By 2028, NASA plans to send a mission to Mars to retrieve samples collected by rovers and return to Earth. Student teams are challenged to build a rover and design a way to retrieve as much cargo as
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
In this lesson, students explore glow-in-the-dark materials using regular flashlights and UV flashlights. They then add phosphorescence and the emission of EM energy to previous models of light and
In this lesson, students use their knowledge of electric power to design a model circuit that expends less electrical power. They do this by using the PhET Circuit Construction Kit: DC and they may
In this lesson, students apply their knowledge of Ohm's Law and describe the amount of current that flows through and the amount of voltage across a parallel circuit. They do these by exploring the
This lesson allows students to describe the amount of current and voltage, and apply their knowledge of Ohm's Law in a series circuits. They do this by using the PhET Constructing Circuits Kit: DC and
This lesson allows students to investigate the relationships between current, voltage, and resistance using an Arduino board and electronic components, and through the PhET simulation: Circuit
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
A high school physics plan that allows students to explore with different lenses and lasers.
This multi-day activity is designed for introductory 5th grade STEM after school club. On Day 1, each student will build and test a simple roller coaster following the teacher’s instructions. Students
This multi-day activity is designed for introductory 5th grade STEM after school club. On Day 1, each student will build and test a simple straw rocket following the teacher’s instructions. Students
This multi-day activity is designed for introductory 5th grade STEM after school club. On Day 1, each student will build and test a simple straw rocket following the teacher’s instructions. Students
This multi-day activity is designed for an introductory 5th grade STEM after school club. On Day 1, each student will build and test a simple mousetrap car following the teacher’s instructions
In part 1 of this investigation, groups were challenged to design for speed and collect data to find the fastest car in the class. Using those designs, part 2 will test the mass of a car vs the power
In this lesson, students will be learning about solar energy and how it may be used to solve problems. After reading and comparing two texts about solar energy, students will use simple materials to
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 will use a budget sheet to 'buy' materials for the challenge. They will be applying their knowledge of decimals to add up their total as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills
~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 7 week unit, students will utilize resources around them to create a garden for a culminating taco party! Students will work on science, math, and ELA within the unit. Feel free to host this
In this lesson, students will conduct an investigation to see how temperature can affect the state of matter.
Students will learn how robots help complete repetitive tasks for humans. Robots use a series of steps that are programed into their circuits. It must be done systematically and include each step, in
Teaching with phenomena is a great way to connect real world events with inquiry based learning in the classroom. In this lesson students will observe and investigate a phenomenon that involves the
Featured Lesson Plans
Check out these notable lesson plans.

This outstanding multi-day lesson covers the anatomical design of the respiratory system. Students will work on a basic model project to simulate breathing action and the diaphragm. They will also

This is a fun and engaging lesson where students work individually, or with a partner, to build a treehouse. Creativity and collaboration among students in my 4th grade STEAM Club were evident in the

Up, Up and Away! Creating a Glider
Students will learn the principles of flight while also incorporating the Engineer Design Process as they construct gliders using pressed Styrofoam. In this hands-on lesson, students read a book about