Lesson One – Make Your Own Habitat Box
This lesson introduces students to the concept of the basic needs and characteristics of living things by engaging them in a hands-on design activity. Students will explore how all living things require air, water, food, and shelter, and how habitats are designed to meet these needs. Working in small groups, students will research a specific living thing (such as a plant, insect, or small animal) and then design and construct a “Habitat Box” using simple craft and recycled materials. This activity encourages creativity and problem-solving while reinforcing key science concepts. Throughout the lesson, students will reflect on how their habitat design meets the needs of their chosen organism and compare similarities and differences among various habitats. The lesson is supported with resource sheets, guiding questions, and a rubric for assessment, ensuring connections to the Life Systems strand and alignment with the Science and Technology curriculum.
To view the Google Docs - Complete Lesson Plan, Rubric and Resources (view only).
To make a copy of the Lesson Plan and associate rubrics, please click on the link below. This will make a copy of the documents to your Google Drive.
Lesson Two – Animal Shelter STEM Challenge
This lesson builds on students’ understanding of the needs and characteristics of living things by focusing on how animals rely on shelter for survival. In this hands-on design challenge, students will work in small groups to research an animal of their choice and design a model shelter that protects it from environmental conditions such as weather, predators, or lack of resources. Using a variety of classroom and recycled materials, students will plan, construct, and test their shelters, applying the engineering design process to refine their ideas. The activity encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, while reinforcing science concepts about habitats and survival. Students will document their design choices, explain how their shelter meets the animal’s needs, and present their work to peers. Teacher resources, guiding prompts, and an assessment rubric are provided to support curriculum alignment with the Life Systems strand in the Science and Technology program.
To view the Google Docs - Complete Lesson Plan, Rubric and Resources (view only).
To make a copy of the Lesson Plan and associate rubrics, please click on the link below. This will make a copy of the documents to your Google Drive.
Lesson One - Solar Powered Experiment
Students engage in exploring the role of the sun as a vital source of energy in daily life. Students will begin by identifying different sources of energy and discussing how the sun provides us with both heat and light. Through guided investigations, they will observe and record the effects of sunlight on various objects, such as how light warms surfaces or how heat can cause materials to change. Building on these observations, students will use the engineering design process to create a simple solar-powered device, such as a solar oven, to demonstrate how humans can harness solar energy for everyday tasks like cooking. Throughout the activity, students will follow safety procedures, collaborate with peers, and reflect on their findings. This lesson emphasizes scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and hands-on exploration while addressing curriculum expectations in the Matter and Energy strand. Teacher resources, observation prompts, and a rubric for assessment are provided to support student learning and evaluation.
Lesson Two - Responsible Energy Use – Classroom Energy Hero Project
This lesson challenges students to take an active role in learning about responsible energy use by becoming “Energy Heroes” in their classroom and school community. Students will begin by brainstorming the many ways energy is used in daily life at school and at home, then identify common habits that lead to wasted energy. Through discussion and observation, they will distinguish between actions that save energy and those that waste it, explaining the reasons behind their choices. Students will then work individually or in small groups to create posters, digital media, or artwork that communicates conservation messages to inspire others to make positive changes. As a class, students will design and commit to an “Energy Hero Action Plan” that includes specific daily or weekly actions, such as turning off lights, reducing device charging time, or conserving water, and track their progress over time. This lesson integrates science, creativity, and civic responsibility, while supporting curriculum expectations in the Matter and Energy strand. Teacher resources, guiding prompts, and an assessment rubric are included to support student learning and evaluation.
Lesson One - Tower Challenge – Tallest and Strongest
Lesson One
Lesson One - Coding Unplugged - The Garden Maze
Lesson Two - Coding Unplugged - Seasons Quest