
68 Results


In this inquiry activity students work in groups to investigate allelopathy via research, using the scientific method to plan and carry out an experiment, and creating a formal written report and oral presentation.
- Subject:
- Botany
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Assessment
- Lesson Plan
- Provider:
- Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College
- Provider Set:
- Pedagogy in Action
- Date Added:
- 12/09/2011

The purpose of this lesson is for adult learners to improve their communication skills --- specifically reading, writing, speaking and listening --- by using the Scientific Method to solve a nursing problem. The target audience of this lesson is adults at the 12th grade reading and writing levels. This lesson is designed for a face-to-face, instructor-led classroom setting.
- Subject:
- Applied Science
- Career and Technical Education
- English Language Arts
- Material Type:
- Assessment
- Case Study
- Diagram/Illustration
- Homework/Assignment
- Lecture Notes
- Lesson
- Lesson Plan
- Reading
- Author:
- Rema Merrick
- Date Added:
- 08/08/2019

Biology is designed for multi-semester biology courses for science majors. It is grounded on an evolutionary basis and includes exciting features that highlight careers in the biological sciences and everyday applications of the concepts at hand. To meet the needs of today’s instructors and students, some content has been strategically condensed while maintaining the overall scope and coverage of traditional texts for this course. Instructors can customize the book, adapting it to the approach that works best in their classroom. Biology also includes an innovative art program that incorporates critical thinking and clicker questions to help students understand—and apply—key concepts.
- Subject:
- Life Science
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Full Course
- Provider:
- Rice University
- Provider Set:
- OpenStax College
- Date Added:
- 08/22/2012

This course is an introduction to organismal biology with a focus on evolution, the diversity of life and ecology. Major topics include the processes and outcomes of microevolution, macroevolution and the history of life, a survey of the major groups of eukaryotic organisms, basic plant and animal structures and their functions, and ecology. Students engage the scientific method by designing, conducting and evaluating laboratory experiences that include selected topics in seedless plants, seed plants, invertebrates, chordates, animal behavior, ecology and evolution. Field-based lab experiences train students to observe, collect, measure and monitor organisms in the wild.
- Subject:
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Full Course
- Provider:
- Greenfield Community College
- Author:
- Amanda Hyde
- Date Added:
- 05/06/2019

Biology is designed for multi-semester biology courses for science majors. This version has been adapted by faculty at Austin Community College. It is grounded on an evolutionary basis and includes exciting features that highlight careers in the biological sciences and everyday applications of the concepts at hand. To meet the needs of today’s instructors and students, some content has been strategically condensed while maintaining the overall scope and coverage of traditional texts for this course. Instructors can customize the book, adapting it to the approach that works best in their classroom. Biology also includes an innovative art program that incorporates critical thinking and clicker questions to help students understand—and apply—key concepts.
- Subject:
- Life Science
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Full Course
- Date Added:
- 02/13/2019

Life is all around us, both as multicellular organisms such as the iguana and bamboo above, as well as the unicellular microorganisms such as bacteria. Life is present on every continent, in the air and in the waters of the world. There is life even in the Mariana Trench, seven miles below the surface of the ocean. As of 2010 biologists have described and classified 1.7 million plants and animals, and estimate that there are till over five million species still undiscovered.This chapter will introduce the ways we study the science of Biology in the twenty-first century, the characteristics of living organisms and their classification.
- Subject:
- Life Science
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Unit of Study

What is biology? In simple terms, biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments. This is a very broad definition because the scope of biology is vast. Biologists may study anything from the microscopic or submicroscopic view of a cell to ecosystems and the whole living planet (Figure 1.2). Listening to the daily news, you will quickly realize how many aspects of biology are discussed every day. For example, recent news topics include Escherichia coli (Figure 1.3) outbreaks in spinach and Salmonella contamination in peanut butter. Other subjects include efforts toward finding a cure for AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. On a global scale, many researchers are committed to finding ways to protect the planet, solve environmental issues, and reduce the effects of climate change. All of these diverse endeavors are related to different facets of the discipline of biology.
- Subject:
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Module
- Author:
- Alice Sessions
- Date Added:
- 02/13/2019

Biologists study the living world by posing questions about it and seeking science-based responses. This approach is common to other sciences as well and is often referred to as the scientific method. The scientific method was used even in ancient times, but it was first documented by England’s Sir Francis Bacon (1561–1626) (Figure 1.5), who set up inductive methods for scientific inquiry. The scientific method is not exclusively used by biologists but can be applied to almost all fields of study as a logical, rational problem-solving method.
- Subject:
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Module
- Author:
- Alice Sessions
- Date Added:
- 02/13/2019

- Subject:
- Life Science
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Unit of Study
- Provider:
- Rice University
- Provider Set:
- OpenStax College

- Subject:
- Applied Science
- Life Science
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Module
- Provider:
- Rice University
- Provider Set:
- OpenStax College
- Date Added:
- 07/10/2017

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Identify the shared characteristics of the natural sciencesSummarize the steps of the scientific methodCompare inductive reasoning with deductive reasoningDescribe the goals of basic science and applied science
- Subject:
- Applied Science
- Life Science
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Module
- Provider:
- Rice University
- Provider Set:
- OpenStax College
- Author:
- Tina B. Jones
- Date Added:
- 08/17/2019

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Identify the shared characteristics of the natural sciencesSummarize the steps of the scientific methodCompare inductive reasoning with deductive reasoningDescribe the goals of basic science and applied science
- Subject:
- Applied Science
- Life Science
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Module
- Provider:
- Rice University
- Provider Set:
- OpenStax College
- Date Added:
- 07/10/2017

After learning, comparing and contrasting the steps of the engineering design process (EDP) and scientific method, students review the human skeletal system, including the major bones, bone types, bone functions and bone tissues, as well as other details about bone composition. Students then pair-read an article about bones and bone growth and compile their notes to summarize the article. Finally, students complete a homework assignment to review the major bones in the human body, preparing them for the associated activities in which they create and test prototype replacement bones with appropriate densities. Two PowerPoint(TM) presentations, pre-/post-test, handout and worksheet are provided.
- Subject:
- Engineering
- Anatomy/Physiology
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Provider:
- TeachEngineering
- Provider Set:
- TeachEngineering
- Author:
- Carleigh Samson
- Dua Chaker
- Jeanne Hubelbank
- Kristen Billiar
- Michelle Gallagher
- Terri Camesano
- Date Added:
- 10/14/2015

CK-12’s Life Science delivers a full course of study in the life sciences for the middle school student, relating an understanding of the history, disciplines, tools, and modern techniques of science to the exploration of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, prokaryotes, protists,fungi, plants, animals, invertebrates, vertebrates, human biology, and ecology. This digital textbook was reviewed for its alignment with California content standards.
- Subject:
- Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Material Type:
- Textbook
- Provider:
- CK-12 Foundation
- Provider Set:
- CK-12 FlexBook
- Date Added:
- 11/29/2012

Students will develop a research design and use the scientific method as it applies to social scientific research, and create an original presentation and research paper concerning adolescents in American society and the challenges they face.
- Subject:
- Applied Science
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Author:
- Rachel Swank
- Date Added:
- 05/18/2017

This is a laboratory investigation where students will use the scientific method to solve a new, experimental question in chromatography.
- Subject:
- Chemistry
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Provider:
- Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College
- Provider Set:
- Pedagogy in Action
- Author:
- cheryl winkler-miller
- Date Added:
- 08/16/2012

Suney Park wants her students to know that what they learn in class is relevant to their lives and the world. In this introduction, she shows us how her students come up with a plan to recreate the Earth and its atmosphere and test their own hypotheses about rising CO2 levels.
- Subject:
- Environmental Science
- Education
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Teaching/Learning Strategy
- Provider:
- Teaching Channel
- Provider Set:
- Teaching Channel
- Author:
- Suney Park
- Date Added:
- 11/02/2012

Suney Park's hands-on activity has her students making the greenhouse effect happen in a model. Using a light bulb for the sun, they create different control groups that imitate Earth's atmosphere with the help of a soda bottle. This adds up to a meaningful experience that connects what students learn in class to real-world events.
- Subject:
- Environmental Science
- Education
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Teaching/Learning Strategy
- Provider:
- Teaching Channel
- Provider Set:
- Teaching Channel
- Author:
- Suney Park
- Date Added:
- 11/02/2012

After a month studying climate change, students create models of the earth and its atmosphere, and design experiments to test the variables involved in climate change. Students write their own driving questions, develop hypotheses, and build the models to use in their experiments.
- Subject:
- Environmental Science
- Education
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Teaching/Learning Strategy
- Provider:
- Teaching Channel
- Provider Set:
- Teaching Channel
- Author:
- Suney Park
- Date Added:
- 11/02/2012

Suney Park has her class of scientists set up their experiments step-by-step. Even though it can be chaotic and mistakes can be made, there is purpose and meaning to having the kids be responsible for all aspects of the experiment and the learning that goes on in that process.
- Subject:
- Environmental Science
- Education
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Teaching/Learning Strategy
- Provider:
- Teaching Channel
- Provider Set:
- Teaching Channel
- Author:
- Suney Park
- Date Added:
- 11/02/2012

This is information to be used for a General Biology I (or Introduction to Biology) course for non-science majors.
- Subject:
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Diagram/Illustration
- Full Course
- Homework/Assignment
- Lecture
- Lecture Notes
- Module
- Reading
- Student Guide
- Syllabus
- Teaching/Learning Strategy
- Unit of Study
- Author:
- Tracie Rizan Bates
- Date Added:
- 08/12/2019

How can we conduct scientific research so that we have evidence to support a claim?Students in this problem-based learning module are invited to design a testable question to guide Scientific Research, Evaluate the pH of various solutions, Identify Variables, Conduct a Scientific Investigation, and Analyze/Communicate results. How can we conduct scientific research so that we have evidence to support a claim? Antacid tablets are a multi-billion dollar industry. Claims are made regularly by certain brands that their extra strength tablets contain “DOUBLE the acid neutralizing power per tablet of regular strength antacids.” How effective are antacids? Are double-strength antacids twice as effective as regular strength antacids? Have you ever noticed a parent/guardian/family member take an antacid tablet? Stomach chemistry is about acids and bases. When the pH of a stomach is too acidic then it might make the person have a stomach ache. In some cases “heartburn” or “acid reflux” are used as terms to describe the problems some people face. Antacids are usually basic which, when taken, might help raise the pH level in a stomach thus making a person feel better.You are invited to design an investigation with a partner, or a team of 4 students, to test your own idea about the effectiveness of antacids. The challenge? Have a driving question, clear variable identification, and an analysis of your results. Materials for your test will be provided to you by your teacher. At the culmination of your investigation your design team will make a 30-second pitch on your phone to show at your family Thanksgiving meal to explain the benefits (or negatives) of using antacids, and how antacids work.
- Subject:
- Health, Medicine and Nursing
- Physical Science
- Chemistry
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Author:
- Blended Learning Teacher Practice Network
- Date Added:
- 11/21/2017

Using paper towels this activity introduces using the scientific method to set up and test and experiment.
- Subject:
- Chemistry
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Provider:
- Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College
- Provider Set:
- Pedagogy in Action
- Author:
- Kathy Oellerich
- Date Added:
- 08/10/2012

This is an online course in experimentation as a method of the empirical social sciences, directed at science newcomers and undergrads. We cover topics such as:
- How do we know what’s true?
- How can one recognize false conclusions?
- What is an experiment?
- What are experiments good for, and what can we learn from them?
- What makes a good experiment and how can I make a good experiment?
The aim of the course is to illustrate the principles of experimental insight. We also discuss why experiments are the gold standard in empirical social sciences and how a basic understanding of experimentation can also help us deal with questions in everyday life.
But it is not only exciting research questions and clever experimental set-ups that are needed for experiments to really work well. Experiments and the knowledge gained from them should be as freely accessible and transparent as possible, regardless of the context. Only then can other thinkers and experimenters check whether the results can be reproduced. And only then can other thinkers and experimenters build their own experiments on reliable original work. This is why the online course Open for Insight also discusses how experiments and the findings derived can be developed and communicated openly and transparently.
- Subject:
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Material Type:
- Full Course
- Provider:
- Tilburg University
- Author:
- Rima-Maria Rahal
- Date Added:
- 08/25/2020

Students gain a basic understanding of the properties of media soil, sand, compost, gravel and how these materials affect the movement of water (infiltration/percolation) into and below the surface of the ground. They learn about permeability, porosity, particle size, surface area, capillary action, storage capacity and field capacity, and how the characteristics of the materials that compose the media layer ultimately affect the recharging of groundwater tables. They test each type of material, determining storage capacity, field capacity and infiltration rates, seeing the effect of media size on infiltration rate and storage. Then teams apply the testing results to the design their own material mixes that best meet the design requirements. To conclude, they talk about how engineers apply what students learned in the activity about the infiltration rates of different soil materials to the design of stormwater management systems.
- Subject:
- Engineering
- Hydrology
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Provider:
- TeachEngineering
- Provider Set:
- TeachEngineering
- Author:
- Brigith Soto
- Jennifer Butler
- Krysta Porteus
- Maya Trotz
- Ryan Locicero
- William Zeman
- Date Added:
- 09/18/2014

This video lesson is an example of ''teaching for understanding'' in lieu of providing students with formulas for determining the height of a dropped (or projected) object at any time during its fall. The concept presented here of creating a chart to organize and analyze data collected in a simple experiment is broadly useful. During the classroom breaks in this video, students will enjoy timing objects in free fall and balls rolling down ramps as a way of learning how to carefully conduct experiments and analyze the results. The beauty of this lesson is the simplicity of using only the time it takes for an object dropped from a measured height to strike the ground. There are no math prerequisites for this lesson and no needed supplies, other than a blackboard and chalk. It can be completed in one 50-60-minute classroom period.
- Subject:
- Physics
- Material Type:
- Lecture
- Provider:
- MIT
- Provider Set:
- MIT Blossoms
- Author:
- John Bookston
- Date Added:
- 09/09/2015

This video lesson is an example of ''teaching for understanding'' in lieu of providing students with formulas for determining the height of a dropped (or projected) object at any time during its fall. The concept presented here of creating a chart to organize and analyze data collected in a simple experiment is broadly useful. During the classroom breaks in this video, students will enjoy timing objects in free fall and balls rolling down ramps as a way of learning how to carefully conduct experiments and analyze the results. The beauty of this lesson is the simplicity of using only the time it takes for an object dropped from a measured height to strike the ground. There are no math prerequisites for this lesson and no needed supplies, other than a blackboard and chalk. It can be completed in one 50-60-minute classroom period.
- Subject:
- Physics
- Material Type:
- Lecture
- Provider:
- MIT Learning International Networks Consortium
- Provider Set:
- M.I.T. Blossoms
- Author:
- John Bookston
- Date Added:
- 06/02/2012

Free printable graphic novel that uses animal behavior to teach kids about the scientific method in a fun, hands-on way. Free lesson plan also available.
- Subject:
- Life Science
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Case Study
- Lesson Plan
- Author:
- Kate Tibbetts
- Date Added:
- 09/09/2019

Designing the school garden will require Math, ELA, and Science skills with Scientific Method being used as a foundation. Students will create a school garden as a result of the work they preloaded into the activity. Finally, students will decide if the school garden has an improvements needed for future growth or more growth.
- Subject:
- Agriculture
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Provider:
- North Carolina State University
- Provider Set:
- Kenan Fellows Program for Curriculum and Leadership Development
- Author:
- Natosha Brinkley
- Date Added:
- 03/03/2016

Green Space Investigation will be the opening activity for an introductory unit in Biology. Purpose of the activity is to model scientific thinking and experience how science is conducted using a confined green space adjacent to a classroom. The activity can be conducted with minimal material needs or can develop into a more elaborate investigation.
- Subject:
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Assessment
- Lesson Plan
- Provider:
- Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College
- Provider Set:
- Pedagogy in Action
- Date Added:
- 12/09/2011

Students are presented with a guide to rain garden construction in an activity that culminates the unit and pulls together what they have learned and prepared in materials during the three previous associated activities. They learn about the four vertical zones that make up a typical rain garden with the purpose to cultivate natural infiltration of stormwater. Student groups create personal rain gardens planted with native species that can be installed on the school campus, within the surrounding community, or at students' homes to provide a green infrastructure and low-impact development technology solution for areas with poor drainage that often flood during storm events.
- Subject:
- Engineering
- Hydrology
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Provider:
- TeachEngineering
- Provider Set:
- TeachEngineering
- Author:
- Brigith Soto
- Jennifer Butler
- Krysta Porteus
- Maya Trotz
- Ryan Locicero
- William Zeman
- Date Added:
- 09/18/2014

The lesson will apply Newton’s Second Law equation, F=ma (Force equals mass times acceleration) to a lab, which allows learners to solve problems using the equation while performing an experiment. The lab will be created in a way to teach the scientific method.
The purpose of the lesson with respect to adult education is to teach learners about the scientific method, while it is not used directly the process is the foundation of what would be performed in a typical entry-level laboratory or research job, which would consist of doing part of or all of an experiment in a similar manner.
- Subject:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Author:
- Christopher Simpson
- Date Added:
- 12/04/2016

This course will survey physics concepts and their respective applications; it is intended as a basic introduction to the current physical understanding of our universe. In this course, the student will study physics from the ground up, learning the basic principles of physical law, their application to the behavior of objects, and the use of the scientific method in driving advances in this knowledge. This course focuses on Newtonian mechanics--how objects move and interact--rather than Electromagnetism or Quantum Mechanics. While mathematics is the language of physics, the student need only be familiar with high school-level algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; the small amount of additional math needed will be developed during the course. (Physics 101; See also: Biology 109, Chemistry 001, Mechanical Engineering 005)
- Subject:
- Trigonometry
- Physics
- Material Type:
- Full Course
- Provider:
- The Saylor Foundation
- Date Added:
- 11/16/2011

Introduction to Sociology 2e adheres to the scope and sequence of a typical, one-semester introductory sociology course. It offers comprehensive coverage of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories, which are supported by a wealth of engaging learning materials. The textbook presents detailed section reviews with rich questions, discussions that help students apply their knowledge, and features that draw learners into the discipline in meaningful ways. The second edition retains the book’s conceptual organization, aligning to most courses, and has been significantly updated to reflect the latest research and provide examples most relevant to today’s students. In order to help instructors transition to the revised version, the 2e changes are described within the preface.
- Subject:
- Social Science
- Sociology
- Material Type:
- Full Course
- Provider:
- Rice University
- Provider Set:
- OpenStax College
- Date Added:
- 02/01/2012

- Subject:
- Social Science
- Sociology
- Material Type:
- Unit of Study
- Provider:
- Rice University
- Provider Set:
- OpenStax College

Define and describe the scientific methodExplain how the scientific method is used in sociological researchUnderstand the function and importance of an interpretive frameworkDefine what reliability and validity mean in a research study
- Subject:
- Social Science
- Sociology
- Material Type:
- Module
- Provider:
- Rice University
- Provider Set:
- OpenStax College
- Date Added:
- 11/15/2016

A short in-class exercise to help introductory biology students apply the scientific method
- Subject:
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Author:
- Emily Meredith
- Date Added:
- 07/12/2019

This activity is based on observations of mealworms form a question and make decisions as to the design of an investagation. Students use data collected to make a conclusion to their questions.
- Subject:
- Biology
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Provider:
- Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College
- Provider Set:
- Pedagogy in Action
- Author:
- Patty Gardner
- Date Added:
- 08/10/2012

Through multi-trial experiments, students are able to see and measure something that is otherwise invisible to them seeing plants breathe. Student groups are given two small plants of native species and materials to enclose them after watering with colored water. After being enclosed for 5, 10 and 15 minutes, teams collect and measure the condensed water from the plants' "breathing," and then calculate the rates at which the plants breathe. A plant's breath is known as transpiration, which is the flow of water from the ground where it is taken up by roots (plant uptake) and then lost through the leaves. Students plot volume/time data for three different native plant species, determine and compare their transpiration rates to see which had the highest reaction rate and consider how a plant's unique characteristics (leaf surface area, transpiration rate) might figure into engineers' designs for neighborhood stormwater management plans.
- Subject:
- Engineering
- Hydrology
- Material Type:
- Activity/Lab
- Provider:
- TeachEngineering
- Provider Set:
- TeachEngineering
- Author:
- Brigith Soto
- Jennifer Butler
- Krysta Porteus
- Maya Trotz
- Ryan Locicero
- William Zeman
- Date Added:
- 09/18/2014