Circuit Designers
Students will work in small groups of two to three on a structured challenge around circuits which includes requirements such as including using a switch or a conductor. They will then use that knowledge to work on a collaborative challenge to solve a relevant problem related to elephant poaching. Students will create a containment system that will have an alarm system, a lighting system, and a way to pass through. Finally, they will review the other projects and discuss similarities and differences in the design.
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Students will categorize cells as prokaryotic or eukaryotic by identifying the presence or lack of a nucleus.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Students compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy by creating a real-world model through a movie.
Does it have Potential?
Students will work with partners to investigate how mass, potential energy, and kinetic energy act on objects dropped from varying heights.
Got Force?
Students use various surfaces and a weighted car to see how far the car will travel using balanced and unbalanced forces.
Earth’s Movements
Students will work in small collaborative groups to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth as it revolves around the Sun which creates a day and night cycle.
Types of Science Investigations

Students will distinguish between descriptive, comparative, and experimental investigations.
Experimental Design

Given investigation scenarios and lab procedures, students will identify independent variables, dependent variables, constants, and control groups.
Stop, Collaborate, and Rotate
Students will explore the Earth's rotation and its relation to the Sun and the Moon. Then, students will create a visual representation of this relationship and present it to the rest of the class.
Uses of Energy Lab
Students will rotate through lab stations equipped with objects and videos as they explore the uses and conversion of five different types of energy.
Going on an Expedition
Students observe how dunes and canyons are created through agents of erosion by weathering and erosion.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
Click below to learn about the TEKS related to the unit and Research Lesson. The highlighted student expectation(s) is the chosen focus for the Research Lesson.
What's going on with our plates?
The students will work collaboratively in small, ability-based groups in stations that will require them to use their academic vocabulary, academic language, and self-assessment to generate a product showing what they have learned.
Let's FIND Speed!
This research lesson requires students to distinguish between speed, distance, and time. Students will use formulas to calculate the three using a checklist. Students will also create their own speed, distance, or time word problem using the knowledge gained in this lesson.
Motion of the Ocean | Nature Cat

Sing along with Nature Cat, Nature Dog, and their friends and learn about how the ocean currents work with this “Motion of the Ocean” song! From the Nature Cat: Ocean Commotion special.
How to Travel Around the World | Nature Cat

In this fun clip from Nature Cat: Ocean Commotion, Nature Dog and Sputnik form an unlikely alliance to rescue Mr. Chewinsky and in the process, they find out whether it’s possible to travel around the world using only the ocean currents.
States of Matter Fitness

In this 3rd through 5th grade video, students use their science knowledge and apply it using physical activity! Learning about the stages of matter, solid, liquid and gas, students perform an exercise for each as the teacher calls out an object such as soup or fog.
The Birds are Building a Nest | Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Daniel and Katerina collect leaves and sticks for the birds to use in their nest.
A Nature Hike | Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Come on a nature hike with Evie as she explores the woods in her real neighborhood. Carefully Evie and her nature guide explore off trail, looking at plants using a magnifying glass and searching for creatures in a nearby creek.
Watching the Sunset | Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

The Klouste family enjoys being in the park together and watching the sunset. See how a famfily can have fun together outside by reading, playing sports, or simply watching the world around them.
¡El Pollo! | StoryBlocks

La investigación muestra los bebés pueden reconocer que las palabras mucho antes de que puedan hablar.