On the Surface of Things

Fourth graders study and identify the basic needs of a variety of organisms. Terrariums and aquariums are used to demonstrate what plants, animals, and fish need to stay alive. These two classic models are used to effectively convey what...

Fourth graders observe objects in science and create a contour picture of the the object.  In this arts and science observation lesson, 4th graders develop a clay sculpture of their object.  Students generate a list of texture...

There are several types of natural disasters: quakes, floods, avalanches, and more. This slide show gives a brief explanation of each at an elementary-aged child's level. There are no frightening photos from actual natural disasters,...

And the prize for oldest living thing on Earth goes to . . . In this video from PBS Digital Studios, viewers learn about the oldest living things on Earth, all over 2,000 years old, such as bristlecone pines, baobab, sea grass,...

Why so blue? As it turns out, very few things in nature only reflect blue light! A short video from a comprehensive science playlist highlights the beautiful blues of butterflies, birds, and human eyes. The narrator shows how adaptations...

Use this slide show to introduce your class to some of our most useful natural resources. The text beneath the photographs differentiates between renewable and non-renewable resources. The need for conservation of resources and human...

Do predators look for different things in different seasons? The quick interactive shows how some species survive longer in one season than another based on the conditions. The challenge questions encourage pupils to demonstrate that...

Fourth graders develop their writing skills. In this paragraph structure lesson, 4th graders research natural disasters, compile their findings, create mobiles and write stories based on the mobiles.

Behind the closed doors of natural history museums lies a hidden world of scientific research and discovery that goes unseen for visitors. Follow along as this short video explores different scientific mysteries that have been...

Students photograph five objects from a bag and five objects from the outdoors. Students categorize things by living and non-living and by properties such as color, size, structure and needs. Students draw conclusions about the basic...