Challenge your students to work together in groups as scientists investigating viruses.  As scientists, the students will be challenged to invent ways of safeguarding against viruses.  After the lesson, they'll have a better understanding that: 1. A virus is an infectious organism that reproduces within the cells of an infected host. 2. A virus is not alive until it enters the cells of a living plant or animal. 3. A virus contains genetic information wrapped in a protein coat. 4. …

Satellites have the ability to transmit information virtually in an instant.  In this lesson, students will take a look at how satellites work.  They'll take a look back in history and investigate both how information was transmitted in the past and how the presence of satellites has impact the development of our society.

Students will learn about friction and force in this hands-on lesson.  Students will look at how different surfaces affect friction in order to get a better understanding of the following: 1. Friction is a force that opposes motion, or makes it difficult for an object to move across a surface. 2. The amount of friction depends on the surface type and the force pressing two surfaces together. 3. Everyday life provides examples of how friction both helps and hinders everything we do. …

This lesson focuses on the human body, with a closer look at the nervous system and how the brain communicates to the rest of the body.  Students will be challenged think about how cyborg technology in the form of computer chips or electrodes could be used to augment people's ability to see and hear or help people who have sensory impairments.

Bring out the competitive side of your students while teaching them about physics! In this lesson, students compete in a paper airplane contest and learn how changing the size, weight, and wing structure can impact flight.

Invite your students to have an open, investigatory discussion about HIV/AIDS.  Students will use the internet to research HIV/AIDS to gain a better understanding of: 1. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) decreases the body's ability to fight infection and suppress multiplication of abnormal cells, such as cancer cells. 2. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. 3. HIV is transmitted sexually, by contaminated blood, or via the placenta to the fetus of an …

There is a general trend toward desertification on Earth and more than one-third of Earth is already classified as arid or semiarid desert.  In this lesson, students will investigate the presence and role of deserts on our planet and learn that deserts occur where evaporation greatly exceeds the rainfall and that measures can be taken to combat desertification and promote rehabilitation of land that has already become desert.

Students will investigate the planets to create planetary profiles in order to learn: 1. The characteristics of the planets and moons in the solar system 2. How astronomers study planets and moons 3. The difference between a scientific theory and a scientific fact

Students will research the Galalagos Island to find out more about endemic versus introduced species.  By the end they will understanding the following: 1. The term endemic, as applied to animal and plant life, means “native,” or “restricted to certain geographical areas” 2. The presence of introducedspecies, or animal and plant species not endemic to a certain area, can endanger endemic species in that area. 3. Many unusual animal species are endemic to the …

Students will use modeling clay and baking soda to simulate their very own volcano.  They'll learn how a volcano can act as a giant cooling vent for Earth's inner core.