Students complete a long-term research project on prairie grasses and forbs. They develop research questions, collect and analyze data from reconstructed prairie plots, and publish their research data on a Prairie website.

Fifth graders define density as the amount of mass per volume a material contains, compare the densities of several types of materials, especially those that sink in water compared to those that float. They use two different methods to...

Students research tree leaves. For this tree leaves lesson, students observe, measure, and sort tree leaves. Students examine leaves individually, in groups, and in relationship to the entire tree.

Sixth graders are given a peanut and is asked to study it carefully. They put their peanuts in a bag and they are mixed up. Students are then asked to find their own peanuts. They make careful observations in order to distinguish between...

Second graders engage in a instructional activity that seeks to discover information about Brine Shrimp. They conduct research using a variety of print and electronic resources. Students study the type of environment the shrimp need and...

Fourth graders engage in a variety of activities in order to find information about the brine shrimp. The lesson includes background information for the teacher to deliver instruction. They make observations of the shrimp in different...

Seventh graders explore how to make careful observations and gain valuable practice in drawing what they observe. They stimulate questions about the changes occurring in the apple. Students have an opportunity to ask questions that can...

Drop a perfect project into your lesson plans. Groups use different building materials to create models of parachutes for food drops. After testing out their prototypes, they make improvements to their designs.

Students explore conductivity and productivity in aquatic systems.

Students use the Internet to gather information about dinosaurs. They practice navigating through webpages and following directions. They define important vocabulary and practice making a KWL chart.

Learners use GPS and trees to explore lichens and air quality.

Young scholars explore circuit boards. They determine that a complete circuit is needed to light the bulbs, experiment with the boards to develop strategies for finding where the hidden connections are, and develop strategies that can be...

Learners reflect on the data they have analyzed during the Global Sun Temperature Project. They use the project website as a resource for their observations, draft a class report and post it on the Internet.

Second graders investigate the life cycle using brine shrimp as an example. They conduct observations by watching the shrimp hatch out of cysts. Students design simple experiment to structure an observation. The experiment is approved...

Students describe unique exploration studies of the ocean floor and space. They utilize research skills and write summaries of research studies using the Internet. Students answer a variety of questions over their research findings.

Middle schoolers use the popular game of Jeopardy to explore different mathematical concepts. They are highly engaged with the use of technology for this lesson. They function using higher-order thinking skills in order to create their...

Students create a digital scrapbook that shows information-text and pictures that are specific to each child. They make charts and graphs. They use digital cameras, scanners, software, to write captions, stories, poems, letters, and...

Students read the book Dawdle Duckling and complete different activities about the book. Students research the wetlands, research ducks, complete an oil and water experiment, map a cove, and more.

Students examine how he world eats breakfast. In this food choices lesson, students work in groups to list breakfast foods and their ingredients and find goods and consumers on the list. The, students use the Internet to complete a...

Ninth graders use model-building to help comprehend the forces and phenomena at work in the world around them. They describe gravity as a universal force that pulls everything toward the center of the earth. Students distinguish between...

Fourth graders identify the origins of meats and vegetables consumed by humans on a daily basis. They classify foods (meats, dairy products, grains...) and create a food pyramid.

Students encounter imperatives used for the instructions for this cooking experience. They review selected vocabulary terms for food and the process of cooking. Students identify adverbs of sequence (first, then, etc.). They follow the...

Duke University has established the Center for Inquiry-Based Learning. It serves to enhance math and science lessons. Click on Resources for good examples of Inquiry-based lesson plans.

A lesson plan based on a study unit of earthworms, using the inquiry model to integrate scientific processes with literacy practices. Instruction plans, related resources, and standards are included.