ALEX Lesson Plan Resources

ALEX Lesson Plans  
Subject: Science (7)
Title: Plant’s Nanomachinery for Photosynthesis and Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion
Description: Understanding the energy conversion capability of photosynthesis and the artificial nanostructured photocatalysts contrast biotic and abiotic systems, while demonstrating the efficiency of photosynthesis compared to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in generating gas production volumetrically. The experiment results transition to a discussion of photosynthesis and the organelles within the cell where it takes place.  This lesson explores  light energy capture and transformation into chemical energy during photosynthesis.  The lesson can lead to discussion of renewable energy conversion methods and nanotechnology, to help advance nanoscience research to solve the challenging energy issues in the future.     


Subject: Science (7)
Title: Field Trip to the Moon
Description: Students will participate in a discussion of the Moon´s habitability. The students will create a plan for the design and creation of a self-sustaining ecosystem within a lunar station. This lesson was created as part of the 2016 NASA STEM Standards of Practice Project, a collaboration between the Alabama State Department of Education and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.


Subject: Science (6 - 7)
Title: Climate Change & The Carbon Cycle
Description: Students will explore greenhouse gases, how they effect the carbon cycle and the human role in climate change.   This lesson was created as part of the 2016 NASA STEM Standards of Practice Project, a collaboration between the Alabama State Department of Education and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.


Subject: Science (7)
Title: The Barn Owl Pellet Lab
Description: The Barn Owl Pellet Lab includes hands-on, inquiry-based activities. During this lab activity, students will dissect two Barn Owl pellets. The dissection allows students to compare the data collected from the two pellets. The student worksheets that accompany this lesson require students to: make predictions, perform mathematical calculations, construct a graph, classify bones into types, separate bones by prey type, and draw conclusions about the owl’s environment based on the dissection findings.