Hands-on Science
Lesson Plans and Materials
Hands-on Materials according to the Next Generation Science State Standards
Nesting Boxes - Animal/Plant Life Cycles
Next Generation Science Standards:
3-LS1-1. Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.
1-LS1-2. Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.
3D puzzles - Ecological Pyramids
Next Generation Science Standards:
MS-LS2-3. Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
2-LS4-1. Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
5-PS3-1. Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.
Research/Writing Project - Biology
Common Core State Standards Connections - ELA/Literacy:
W.1.7. Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of “how-to” books on a given topic and use them to write a sequence of instructions).
W.3.2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
RI.3.7. Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).
Lesson Plans with Hands-on Activities
Independent Learning - Measurement
Common Core State Standards Connections - Mathematics:
MP.5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
1.NBT.B.3. Compare two two-digit numbers based on the meanings of the tens and one digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
1.MD.A.1. Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object.
5.MD.A.1. Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system (e.g., convert 5 cm to 0.05 m), and use these conversions in solving multi-step, real world problems.
Cooking Project - Botany and Fractions
Common Core State Standards Connections - Mathematics:
3.NF. Number and Operations—Fractions. Develop understanding of fractions as numbers.
3.MD. Solve problems involving measurement and estimation of intervals of time, liquid volumes, and masses of objects.
Experiment - Dispersing Seeds
Next Generation Science Standards:
2-LS2-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow.
2-LS2-2. Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.
5-LS1-1. Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.
Lesson Plans that promote Student Created Artifacts
Pop-up models - Life and Water Cycles
Next Generation Science Standards:
3-LS1-1. Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.
Common Core State Standards Connections - ELA/Literacy:
SL.2.5 Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
