STEM Lesson Plans

Biologists have noticed that the saguaro mortality rates have increased in Central and Southern Arizona. They don’t know why - but they have some ideas. In this unit, students will learn more about

Biologists have noticed that the saguaro mortality rates have increased in Central and Southern Arizona. They don’t know why - but they have some ideas. In this unit, students will learn more about

In this lesson there will be several small activities; on the first day students sort seeds and describe the different characteristics of the seeds; as an introduction and to engage students. Students

Students will determine the best materials to use to build their school budget. They will create several garden models and determine which garden they ultimately want to build. Students will then

In this lesson students will explore human regenerative medicines through the planarian's ability to regenerate. Planarians have specials cells that allow themselves to modify and regrow into any kind

In this lesson, students will research Native American homes within different environments and create a model of a Native American home and highlight important information. They will then create and

This hands-on lesson digs deeper into the study of weathering and erosion. It should be taught after students have an understanding of the sun’s energy and some of the ways it impacts the Earth. The

This lesson is about exploring Arizona's state bird, the cactus wren, that lives in the desert, has special body parts and behaviors that help it survive in its harsh environment. Students will learn

Have you ever wondered what the real reason was as to why Galaga was such a popular arcade game? Look no further this lesson has you covered. Students will create their very own modern version of

First students will research information to describe climates in different regions of the world. Then students will design a prototype of different tools used in understanding climate.

This epic road trip is an end-of-year project where students are given the opportunity to reflect on their learning and select 6 unique stops in Arizona that a tourist should visit. Students are led

This lesson is a 6-14 day unit consisting of 30 minute lessons taking students through the introduction of energy flow from the sun through the food chain. The lessons culminate with students showing

Students read the story "Just a Second" to introduce students to geologic time. Next, they are given an activity to understand how long is 4.6 billion years. Then students complete a lab that allows

This lesson is a continuation of learning where we will be able to place a greenhouse on the school grounds. The students are an active part of this process. This lesson includes discovery of how much

In this unit, students will explore the interdependencies in a system and uncovers circular causal connections. Students will use a stock-flow game, specifically the “Mammoth Game” to simulate how

In this unit students will observe how elements within a system changes over time, generating patterns and trends that affect the ecosystem of bees. Students will use Stock-Flow Maps to show the

Students will investigate the geological features of the Santa Catalinas. Specifically the phenomenon of Catalina Gneiss. Students will research the formation of the Tucson basin and Santa Catalinas

This lesson is an introduction to the sun’s energy. It is mainly an opportunity for students to explore resources and their environment independently or with partners. This allows students to

This lesson includes various activities involving the investigation of why the moon changes shapes. It is a hand's on lesson about how and why the moon phases occur. It also includes a design and

This lesson is for 2nd-5th grade students. It covers a range of AZ science standards and connects to math, reading, and social studies concepts. It also incorporates STEAM hands on activities to

Students will understand the concept of Scoville units, learn about the scale's origin, and explore the factors contributing to the heat of peppers. They will also engage in hands-on activities to

Part 1: Rotation and Revolution (of Earth) Phenomenon: Why do we experience periods of day and night? This is a 1-3 day lesson with five activites primarily focusing on rotation of the Earth which is

Students will research, design and build a treehouse using the engineering design process. They will practice budgeting by pretending to have $100 to spend by using a supply budget sheet. Students

Students use test strips and research to solve the issue of a fish death in our classroom tank. This would also work well for the initial setup of a tank. Students see a tangible, observable, real