force, motion, friction, and inclines. Students predict...
Lesson Plan
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Ready, Set, Let's Dough! It's a Matter of System

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students will look at a complex system when they create their own play dough by taking several parts and creating a whole. The students will construct understanding that individual parts are used to make a whole.
Lesson Plan
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Mystery Minerals

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students minerals and how they form. They investigate the classification of minerals according to physical properties. Students watch a video about mineral characteristics. In groups, students participate in hands-on activities and...
Lesson Plan
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What Influences Reaction Rate?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study reaction rates, what determines how fast a reaction happens and how the chemical changes occur.  In this reactions lesson students complete a lab where they use Alka-Seltzer to observe reaction rate and create a graph...
Lesson Plan
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Are You Ready to Rock?

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders investigate rock samples using magnifying class. In this earth science activity, 2nd graders identify the physical properties and describe them verbally with their partners. They compare their findings with the class.
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Poly-Mania

For Teachers 9th - 12th
This hands-on lesson takes young geometers on a tour of 2D polygons and 3D polyhedrons. After exploring different web resources and discussing geometric shapes, small groups construct models of polyhedrons using bendable straws. Note:...
Lesson Plan
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Sleet and Hail Have Their Own Seasons

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explain the definition of hail and sleet. In this precipitation lesson, 2nd graders discuss when hail and sleet fall and the results of hail falling.
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Free Land

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students investigate the impact of the passage of the Homestead Act. In this Westward Expansion lesson, students visit selected websites to examine the lives of Americans who settled the American frontier.
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Critter? Growth

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students identify and use the elements of the scientific inquiry to solve problems. They explain concepts about the structure and properties of matter. Pupils write an explanation of polymers and how the characteristic of polymers...
Lesson Plan
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Emulsion_ Compulsion

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students experiment with common household products to determine the properties of emulsions and how they fit into the classifications of matter through this series of lessons.
Lesson Plan
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Physical and Chemical Properties

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students study the difference between physical and chemical properties. They also discuss changes in matter, known as physical and chemical changes. They observe and discuss several demonstrations of both physical and chemical changes
Lesson Plan
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Ice cream in a Bag

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students make ice cream from scratch. They discuss the Food Guide Pyramid and what constitutes healthy and unhealthy food choices. Students experiment states of matter - solids, liquids, and gases. They predict each stage of the ice...
Lesson Plan
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Does Size Matter?

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Young scholars explore the surface area to volume ratio in cellular respiration. While participating in an interactive lab experiment, they examine proportional surface area and discuss nanotechnology. Students observe the...
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Changes of State

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine molecules and the changes in energy of a system.  In this energy systems lesson students complete a lab activity and describe changes of state.