Using a real-world example, this problem illustrates the thought process that learners need to engage in to understand adding mixed numbers with common denominators. First by looking at estimation, and then by drawing models that...

Definitely for high schoolers, this lesson is an open-ended exploration of energy efficiency. Groups of two to three junior environmental engineers design an experiment to test for efficiency. They prepare a full lab report and...

Students explore water and ice. In this physical science activity, students participate in a science inquiry and observe the characteristics of ice and water. Students compare the differences between a solid and liquid and record their...

This simple activity is ideal for upper elementary learners when studying physical science. Using their sense of touch to describe how hot something feels, and then comparing their observations to thermometer measurements, they discover...

Class members examine a variety of snack foods, noting the packaging that they come in. They work in groups to design a heat-proof and waterproof package that will safely transport a s'more snack. They test to see if it prevents the...

Thirty-eight pages of information prepares you to assign middle or high schoolers a project on sustainable energy. They take a pretest, review the scientific method, conduct background research, and finally choose an experiment to carry...

Eleventh graders discover the importance of the fortune teller in Shakespeare's Macbeth. After watching two interpretations of the play, they examine and compare the portrayal of the character. They create their own modern adaptation of...

Students watch various interpretations of Shakespeare's Macbeth in film. In groups, they examine the setting, characters, music and sequence. They compare and contrast the various films and discuss the differences. They write an essay on...

This activity will lift spirits in your class, but there is little scientific explanation for what makes a hot air balloon rise. As you are teaching middle school scientists about density and convection, you can incorporate this...

The New York Times "Education" section posts an extensive lesson plan on vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It involves class discussion, examination of food packaging labels, and the reading of a blog post about Vitamin D. The highlight...

Learners identify the characteristics of topographical maps. Using examples, they practice reading them and describing the information they gather from them. They also discover how to use the website from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Learners read a novel to gain insight into a different region of the world. Using a graphic organizer, they share the information they have already gathered about Ethiopia. They draw an outline map of Africa and read the opening pages of...

Here are some instructions for leading learners through a hands-on activity for investigating ultraviolet radiation. First, introduce them to light and refraction. Then introduce them to the electromagnetic spectrum. Finally, give...

Students investigate the lure of snack-food advertisements to explain how snacks can fit into a healthy diet.

Kids love to guess what's hidden in the bag! This classic lesson allows them to do just that by using two of their senses: their sense of touch and their sense of hearing. Objects are hidden inside a sock, and pupils must guess what they...

Fifth graders discover how to make healthy choices in nutrition. In this nutrition instructional activity, 5th graders research the daily nutrition requirements recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Students keep a food...

Students discuss the chemicals found in second hand cigarette smoke. In this second hand smoke lesson, students observe a demonstration of a smoke analyzer. Students research the chemicals found in second hand smoke and write an essay to...

Learners collect data from an experiment they perform. In this data lesson, students use multiple representations to solve practical problems; describe advantages and disadvantages of the use of each representation. Then, they evaluate...

Get your middle schoolers experimenting with dry ice. In the first activity, they place a piece in water and then use phenol red to identify its pH. In the second, they place a piece in a limewater solution and watch as the combination...

Kids wonder about eyeglasses, and why people have to wear eyeglasses. This should shed some light on the subject. Learners develop an understanding about eyelgasses, and also other visual aids, such as magnifying glasses. In fact, they...

Students complete an integrated unit on spiders. They explore about spiders. Students read a book entitled I Love Spiders by John Parker. They incorporate Spider art, Edible Spiders, the making of a Spiderweb Room and Spider poems.

Students complete a scavenger hunt which highlights events on the journey by Lewis and Clark. Using the internet and journals, they identify events on the journey and places them on a timeline. They complete a worksheet as well to end...

Students examine the preparations made by Lewis and Clark before leaving on their expedition. They make predictions about what they believe the two explorers took and organize the list into a venn diagram. They compare their predictions...

Eighth graders decorate plastic eggs and measure how far they can roll them. They reinforce math skills involving estimation, measurement, and averaging. They record their results online and compare their results with those of students...