STEM Curriculum, Grades 4-12

Science Icons drawn on chalk board

These lessons cover STEM topics for grades 4-12. Many of them include options for advanced students. Additionally, the lessons meet Next Generation Science Standards. Another resource is the Common Core Standards for Oregon.


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Lesson Title Sort descending Lesson Summary Subject Grade Level
Bringing Back the Dinosaurs - A Case Study Students will research scientific arguments, engage in debate and reach a conclusion about the reintroduction of dinosaurs into the world. Biology, Engineering Elementary (4-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)
Carbon Cycle Game In this lesson students learn about the carbon cycle through a carbon cycle game. Biology, Climate Change Elementary (4-5)
Classification of Insects Students in this lesson will experience the challenge of classifying living, and variable things. Biology Elementary (4-5), Middle School (6-8)
Collecting and Preserving Insects Students in this lesson will learn to preserve, collect, store, and catalog specimens. Biology Elementary (4-5), Middle School (6-8)
Coral Reef Diversity In this lesson students are introduced to coral reef ecosystems to learn the importance of coral and adaptations coral has made to live in a unique habitat. Biology, Climate Change, Ecology, Marine Elementary (4-5)
Coral Skeletons In this lesson students learn how coral shells are formed and the impact of climate change has had on coral reef ecosystems worldwide. Biology, Climate Change, Ecology, Marine Elementary (4-5)
Enzymes and Bioenergy This activity explores the function of cellulase and its limitations, specifically time-dependence. Bioenergy, Biology High School (9-12)
Eras of Crop Improvement Students learn about why farmers/plant scientists would want to improve traits, with students brainstorming the different types of traits that may be desirable for food producers and consumers. Biology, Climate Change, Ecology Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)
Field Investigations In this lesson students learn about the scientific process through field investigations. Biology, Ecology Elementary (4-5)
Food Webs within a Riparian Zone In this lesson students will be introduced to the food webs within the riparian zone. They will act out and draw food webs, and begin to build their riparian models. Biology Elementary (4-5)