STEM Lesson Plans

This inviting lesson works in elementary/middle school classes. It’s ideal for independent centers & enrichment clubs. Additional challenges are easy to add. Check out my student Building Permit

In this activity, students read about discovering energy and the impact encountered by ships at sea. Students will have the opportunity to read about how lighthouses can solve those problems and

As an intro to Thermal Energy, students are challenged to create a warmer that will keep my coffee warm. Students project will be tested in class, data will be collected, compared, and graphed.

Students will use published scientific data and current evidence to identify the phenomenon known an urban heat island effect. Students will first analyze temperature data as well as land-use data

In this lesson on "Friction Fires and Its Associated Phenomena" the objectives are as follows: Students will be able to explain the process of friction fire, including the materials and techniques

In this lesson, students will build on what they understand about heat/energy transfer to research, design, and construct solar cookers.

The students design and test a catapult using simple materials like popsicle sticks and rubber bands. They learn about the history of catapults and also about the physical science concepts related to

Rad Roller Coasters Part 2 comes at the end of our paper roller coaster project. Students will collect data on their coaster and use that to calculate velocity, potential energy and kinetic energy

This lesson is for a multi-day project where student groups will plan, design, and build roller coasters out of paper and tape. It tests their knowledge of Physics and Engineering Design.

In this hands-on lesson, students will work in groups of 3 and experiment with light on plants to explain photosynthesis. They will conduct this experiment over the course of 3 to 4 weeks. With data

Students will create a flying machine that will hold a pilot, travel down a zipline, and meet other constraints. This is paired with the book Rosie Revere, Engineer or can be used as a fun intro to

Understanding and studying energy transfer produced by molecules collisions can be difficult and abstract for them. To make it easier for them to visualize, creating a Newton's Cradle will help them

Exploring chemical reactions is highly engaging for the students if taught in a student-centered lesson. This lesson was inspired by the activity of 6th-Grade Amplify Science, Exploring Chemical

In this lesson students will create a model to investigate how a location's temperature may change during an El Niño year. Students will construct landforms in a tray and then fill the tray with water

~Students apply the engineering design process as they learn the advantages and disadvantages of the greenhouse effect. ~Students will work collaboratively to construct a miniature greenhouse to

In this lesson, students will conduct an investigation to see how temperature can affect the state of matter.

Students use a solar panel and motor to create a solar-powered amusement park ride that spins. Activity designed for students to work in teams. Students are provided solar cells, motors, propellors

In this lesson, students will be introduced to the phenomenon of paper/air pressure rocketry. Students will make a memorable and hands-on connection with the transfer of energy when they create and

Engage your students by learning about the Ferris Wheel and constructing a ferris wheel in a collaborative assignment. The informational text of Mr. Ferris and His Wheel is linked for your convenience

Electricity and magnetism are fundamental to the workings of nearly every gadget, appliance, vehicle, and machine we use. This great 6th Grade lesson covers magnetic fields where students will be able

As part of a unit on renewable energy, students build and collect data on a solar powered fan. They learn about agrivoltaics and build a model of a racking system. They explore angles and energy use.

Phenomenal Forces and Motion is an amazing lesson which introduces students to the world of physics and Newton’s three laws of motion. Students will find out how some of the basic principles of

Students build a wind turbine and test how much work it can do. Students also use data about wind energy production to complete a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning assignment.