Curated OER
Making Molecular Models
In these creative hands-on activities, students construct several different molecular models that represent substances that play an essential role in our nutritional needs. Using gum drops and toothpicks, students design the models....
Curated OER
Build a Polyp
Students research coral polyps. In this coral polyps instructional activity, students discover the anatomy of a coral polyp and how they feed. Students create an edible coral polyp model.
Curated OER
The Building Blocks of Geometry
Fifth graders explore geometric building blocks in the real world in order to describe the characteristics and relationships of points, lines, line segments, rays, and planes. This is the first lesson plan in a series of lessons in...
Curated OER
Building Blocks of Matter
Students view videos and worksheets and construct a model of a water molecule. In this atomic structure lesson, students view video clips and handouts about matter and nanoscience. They construct a model of a water molecule with...
Curated OER
Different Minerals
In this minerals worksheet, students read about the relationship between elements, rocks and minerals. They experiment using 6 different colored gumdrops to represent 6 common elements. Students construct gumdrop and toothpick models of...
Curated OER
Toothpick Building
In this math and logic worksheet, students solve 2 problems in which they examine a picture of 5 squares in a particular formation. Students build this with toothpicks. Students are instructed to move a specified number of toothpicks to...
Curated OER
Bridge Building
Eighth graders will create model drawings of bridges and integrate technology into the process of creating a visual representation. Technology is used in the industry of design and architecture. This lesson helps to build real life skills.
Curated OER
Bridge Design and Bridge Building
Seventh graders conduct an investigation into the design of bridges and their construction. Students design bridges and draw detailed plans. For assessment they construct a model of a bridge that is made entirely of toothpicks. Students...
Curated OER
Candy DNA Model Lesson
Students explore DNA structure using materials such as Twizzlers, small colored gumdrops and/or toothpicks.
Curated OER
DNA Model and Protein Synthesis
High schoolers build a 3-dimensional model of DNA coding for the hormone oxytocin.
Curated OER
THE TRAVELS OF BABAR: An Adventure in Scale :Building a Model Hot Air Balloon
Students encounter basic facts about helium and hot air. They compare the weight and size of different materials. Students work collaboratively in teams. They create their own model balloon.
Curated OER
Chemistry Module
Students build metal atomic models using styrofoam. In this chemistry lesson, students identify the different unique properties of metals. They explain how metal atoms bond.
Virginia Department of Education
Growing Patterns and Sequences
Learners explore, discover, compare, and contrast arithmetic and geometric sequences in this collaborative, hands-on activity. They build and analyze growing patterns to distinguish which kind of sequence is represented by a set of data...
Virginia Department of Education
Square Patios
Build a patio from toothpicks and marshmallows to analyze functions! Learners look for patterns in the data as they create different size patios. As they discover patterns, they make connections between the different representations of...
Curated OER
Wetlands Are Wonderful
Students study the characteristics of wetlands. They are introduced to terms and different examples of wetlands. The hands-on activity reinforces the different parts of the wetlands, and provides a working model of a wetland.
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Geo Shapes
Invite your first graders to compose and decompose two and three-dimensional figures with this fun, hands-on lesson. They investigate and predict the results of putting together and taking apart two-dimensional shapes with rubber bands...
Curated OER
Constructing Polyhedra
Students explore the concept of polyhedra. In this polyhedra lesson, students use the Internet to manipulate virtual polyhedra models. Students create polyhedra models from straws, toothpicks, cardboard, Plexiglas, and other materials.
Curated OER
Toothpick Bridges
Students study the techniques of building a bridge. They explore different type of bridges and then plan and build a bridge to specified instructions. Students draw plans, keep a budget, and prepare balance sheets during their bridge...
Curated OER
Building on the Power of Your Ideas
Students examine a sculpture walkway by artist Jackie Ferrara and discuss the relationship of materials to function. They analyze the sculpture and answer discussion questions, and design and construct a model of a walkway for the school.
Curated OER
Build a Space Shuttle
Students explore the concept of space. In this space lesson plan, students pretend to be aerospace engineers. Students build space ships out of cardboard tubes. Students discuss what aerospace engineers do. Students model their space...
Curated OER
Earthquakes
Students inspect the causes and effects of earthquakes and examine how seismic waves travel. In this earthquake activity, students determine where earthquakes happen and why, before determining how to build an earthquake resistant...
Curated OER
Big Extinction
Students discuss evidence of a pre-dinosaur era meteoric collision, and its impact on living creatures. They build buckyball molecule models out of marshmallows, toothpicks, and soccer balls.
Curated OER
Memorable Cell Membrane
Students investigate the components of a cell membrane. In this cell membrane lesson plan, students build a cell membrane model using toothpicks and candy to represent the parts of the membrane including the phospholipid bilayer and the...
Curated OER
Do You Know the Master Programmer?
Fourth graders, using candy, build models of DNA replication, RNA transcription, and tRNA translation.