Learners characterize a physical change as something that changes to a different size, but retains its basic substance. They measure volumes using milliliters, and perform an experiment that proves that gases expand when hot and contract...

Sixth graders identify different animals native to Illinois. They research a specific animal to study more about its characteristics, examine what makes a habitat, and recognize the difference between a food web and food chain.

Students use critical thinking skills to learn about light, sound, and matter. Students follow the procedure steps to complete a light, sound, and matter experiment.

The art activities found here have learners take a critical look at the role of women in the domestic setting. They analyze Berthe Morisot's The Cradle through a guided discussion. Then they paint men and women in traditional domestic...

Students turn solid water (ice) into liquid water. In this solid and liquid water lesson plan, students use water, ice, cups, and heat in order to change water from one state to another. They draw their findings as well.

Students study the evaporation stage of the water cycle. In this water cycle instructional activity, students participate in an experiment to study the process of evaporation that uses jars and water. Students complete an...

Students use a thermometer to analyze soil temperature data to determine which soil sample is normal, and which one is permafrost. For this permafrost lesson plan, students participate in a hands on activity where they identify the...

Students move with control in general space. They move with three different spatial distances and tempi. Students demonstrate understanding of the distance and speed of particles in matter: solid-close and slow; liquid-medium distance...

Students discover the types of stress that materials undergo. They examine how bridges and skyscrapers are built to withhold the tension. They create their own structure out of marshmallows and spaghetti.

Young scholars role play molecules in a container as the container is heated to develop a definition of heat and temperature. They also observe demonstrations of conduction, convection, radiation, and phase transfer. Using these...

Learners determine differences in concentrations. They have to state the problem they feel exists, consider possible solutions, and develop a plan to come up with for containers whose labels have fallen off. Students base this off the...

Fifth graders research energy sources used in the United States. For this energy sources lesson, 5th graders work in teams to research various energy sources. Students complete a worksheet for the research and make a short video of a...

Students explain that the Standard Model of the atom includes particles beyond protons, neutrons, and electrons. They describe the nucleus as conglomeration of quarks that manifest themselves as protons and neutrons.

Young scholars describe characteristics and common uses of acids and bases. They describe the role of natural indicators in the chemistry of acids and bases after testing and making observations on a variety of plant extracts. Students...

Pupils complete a research activity in a schoolyard or park to learn about plants. In this plant lesson, students learn the name of the one of more plants. Pupils describe or draw the plant, pointing our features that distinguish the...

Seventh graders identify how much carbon is held by the world's forests. For this forestry lesson, 7th graders study the carbon cycle and discuss what role humans have had on climate change. Students write a one page paper on how...

Students participate in an Electron Square Dance in which they act the part of atoms. They follow the structure of different atoms suggested by the teacher.

Students observe that colored markers are a mixture of many different colors by performing a chromatography experiment. They make observations, record information, and make generalized inferences from their observations.

Students observe the effects of water on four different packing materials to determine which ones are more soluble. They then decide which material would be a good packing material to use for the environment and which may be a bad...

Students study the conservation of energy.  In this energy lesson students explain the differences between potential and kinetic energy.

Pupils are introduced to the reflective properties of light and use mirrors to make light from a source reflect onto a specific target. They take turns and record the amount of time it took to correctly reflect the light.

Students discover the habits of panthers by solving fictitious crime mysteries.  In this animal life instructional activity, students utilize their research from previous lessons to solve mysteries in a panther activity....

Students understand that most substances may exist as solids, liquids, or gases depending on the temperature, pressure, and nature of that substance. This knowledge is critical to understanding that water in our world is constantly...

Students investigate how toxic chemicals affect biological systems. They determine the toxic dose of a chemical that inhibits seed germination in a Brassica rapa. They investigate the effect of environmental tobacco smoke on human lung...