Big Idea 5: Earth in Space and Time

After experiencing measuring objects to the nearest one-fourth inch, students are given diagrams of the results from using different colors of paper to cook marshmallows in a solar oven. Students measure diagrams' lengths to the nearest quarter inch and record the data on a line plot. Next students determine which color showed evidence of the melted marshmallows' lengths closest to the ideal 2inches and use this information to make a proposal to a fictional company for the best color to use in their solar ovens for s'more making.

Type: Lesson Plan

STEM design! EGG-cellent! Students will use hands-on inquiry to find out more about gravity and how surface area can oppose it. Through trial and error based on collected data, students will design, create, and drop a vehicle carrying precious "cargo" from a ten-foot ladder, using a parachute to ensure a safe landing. When completed, students should have a better understanding of how gravity interacts with falling objects and how the surface area of a parachute can oppose those interactions.

Type: Lesson Plan

This STEM challenge will engage 3rd grade students in thinking about the ways that a drought can affect a region or nation and how to find a solution to this problem. Students will construct a pipeline to transport water from point A to point B while overcoming gravity and will measure the volume of liquid before and after it travels through the pipeline. This STEM challenge combines architectural engineering with life science and mathematical measurement skills.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students will design and fly their own paper airplane and analyze their flight data to determine the best designs for getting planes to travel the farthest distance. Students will organize class flight data into a line plot and calculate the mean, median, mode, and range for the data set.

Type: Lesson Plan

This Engineering Design Challenge is intended to help students apply the concept that gravity is a force that can be overcome from SC.3.E.5.4 as they build devices to "Stop the Drop." This challenge includes concepts beyond the benchmark.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students learn about the pull of gravity and see how stretch from a Slinky (a spring scale) is a way to measure resistance to gravity.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students engage in the engineering design process and explore gravity by designing and creating a parachute.

Type: Lesson Plan

This lesson plan covers the concept that energy from the sun reaches Earth in the form of heat and light. It incorporates concepts from Earth and Physical Science.

Type: Lesson Plan

What is the sun? Why does the sun appear to be so big from Earth? These questions along with others will quench your inquisitive thirst. This lesson is intended to make students think critically while using real world literature. In addition to new gained knowledge, students will be challenged to work cooperatively with their peers and apply their knowledge through expository writing.

Type: Lesson Plan

Explore how gravity can be overcome in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Explore how your view of the stars changes when using a telescope in this interactive tutorial. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Have you ever wanted to fly paper airplanes for fun while learning about the science of flight? Here's your chance! Produced with funding from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

This video shows three years of the sun as captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation