Students identify and label the different parts of a robot, rover, or a spacecraft. They discuss and record all of the features their robot will need to accomplish its mission and be able to explain why they chose these features to...

Students design an experiment for NASA's STEREO/IMPACT mission to measure the interplanetary magnetic field. This instructional activity includes 3 excellent hands-on and critical thinking activities in which students explore magnetism...

Students recognize that some changes to matter are reversible and some are not.  For this matter lesson, students experiment a physical and chemical change. Students record experiment results in their science journals. Students act...

Students examine how gravity affects launching rockets into space. In this physical science lesson, students review the concept of gravity and use an interactive online site, "Gravity Launch," to simulate a rocket launch.

Third graders engage in a lesson plan utilizing small group activities and individual work incorporating student research on space satellites, probes and international connections. They, in groups, construct information disks, timelines,...

Students investigate the 3 types of rocks and the rock cycle. In this rocks and minerals lesson, students watch YouTube videos about igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Students examine a rock and mineral kit while watching the...

Fifth graders inspect the basic functions of the immune system and determine how viruses and bacteria invade the immune system. They also explore what happens to the immune system in outer space.

Students experiment with solids and liquids. In this mixtures of matter lesson, students combine matter to form solutions. Students hypothesize, test, and analyze the data to draw conclusions. The lesson can be extended by having...

Students build an air cannon and study air mass.  In this air cannon lesson, students create and shoot an air cannon and observe what happens.  Students answer critical thinking questions about air mass and air cannons.

Students explore Earth science by creating a scale model in class. In this shadow lesson, students research the impact the sun has on Earth shadows and complete a space science worksheet. Students create models of the Sun and Earth and...

Students learn along with Ms. Frizzle's class. In this Magic School Bus lesson plan, students explore craters that objects of different sizes and weights (marbles, Ping-Pong balls, and aluminum foil balls) create.

Students explore the solar system.  In this solar system science lesson, students choose 3 out of 12 centers to visit, each of which contains an activity related to the planets. The station activities are designed to address...

Young scholars experiment with mixtures of matter. For this matter lesson, students investigate which liquids form a solution when mixed together and which do not. Young scholars also identify which solids can be separated from matter.

Learners engage in a fun, creative way to discover how the Earth moves. This lesson helps students explain why there is day and night. It can also create curiosity to further study the solar system and eclipses!

Students use M&M's to create a pie graph that expresses their understanding of the composition of air. They watch and conduct several simple experiments to develop an understanding of the properties of air (it has mass, it takes up...

Students investigate the effects of radiation exposure and how it can effect objects on earth and space. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the information to create a project that is reflective of good research...

Students experiment to observe air and its mass.  In this air lesson, students use the scientific method to complete experiments that demonstrate the properties of air. Students view a video as follow-up.

Students investigate the different phases of the moon.  In this lunar cycle lesson, students create models of the sun, earth and moon and investigate why we observe the moon the way we do.  Students observe a PowerPoint...

Students complete an online simulation of the greenhouse effect. In this lesson on the greenhouse effect, students use a website, similar to a webquest, to simulate and answer questions on how the greenhouse effect works. This lesson is...

Students explore the science and sport of scuba diving. In this scuba diving lesson, students build Cartesian divers and observe their behavior under water pressure.

Students experiment to find which liquids are more dense.  In this density and mass lesson, students predict and then test objects to observe and measure their density. students observe which items sink and float. Students complete...

Fourth graders investigate the third law of motion. In this third law of motion lesson plan, 4th graders explore the forces necessary for a rocket to launch. Students compare and contrast propellant and fuel. Numerous resources are...

Students, after reviewing and analyzing Newton's third law of motion, make balloon rockets and experiment with a variety of models. After the experiment, they chart the results and form conclusions. In addition, they compare/contrast...

Students observe how math is important in navigation and engineering. They study how surveyors use math and science to calcute, count, measure, label, and indicate distances on a map. They estimate specific distances.