STEM Lesson Plans

This is session 1 of a 4 session unit on innovative thinking, agricultural engineering, and farm model making. The first session introduces students to Dr. Temple Grandin, a creative thinker who has

This is a modified version of the popular Birthday Polynomial project for Algebra 2/ Pre-Calculus. Students create and analyze a polynomial and its first and second derivatives using technology.

Students who have been studying logarithms can apply them using a chemistry lab to discover the pH of acetic acid (white vinegar) and even compare this to other acids.

Students will use jelly beans to model the variation that results from sexual reproduction. They will use Punnett Squares to practice probability.

This lesson takes place in a classroom over two weeks. Students may work in small groups of 2-3. Prior to the robotics challenge, teachers should facilitate student discussion through guided lessons

Students use a constant velocity, battery powered vehicle to determine the relationship between position and time. They use their results to determine the formula for speed (change in position/time).

This ice core activity takes place within a lesson on climate change that utilizes PBS Learning Media. The teacher will build ice cores for students to investigate and gather data. Students will use

How can you get objects from one location to a specific dropping point using a cable? Students utilize the Engineering Design Process and their learning of Newton's Laws of Motion, slope, mass and

Engineering of the traditional and contemporary Navajo/Diné Hogan using the sun's light to produce electricity. Students create a model of the Navajo/Diné hogan and incorporate solar energy concepts.

Students will construct a rocket by exploring the relationship of the mass in the nose cone to the success of a launch. Students will learn about "center of mass' and how to find it, as well as the

Plants are the basis for nearly all agricultural production. Agricultural plant crops produce food, fiber, fuel, and aesthetically pleasing plants. Plants utilize energy from the Sun to convert water

Animals need food and shelter to survive, just as humans. The requirements may differ slightly, but the basic needs of humans and animals are very similar. Nutritionally, all animals need protein

This hands-on lesson will help students to understand the connection between Earth's orbit around the sun and how it relates to the time of day. Students create a sundial and will trace the shadow

Students develop an understanding of patterns and how genetic information is passed from generation to generation. They also develop the understanding of how genetic information and environmental

This lesson takes place in as classroom for one or more 60 minute class periods. The data collection portion may continue for 2+ weeks (or whatever time frame you decide). An emphasis is placed on the

In this hands-on lesson, students investigate how a solar panel can change energy from sunlight into electrical energy. They also determine how water flows out of the fountain. With the use of a

In this activity, students will perform a hands-on, inquiry-based investigation of the tradeoffs involved in hard rock mining. The object is to purchase and develop a mine, safeguarding the

In this engaging lesson, students measure throw-ins and convert their data to meters by dividing by 100. They will evaluate measurement systems and decide the best measurement size. You will need

In this lesson, students will create and test multiple helicopters to create a helicopter that lands the slowest in a given target. Students will take their best design and share with the class.

Students will create Rube Goldberg machines from simple machines in this engaging lesson. The teacher can determine materials such as wooden planks, paper towel rolls, bottle caps, marbles, cardboard

This activity can be classified as Performance Based Learning. Student teams take on the role of engineers as they redesign existing packaging that is already in the market. The math focus is on

In this unit, students will study the effects of air pollution and engineer an environmentally friendly air filter to reduce pollutants in the air using common household items and recycled materials

In this engaging lesson, students build a catapult using spoons, popsicle sticks and rubber bands. Students will be able to describe what a catapult is, the use, and vocabulary words.

In this lesson, students will calculate the surface area of rectangular prism, first constructed and then deconstructed and make observations about any potential differences. Making these connections