Sciences refers to a branch of knowledge or study based on a set of systematized facts, theories or principles. Scientists are devoted to the study of a particular scientific field or fields. A scientist conducts research, performs experiments and analyzes information in order to develop new theories and technologies. This guide encompasses a broad range of lesson plans teachers can use to turn students of all ages into budding scientists.

Biology

• Plant or Animal?: Kindergarten and 1st-grade students can learn about living things and their needs.
• How Do Sharks Find Their Prey?: This lesson teaches students in grades 3-5 about animal biology.
• The Wilds of Madagascar: This lesson plan from NOVA teaches students in grades 4-6 about the people, animals and ecosystems of Madagascar.
• The Science of the Heart: A unique look at the cardiovascular system for students in grades 6-8.
• What’s Wrong With the Plants?: A lesson plan about plant biology for first-year biology students.

Earth Science

• Dig A Little Deeper: Elementary and middle school students will enjoy learning about minerals in these lesson plans from the Mineral Information Institute.
• Earth, the Universe and Culture: Designed for students in grades 5-8, this activity explores society’s impact on the study of Earth science.
• Auroras: Paintings in the Sky: Students in grades 6-12 can learn about what causes auroras.
• Is It Hot in Here?: This lesson teaches students in grades 9-12 about what factors cause climate change.
• Ocean Planet: The Smithsonian Institute created this online lesson plan about oceans and tides for middle and high school students.
• Climate Change Education: Students in grades 5-8 and 9-12 will learn about the major causes of global warming.

Chemistry

• What Objects Sink and What Objects Float: Students in grades K-2 can learn about the basic chemical properties of different types of objects.
• Coke and Mentos Volcanoes: Students in grades 1-3 will enjoy making their own volcanoes out of Coca-Cola and Mentos.
• Mixed Reception: High school students solve a murder mystery using basic chemistry concepts.
• Alka Rockets: Ninth and tenth graders can learn about kinetics by making their own rockets.
• AP Polymer Project: Designed for AP students in grades 9-12, this lesson plan looks at the chemical structure of matter.

Physics

• Physics Lessons: A list of lesson plans relating to physical science including forces and motion, gravity, and energy transfer.
• Cool It!: Third, fourth and fifth graders can learn how heat and cold are transferred.
• Physics of Roller Coasters: Students in grades 4-8 will learn about kinetics and motion by designing their own roller coaster.
• Polarization of Light: A lesson about the properties of light for students in grades 9-10.
• Physics: The Electromagnetic Spectrum: Students in grades 9-12 will learn about the function and nature of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Astronomy

• What’s Up?: Students in grades K-3 can learn about the sun, moon, stars and planets.
• Kinesthetic Astronomy: This lesson teaches basic astronomical concepts to students in grades 6-8.
• Astronomy With a Stick: Elementary and middle school students can learn how to track the movement of the sun, moon and stars.
• Imagine the Universe: Middle-school students can explore the solar system, research the probability of extraterrestrial life and learn how to analyze images generated by satellite data
• Astro-Madness: This lesson teaches 9^th and 10^th graders about the different scientific instruments used in astronomy.
• History of Astronomy Scavenger Hunt: Students in grades 9-12 can learn about the history of astronomy through this online research activity.