Elementary schoolers examine the uses of rulers, scales, and measuring cups. They determine the criteria for the use of each tool and visit different areas of school to find items that can be measured with these tools. Everyone takes...

Teams learn about the size of a nanometer by measuring objects and converting those measurements. A instructional activity then tests the groups' abilities to use nanometers by having them determine the size of objects that are too small...

Third graders use rulers to measure their shoe size in inches and centimeters. They then enter the class shoe measurements into an excel data base and graph the results of both to make the comparison.

Students measure various objects using non-standard units. The goal is for them to practice measuring in order to apply the physical act to various objects found in the classroom. The lesson is ideal for the kinesthetic learners and...

Students understand the concept of how to use different measurement tools for specific purposes. Students take pictures of various objects that can be measured using a digital camera and then making a power point presentation.

Second graders participate in a review of how to use rulers and yard sticks while collecting measurement information. They measure assigned body parts and chart the data on collection sheets. They make a spreadsheet with the information...

Explore the concept of measuring and recording circumference. In this physical science and measurement lesson, young learners blow up balloons, measure the circumference, and record the data on an interactive graphing website.

Sixth graders measure circumference and diameter to the nearest eighth of an inch, record measurements on a spreadsheet, and use the internet to complete a "scavenger hunt" of facts concerning pi.

Eighth graders participate in an experiment that emulates a sonar signal bouncing off the ocean floor. They determine how the ocean floor is measured by the length of time it takes for the sonar signal to return. They work with a wooden...

Hang a soda can from a string and watch it spin by the force created by water streaming out of slanted holes. This plan provides background information, detailed materials and procedures, discussion questions, a lab worksheet, and...

Using a teacher-built wind tunnel constructed from a paper concrete tube form, a fan, and a balance, individuals determine the amount of drag their rocket design will experience in flight. Pupils make modifications to increase the...

Stick this resource in the "Use" column. In the second installment of a six-part series, learners use glue sticks to demonstrate forces. Using glue sticks, instructors can demonstrate tension, compression, and torsion.

Off they go — launching rockets is fun. The lesson plan contains templates to build paper rockets that can be launched from a PVC pipe launcher. Individuals or groups build the rockets and determine the shapes for their fins. Included...

Don't cast a great hands-on resource aside! Scholars learn about the process of casting by actually trying out an example. Plaster of Paris and cookie cutter molds help them complete the activity.

Get things moving with this elementary science unit on simple machines. Through a series of nine lessons including teacher demonstrations, hands-on activities, and science experiments, young scientists learn about forces, motion,...

Are these two light sources the same? Groups use a white card and a little cooking oil to create a photometer that allows for the comparison of two lights. The Inverse Square Law provides a way to calculate the actual difference in...

Fifth graders study environmental changes by examining the annual rings of a cross-section of a tree trunk. They access websites to complete a worksheet on the parts of a tree. They count the annual rings on a tree slice while observing...

Students plan, build, and test a ramp that allows objects to roll far. After each group has tested out their ramps, allow them to test their design against the record previously established by the prototype ramp.

Students investigate the habits of animals by studying their prints.  In this animal life lesson, students investigate the different types of tracks left from animals by researching the Internet.  Students utilize clay or...

Students design a program to make an automated vehicle perform a specific task. In this robotics lesson, students play the role of scientists competing to win a factory's contract. They present their algorithm to class.

Sixth graders determine the perimeter of geometric shapes with a grid at technology based resource. While looking at figures on an overhead, they determine how much border they would need to go around a figure. They also complete...