Critical thinking laboratories

Scaffolded Math and Science

DNA Crime Lab! Can you solve the case?

Created by

Each group is given a long paper strip of DNA, a 3-page story of the missing necklace and directions on how to fingerprint and sequence their DNA. Scissors act as the restriction enzyme, cutting the DNA between every GGCC into varied length segments. As the segments are pasted into the corresponding rows on the sequencing board (imitating gel electrophoresis), the DNA fingerprint of each suspect will emerge. So, who stole the necklace? Be a crime stopper!With a focus on literacy and collabora

Subjects:

Biology, Critical Thinking, Forensics

Grades:

7th - 10th

Types:

CSI - Crime Scene Forensics Escape Room

Created by

Sarah's STEM stuff

Students use forensic evidence, teamwork, and critical thinking to solve this CSI Crime scene escape room. In the activities, students analyze 4 different pieces of forensic evidence (fingerprints, shoe prints, unknown powder, and pen samples) and keep track of evidence and suspects. They use their power of observations to “crack the case” and prove their innocence by figuring out who really committed the crime. Great for a science class, forensics class, or just for fun!!**CLICK HERE for a t

Subjects:

Grades:

5th - 7th

Types:

Teaching Science With Lynda R Williams

Pangea Puzzle & Using Fossil Evidence to Observe Earth Changes MS-ESS2-2

Created by

Pangea and continental drift are so fun to learn about! Earth's surface has changed over time. Students will use fossil evidence to examine changes to Earth's surface. Students will learn about the theory of Pangea and Continental Drift. Students will enjoy this hands-on, research-based project to get students thinking about fossil records and how they help to show geologic changes over time. This unit includes:slide showQR code researchprintable puzzle activityresponse pageslesson plansinteract

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, Earth Sciences, Science

Grades:

6th - 8th

Types:

Laboratory, Interactive Notebooks, Lesson

NGSS:

MS-ESS2-3

, MS-ESS2-2

Also included in: 7th Grade Science for Indiana Academic Science Standards Full Year of Lessons

STEM Activity Challenge Spaghetti Tower (Middle School)

Created by

STEM Project for Middle School—6th, 7th, and 8th grades.In this activity, students will work in groups to build the tallest structure possible from mini marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti noodles. Not only will the students learn the importance of working together as a team, but they will discover what shapes they need to make their tower strong.***If you are interested in a differentiated version of this resource for grades K-8, please click here.This STEM Activity Challenge includes teacher i

Subjects:

Grades:

6th - 8th

Types:

Critical Thinking, Forensics

Also included in: STEM Activity Challenges 16 Pack #2 (Middle School)

CSI Forensics 2 Escape Room

Created by

Sarah's STEM stuff

In this hands on escape room activity, students solve a forensic mystery using science, teamwork, and critical thinking. In the crime scene activities, students analyze 4 different pieces of evidence and keep track of evidence and suspects. They use their power of observations to “crack the case” and determine which suspect is guilty.This activity can be done all at once in the format of an escape room to try to “beat the clock” – about 45 minutes to complete or it can be broken up into differ

Subjects:

Grades:

4th - 8th

Types:

STEM Activity Challenges for the Whole Year! (Elementary)

Created by

Critical Thinking, Engineering, Science

When students enjoy what they are doing, our jobs are so much easier! This collection of my favorite elementary STEM Challenges does just that. Students are engaged and have no problem getting started! Low prep-time, inexpensive materials, and easy-to-edit worksheets make setup simple. A solid grading rubric takes the guess-work out of evaluating group projects. Combine these with a video that explains everything you need to successfully run these STEM Activities and it’s easy to feel confident

Subjects:

Grades:

K - 2nd

Types:

STEM Activity Challenge Spaghetti Tower (Upper Elementary)

Created by

STEM Project for Third, Fourth and Fifth grades.In this activity, students will work in groups to build the tallest structure possible from mini-marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti noodles. Not only will the students learn the importance of working together as a team, but they will discover what shapes they need to make their tower strong.***If you are interested in a differentiated version of this resource for grades K-8, please click here.For a list of materials, please click here! This link w

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 5th

Types:

Critical Thinking, Physical Science, Science

Also included in: STEM Activity Challenges 16 Pack #2 (Upper Elementary)

Physical and Chemical Changes Lab: Potions Classroom Transformation

Created by

Gifted Teacher 305

Your physical and chemical changes lab just got elevated to potions class! In this Professor Snape inspired lesson students will conduct lab experiments in which they will discern the outcome as a mixture, solution, physical change or chemical change. Definitions for physical and chemical changes are included in the resource for students to reference. This lab includes 3 student stations and 1 teacher-led station. The teacher-led station is a demonstration that will blow them away as a mixture s

Subjects:

Grades:

4th - 6th

Types:

Activities to Teach from Dr Yemothy

Also included in: Math and Science Lab Classroom Transformations

Murder Mystery for Middle School: Who Killed Dr. Cosmo? M. Mystery #1

Created by

The beloved science teacher at JKF Middle School has been found dead in her classroom and YOUR Junior Crime Detectives are on the case.Using their skills critical thinking skills, deductive reasoning, and team work, the Junior Crime Detectives work in partnerships or teams to solve the murder mystery.Click here to save 20% on this activity with our 7 Activity Forensic BundleEverything you need for your Junior Detectives is included in this kit including 6 DIFFERENT case files with 6 DIFFERENT gu

Subjects:

Projects, Activities, Laboratory

Grades:

6th - 9th

Types:

Also included in: Middle School Forensics: 8 Activity Bundle (Save 20%)

STATES OF MATTER UNIT: MAKING THE 3 STATES REALLY MATTER!

Created by

Education Contessa

THIS UNIT HAS EVERYTHING, BUT THE KITCHEN SINK ITSELF! It's Packed FULL of Simple Experiment Station Cards and Student Recording Sheets. There are loads of things to add to your interactive notebooks, a file folder game, study cards, and some posters for your bulletin board. Page 4 - 3 States Of Matter examples …. Glue in student notebook Page 5 - Can You Find 10 Solids and Liquids In Your Classroom … partner or group activity Page 6 - Can You Find 10 Solids and Liquids In Your House … Home

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, General Science, Physical Science

Grades:

2nd - 4th

Types:

Thematic Unit Plans, Laboratory, Centers

Evidence and Investigation Forensics Unit

Created by

Brains Loading Please Wait

It's time to think like CSI! Turn your students into a bunch of top-notch crime scene investigators with this ENTIRE UNIT on forensics! Featuring eight different investigative topics and chalk full of labs and activities, this packet is all you need to start teaching. Keep on reading below to see what’s included! (Note: This is a comprehensive unit for Evidence and Investigation, and lines up with the Alberta Program of Studies.) ===============================WHAT YOU GET======================

Subjects:

Grades:

4th - 7th

Types:

Diary of a 21st Century Teacher

Also included in: Evidence and Investigation Forensics Bundle

Harry Potter Potions Class - Making Scientific Observations

Created by

Compliment your book study by doing this hands-on activity. Use "muggle materials" to make "magical" reactions. Make connections to the story, observe reactions, and think creatively! Please note: - "Muggle" ingredients will need to be purchased in order to effectively complete this activity.

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, English Language Arts, Science

Grades:

3rd - 5th

Types:

Laboratory, Centers

Engineering Design Process Worksheets for 10 Simple STEM Challenge Activities

Created by

Brenda Kovich

Use engineering design challenges to get kids thinking! This STEM set offers graphic organizers that guide kids through the steps of the process. Worksheets support 10 specific projects. A blank template, review material, and a test are also included.Open the preview to take a closer look.Each engineering design activity uses simple materials and requires minimal set up.Tasks are open-ended and student-driven.Few limits are established on the student sheets. Instead, you may impose limits (amoun

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, Engineering, Science

Grades:

3rd - 5th

Types:

Activities to Teach from Dr Yemothy

NGSS:

3-5-ETS1-3

, 3-5-ETS1-1

, 3-5-ETS1-2

Middle School Forensics: 8 Activity Bundle (Save 20%)

Created by

Super saver forensic activities bundle for CSI theme classes. 265 pages of forensic learning and activities including task cards, labs, worksheets, and PowerPoint. Ready to use in 1, 2, 3... 1 - print, 2 - complete prep, and 3 - play with your students!SAVE 20% on these activities when you buy this BUNDLEWe have included our most popular forensic activities:Unknown Solutions Lab Activity Kit (11 pages)Time of Death Solving Activity (17 pages)DNA Lesson - PowerPoint (15 slide), Student guide card

Subjects:

Activities, Laboratory, Games

Grades:

6th - 9th

Types:

Middle School Science Skills: First Days of School Activities

Created by

The Wasp Whisperer

Three activities to start off a new year of middle school science:I. Lab Safety: Cause and Effect- Handout: Common science lab safety rules in cartoon form.- Activity: Students determine the possible negative consequences of not following safety rules. (Skills: cause and effect, working with a group, writing, oral presentation)II.Observation and Inference: The Misadventures of Mitzi- Activity: Mitzi is missing. Who is Mitzi? What happened to her? Students will use their observation and inf

Subjects:

Back to School, Critical Thinking, General Science

Grades:

6th - 7th

Types:

Worksheets, Activities, Laboratory

STEM Hands On Science Investigation: Tower Teamwork

Created by

The Teacher Studio

This science task is geared toward helping the intermediate level student develop key STEM science/engineering “thinking skills” that will help build the foundation for more complicated scientific learning. As new science standards are implemented, “engineering” plays a prominent role—even at the elementary level!This lesson can be done in one class period or stretched out over 2 if you wish to allow the students to go back and revisit their towers. If you do, use the “extension” page to recor

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Science

Grades:

4th - 6th

Types:

Laboratory, Lesson

NGSS:

3-5-ETS1-3

, 3-5-ETS1-1

, 3-5-ETS1-2

101 Science Experiment Video Demonstrations

Created by

Do you want to make science more exciting for your students?These science experiment demonstrations can be used to engage students of all ages!Students learn best when they’re engaged, captivated, excited, and curious. I’ve spent the past two years putting together my favorite 101 science demonstrations and have created tutorial videos that will teach you how to run the same demonstrations in your own classroom or home! In each tutorial, I talk through the materials you’ll need, walk you (step-

Subjects:

Activities, Laboratory, Centers

Grades:

Not Grade Specific

Types:

Stars STEM: Types of Stars

Created by

The Best Days with Julie Santello

This STEM project explores how STARS can appear different in the night sky based on how far they are from the Earth! You provide materials for students to design and try their own stars in a 1/2 hour time limit. This STEM's goal is to explore properties of stars, their brilliance, and how this is affected by their distance from the Earth. All the materials you need for documenting student progress are found inside! Look What's Inside the Types of Stars STEM! For the Teacher• Notes for the Tea

Subjects:

Astronomy, Critical Thinking, Gifted and Talented

Grades:

3rd - 6th

Types:

Laboratory, GATE, Centers

Hands On Science STEM Investigations: Help Harry!

Created by

The Teacher Studio

Interested in finding a fun way to work some cooperative learning AND science and engineering into your day? This 30 minute lesson is a great way to do just that--and it's free! Everything you need to get started is included in this one page freebie--with the added bonus of a link to a blog post with full color photos and details about how to do it.When students work through the process of planning, building, testing, and revising--they really are acting like engineers. It's a fun way to get

Subjects:

Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Science

Grades:

4th - 6th

Types:

Laboratory, Lesson

NGSS:

3-5-ETS1-1

, 3-5-ETS1-2

STEM Activity Challenge Swinging Pendulum (Upper Elementary)

Created by

STEM Project for Third, Fourth and Fifth grades.In this activity, students will work in groups to determine which factors (angle, length, or mass) affect the period of a pendulum. Through several different experiments, they will discover that only changes in length affect the period. Near the end of this project, the challenge will be for each group to create a pendulum of period 1 second by using the knowledge they’ve gained through prior experiments.For a list of materials, please click here!

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 5th

Types:

Brains Loading Please Wait

Also included in: STEM Activity Challenges 16 Pack #2 (Upper Elementary)

Trees and Forest Ecosystem Unit

Created by

Your classroom will be full of budding biologists with this ENTIRE UNIT on Trees and Forests! Featuring a reference manual full of info and a field guide full of labs and activities, this packet is everything you need to start teaching. Keep on reading below to see what’s included! (Note: This is a comprehensive unit for Trees and Forests, and lines up with the Alberta Program of Studies.) ===============================WHAT YOU GET===============================►TONS OF REFERENCE PAGES ★ Trees

Subjects:

Biology, Critical Thinking, Science

Grades:

4th - 7th

Types:

Unit Plans, Activities, Laboratory

Also included in: Trees and Forest Ecosystem Bundle

STEM Activity Challenge CD Hovercraft (Middle School)

Created by

STEM Middle School Classroom ProjectUsing an old CD, a balloon and a water bottle (with a pop-up top), students will create their own mini-hovercraft and explore the near-frictionless properties with their group.This STEM Activity Challenge includes teacher instructions, student instructions (worksheet), grading rubrics, a demonstration video for the teacher, a materials needed sheet, and the related NGSS standards!In the teacher demonstration video, I give you an overview of the activity challe

Subjects:

Grades:

6th - 8th

Types:

Also included in: STEM Activity Challenges 16 Pack #1 (Middle School)

STEM Activity Challenge Musical Straws (Upper Elementary)

Created by

STEM Project for Third, Fourth and Fifth grades.Working in groups, students will explore sound. They will cut a normal straw and turn it into a musical instrument. They will then cut the straw to different lengths and analyze how the length changes the pitch. In the process, they will make a lot of noise (I mean music:) and have a ton of fun!***If you are interested in a differentiated version of this resource for grades K-8, please click here.For a list of materials, please click here! This li

Subjects: