Browse lesson plans

Calculating slope of a ramp

In On track learning: Safety through technology and design, page 9

In this lesson, students build a ramp and calculate its slope at different heights. They will also test cars to see how the height of the ramp affects speed.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7–10 English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science)

By Roxanne Moses.

Design technology: Children's engineering

This unit includes design technology projects linked to major themes in engineering. All the lessons and activities support national and state standards. They include materials lists, procedures, student data sheets, and assessment strategies. The lessons vary in grade level and can be modified up or down.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Eco-packaging

In Design technology: Children's engineering, page 1.5

Environmental issues are often at odds with commerce. In this lesson, students balance the need for secure packaging with environmental and economic concerns. They will work together to create mailing packages for a fragile substance and evaluate their results once the package travels through the postal system.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Mathematics and Science)

By Erin Denniston.

Marshmallow catapults

In Design technology: Children's engineering, page 1.4

Students will work in design teams competing for a contract to produce a marshmallow catapult for Target. Catapults will be assessed based on cost, performance, and appearance.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Mathematics and Science)

By Erin Denniston.

On track learning: Safety through technology and design

This unit is an eighth grade curriculum that integrates 4-H topics with science and math. Using the theme of safety and NASCAR racing, the overall objective is for students to design a car that will protect its passenger from injury.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Resources on the web

Constructing a three-dimensional model

In this lesson, students build a three dimensional model from their two dimensional blueprint. In addition, they solve problems related to constructing and decorating their clubhouse. Illuminations provides an overhead, a problem-solving packet, and detailed... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 and 5 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Creating a two-dimensional blueprint

In this lesson, students draw a two-dimensional blueprint of their clubhouse using graph paper. They consider why architects use scale drawings and reflect on the challenging aspects of creating the floor plan. Illuminations provides detailed instructions... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations