Pupils watch a caterpillar change and become a butterfly. In this lesson about the life cycle of a caterpillar and a butterfly, students prepare and maintain the habitat of the caterpillar. Pupils observe the stages of the caterpillar's...

Discover the difference between standard and non-standard units of measure with your class. They differentiate between rectangles and squares, read a book, measure a peer's height. They then discuss  measurement methods, make...

Students engage in a study of science and mathematics with the practice of creating graphs. A guest speaker comes to the class to share statistics from the community and the students are shown how he uses the coordinate system in the...

Sixth graders set up a pendulum experiment deciding which variable to manipulate (length of string or weight on the string). They create a hypothesis, collect necessary equipment, and write out each step of their experiment. They then...

To foster number sense and build problem solving skills, pupils will work through a complex word problem. They will be asked to analyze the data given, solve the problem, then share their thinking process with the class. This activity...

Ancient people used musical pipes as early as the third millennium BCE. Young scientists explore the workings of musical pipes to better understand the relationship with frequency, length of pipe, and sound waves. They determine the...

This six-week unit encompasses all subjects with a focus study on world history and the development of ancient civilizations. As gifted and talented students dive into the interesting yet challenging topic of Egypt, they...

Learners construct a Dutch Kite using simple materials. In this math instructional activity, students measure kite dimensions according to specified instructions. They also describe and define the different parts of a kite.

Fifth graders design their own hot air balloon. In this science lesson, 5th graders investigate how factors like weight and sizes affect a balloon's lifting power. They also write math problems based on facts written in the...

Learners explore the concept of graphing data. In this graphing data lesson, students determine the percentage of sugar in bubble gum. Learners graph type of gum vs. sugar percentage. Students create a table of their data.

Students construct hot air balloons. In this science lesson plan, students assemble their own balloon using tissue paper and glue. They time the duration of the flight, record data and calculate team averages.

Students investigate how to make a good parachute. In this physics lesson, students observe the motion of parachutes as it falls and measure the time. They collect data and calculate the average descent time for each canopy shape.

Learners examine the components of a sonar system. In this physical science lesson students explain how multibeam and sidescan sonar systems are useful to ocean explorers.  Learners simulate sonar operations in an activity using a...

Young scholars make an inquiry with the aid of technology into the concept of functions. The emphasis of the lesson is on the interplay between the geometric and analytic information.

Students identify significant milestones in the history of flight. In this aviation history lesson, students study various resource materials and construct timelines of significant achievements.

Fifth graders explore the California Gold Rush. They explore the lure of gold and the Wild West, how pioneers traveled to the West, and the hardships and people they encountered along the way. Activities be authentic, hands-on, and...

Young scholars observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal...

Young scholars explore the Chernobyl incident and the resulting environmental health impacts. They explore three different isotopes that were released into the atmosphere. Through inquiry, students determine the difference between...

Students locate and access data to help them with their science inquiry.  In this geographical positioning lesson plan students evaluate and compare data sets. 

First graders identify the parts of a seed. In this plant biology lesson, 1st graders are given a seed and identify each part of the seed by using a hand lens. Students plant a seed and graph the growth.

Students examine the organic and inorganic components of soil. In this environmental science instructional activity, students identify the factors that influence soil formation. They collect soil samples, conduct tests, and analyze the...

Students conduct an experiment. In this water lesson plan, students watch the lesson plan "Float and Sink" on an interactive website. Students learn how to test items in water and then work in groups to test their items. Students...

Students develop two units of measurement to relate to the astronomical unit and the light year. In this astronomy lesson, students use a Twizzler to develop a measurement unit similar to the astronomical unit. They use a moving object,...

Students discover what types of objects reflect and absorb light. In this science inquiry activity, students use flashlights to determine whether different objects absorb or reflect light.