Skip to:

Research on interconnections among Gulf of America ecosystems.
Outreach for decisions based on those interconnections.

INSPIRE GK12 Lesson Plan Collection

The National Science Foundation's INSPIRE GK-12 program was a national initiative that paired science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduate students with K-12 teachers in elementary and secondary schools to enhance STEM education by bringing university research into classrooms, creating innovative lessons, and inspiring rural students in science. This initiative focused on effective science communication and hands-on learning to boost STEM interest.

INSPIRE GK12 has since concluded at a national level. The lesson plans created during this program are hosted here as a service to teachers in support of the NOAA Education & Outreach Mission.

About the INSPIRE GK12 Program

  • Partnership: Placed graduate science/math students (fellows) into K-12 classrooms.
  • Goal: Improve K-12 STEM learning, foster science communication, and increase student interest in STEM fields.
  • Activities: Fellows developed and delivered engaging, research-based lessons (e.g., the Golden Ratio lesson plan).
  • Resources: Created free, innovative STEM activities and resources for teachers, accessible online.
  • Focus: Often involved partnerships with rural schools to bring advanced STEM concepts to underserved areas.

In short, INSPIRE GK12 was a successful model for bridging university research and K-12 education, supported by the NSF.

Lesson Plan Archive

Select a column name to sort by that column.

Title Subject Grade Level Download
Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) Physics 11-12
How Strong are you (Mathematically)? Geometry,Algebra 10-12
Using Concept Maps to Design 3D Spheres Math 10-12
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Physics 11-12
Density Experiments Science 10-12
Chemical Reactions using Fireworks Physical Science 9-12
Converting Metric Units and Prefixes Science 10-12
Microscopes: Is what you see,what you got? General Science 8
How BIG is 400? Dimensional Analysis 10-12
Measurement: When Degrees Matter General Science 8
Concepts in Measurement Physics 11-12
Geometry in Football Geometry,Algebra 10-12
Strongest Polygon Math 10-12
Scientific Inquiry: Periodic Motion Physics 11-12
Classifying Matter Game Science 10-12
Science and the scientific process Physical Science 9-12
Pure Substances and Mixtures Physical Science 10-12
Measurement: Stream Flow & Stadium Capacity (Poland) General Science 8
Build your own atom Chemistry 10-12
Where Will Your Future Take You? General Science 8
Automated Vehicle Programming Design Robotics 11-12
This building is Tall……. Geometry,Algebra 10-12
Geometric Basketball Court Math 10-12
Free Fall Lab Physics 11-12
Electromagnetic Spectrum/Spectroscopy Science 10-12
The Mystery of the Periodic Table Physical Science 9-12
Density Experiments Science 10-12
Natural Hazards 10 Earth Science 8
Totally Isotopic! Chemistry 10-12
Natural Disasters: How Do They Impact Us? Earth Science 10-12
GPS Clocks and Relativity Physics 11-12
Atoms and Elements Physical Science 9-12
Modeling Linear Equations Geometry,Algebra I 10-12
The Fractal Geometry of Nature Algebra II,Advanced Algebra 10-12
The Louis Vuitton Project,using 3rd degree equations Geometry,Algebra II 10-12
Circle Art Geometry,Algebra II 10-12
2D Kinematics with String Racers Physics 11-12
Compass Designs Geometry 10-12
Building Paper Bridges Geometry,Algebra II 9-12
Projectile Motion: Hit the Army Men Physics 11-12
Vector Resolution Physics 11-12
Kinetic Theory Physical Science 9-12
Rock Identification Lab Earth Science 8
What is Chemistry,Anyway? Chemistry 10-12
Mineral Lab Earth Science 8
Projectile Motion: Hit the Army Men Physics 11-12
Building Congruent Triangles Part B Geometry 10-12
Buidling Congruent Triangles Part A (CSI Investigation) Geometry 10-12
Grating Spectrometer Physics 11-12
Periodic Trends Chemistry 10-12
Gases and Air Physical Science 9-12
Earth History Part I Earth Science 8
I have the solution! (Solutions) Chemistry 10-12
Earth History Part II Earth Science 8
Robot Drivers License Robotics 11-12
Folding Circles Geometry 10-12
Triangle Tango - Special Right Triangles Geometry 9-12
Numerical Determination of Drag Coefficients Physics 11-12
Vector Components and Vector Addition Physics 11-12
Do Green Leaves only have Green Pigment Botany 9-12
Plate Tectonics Earth Science 8
Zooming in on Microscopes Biology,Physics 10-12
Layers of the Earth Earth Science 8
Line Trap Challenge Robotics 11-12
The Best Throw Geometry 10-12
Microscopic Geometry Geometry 10-12
Investigation of Hooke's Law Physics 11-12
Periodic Table Patterns using Fabulous Periodic Eggs Chemistry 10-12
Boyle's Law Physical Science 9-12
Weather Instrument Use and Application Earth Science 8
Ions in the Environment Chemistry 10-12
Weather Elements and Instruments Earth Science 8
Robot Line Tracking Robotics 11-12
Make a Box Geometry 10-12
CSI Investigation: Crime Series Geometry 10-12
Ballistic Pendulum Lab (Using Rotation Sensor) Physics 11-12
Titration Lab Chemistry 11-12
Charles's Law Physical Science 9-12
Cloud Lab Earth Science 8
the Bounty of Bernoulli Physical Science 9-12
Weather Forecasting: From Then to Now Earth Science 8
Potato Launcher Energy Lab Physics 11-12
Triangles in Architecture Geometry 10-12
Are you in 'Golden' Shape (Golden Ratio) Geometry 10-12
Implulse/Momentum Lab Physics 11-12
Ecology of a Different Kind (Australia) Life Science 8
Weather Forecasting Basics Earth Science 8
A Solution for Precipitation Chemistry 10-12
Severe Weather Earth Science 8
Robot Movement Lag Robotics 11-12
Understanding Reflections by Paper Folding Geometry 10-12
Anthropometry of Chair Design Geometry 10-12
Physical Pendulum Lab (Moment of Inertia) Physics 11-12
Code Makers-Aufbau Electron Configuration Physical Science 9-12
Mississippi's Contribution to Space Exploration Space Science 8
If My Configurations are Correct…(Bohr models) Chemistry 10-12
Newton's Laws of Motion Phsical Science 8
Robot Turning Lab Robotics 11-12
Measuring Body Angles Geometry 10-12
Geometry Jeopardy Geometry 10-12
Electric Field Mapping in 3D Physics 11-12
Australian Ecology and Bushfires Life Science 8
Mississippi's Electricity: Generation to Consumption Physical Science 8
You Say Avacado,I say Avogadro Chemistry 10-12
Physics Rewind (Review) Physical Science 8
Chemistry: Basic Formulas Physical Science 8
Robot Labyrinth Robotics 11-12
Analyzing Body Anlges Geometry 10-12
Making Parallel Lines Geometry 10-12
Investigation of Timbre (Sound Quality) Physics 11-12
Movement,It's FUN-damental! (Muscle/Tendon) Anatomy 10-12
Chemical Bonding Physical Science 8
Don't be a Stoic about Stoichiometry Chemistry 10-12
The Physics of Electricity:Real or Magic? Physical Science 8
Chemistry: Balancing Chemical Equations Physical Science 8
Sensor Challenge Robotics 11-12
Indentifying Lines of Symmetry Geometry 10-12
Symmetry of Road Signs Geometry 10-12
Construction: Ammeter & Voltmeter from Galvonmeter Physics 11-12
Studying with Chemical Compounds Physical Science 9-12
Photosynthesis and Respiration Life Science 8
Pauli's Magical Water (VSEPR Model) Chemistry 10-12
Physical and Chemical Changes Physical Science 8
Ecology: Symbiosis Life Science 8
Robot Olympics Robotics 11-12
Studying Special Segments in Triangles Geometry 10-12
Parallel-o-Home (Quadrilaterals : Architecture) Geometry 10-12
Investigation of Polarized Light Physics 11-12
Science with Mud (Australia) Life Science 8
Cycles Review (Nitrogen,Photosynthesis,etc) Life Science 8
A Solution for Moles Chemistry 10-12
Introduction to Ecology Life Science 8
Ecology:Effects of Land Use on Natural Streams Life Science 8
Functions Challenge Robotics 11-12
Mathematics in Robotics Geometry 10-12
Incredible Edible Bridges Geometry 10-12
Simple Circuits Physics 11-12
Columbus Travel Agency (Biomes) Life Science 8
Where My Peeps At? (Boyles's Law Labs) Chemistry 10-12
Introduction to Biomes Life Science 8
Who Wants to be a Cellular Biologist Life Science 8
Ecology:Adaptations (Australia) Life Science 8
Calculatiing Avg. Mass of Newly Discovered Element:Bn Chemistry 10-12
How can you Study Things You Can't See? (Inquiry) General Science 9-12
Blood Business Anatomy 10-12
Elements on the Wall Physical Science 9-12
Functions Challenge FollowUp with Line Robotics 11-12
Mathematics in Robotics Part 2 Geometry 10-12
3D Geometric City Geometry 10-12
Construction and Characterization of a Simple DC Motor Physics 11-12
Genetics: Mutation Lesson Life Science 8
Lighters Don't Work When Wet Chemistry 10-12
Gregor Mendel: A Brief Biography Life Science 8
Introduction to the Respiratory System Life Science 8
Sabotage Challeng Robotics 11-12
Force Plates and Postural Stability Geometry 10-12
Sonobe Polyhedra Mobile Geometry 10-12
Who wants to be a Geologist General Science 8
What's the Solution Chemistry 10-12
Pressure and Weather Earth Science 8
Element Research Activity Chemistry 10-12
Intro to Motion and Force Physical Science 8
Slacker Procedures & Systematic Variance w/String Racer Physics 11-12
Statistical Design of Experiment w/ a Catapult Physics 11-12
Geology: A Peek Into the Past Earth Science 8
The Trash Vortex Earth Science 8
Metals Across the Periodic Table Chemistry 8
Statistical Analysis of Aircraft Incident Data Probability & Statistics 10-12
Making Many Measurements Meaningful General Science 7
Scaling Up: Using pixel values to determine area Geometry 10-12
Projectile Motion Physics 11-12
Know Your Elements Chemistry 10-12
Basic Radial Chromatography Chemistry 10-12
Creation of a Standard using a Spectrophotometer and Data Application to Estuary Geochemistry Chemistry 10-12
Introduction to the Scientific Method General Science 8
States of Matter General Science 8
Slow Motion: The Bouncing Water Drop Geometry 10-12
Data Collection and Graphing General Science 7
Math Mysteries: Solving crimes through sediment analysis Geometry 10-12
The Information in the Spectrum of Light Physics 11-12
Density Chemistry 10-12
Lab Safety (High School) Chemistry 10-12
Understanding a Spectrophotometer and introduction of Beer's law/application of Planck's law and introduction of light interaction with molecules Physics 11-12
Sand Cities Earth Science 8
Lab Safety (Middle School) General Science 8
A Penny for your Shoe Geometry 10-12
Calculating Your “Carbon Footprint!” Earth Science 7
NTU What? The math behind turbidity. Geometry 10-12
Diffraction of Waves Demonstration Physics 11-12
Scientific Method – Enzyme Activity Chemistry 10-12
Climate and human impact debate Environmental Science 11-12
Superhydro-what?! Measuring Angle and Segments Geometry 9-12
Periodic Table Physical Science 8
Shocking Chemistry Physical Science 8
Intro into Chemical and Physical Properties Physical Science 7
Statistics in Water Quality Analysis Statistics 10-12
Creating Remote Sensing Models from Data Physics 11-12
Basics of Radiation via Radon Chemistry 9-12
Periodic Properties Chemistry 9-12
An Adventure in the Field: A Classroom Scenario General Science 7
Velocity and Acceleration Physics 11-12
Acids,Bases,& pH Physical Science 8
Chemical Bonding Physical Science 8
Acids,Bases,& pH Relevance Physical Science 7
Pi Pie Geometry 9-12
Ionic Bonds and Chemical Formulas Physical Science 7
Using geometric views to show applications in mapping and construction Geometry 9-12
Multi-Regression Analysis Physics 11-12
Molecular Geometry Chemistry 9-12
Chemical Bonding Chemistry 9-12
Acme Helicopter Lab Physics 11-12
GIS Day Earthquakes Geosciences 7-8
GIS Day Flooding Geosciences 7-8
GIS Day Severe Weather Geosciences 7-8
Layers of the Atmosphere Earth Science 8
Electromagnetic Spectrum Physical Science 8
Graphing Lines Geometry 9-12
Let's Hear it for Sound Waves! Physical Science 7
Patterns through geometry Geometry 9-12
Conservation of Energy Physics 11-12
Molecular Geometry and Crystals Chemistry 9-12
Trebuchet lab Part 1 Physics 11-12
Waves in Action Phsical Science 7
Properties of Gases Chemistry 9-12
Forces of Motion: Newton’s Laws Physical Science 8
Acids and Bases Physical Science 8
The Earth and the Elements General Science 7
Guiding Airplanes at the Secret Squirrel Mission Algebra 9-12
Introduction to Forces and Motion Physical Science 7
Geometric Direction Geometry 9-12
Cars Physics 11-12
Hydrate Lab Chemistry 9-12
Anchors away! Newton's first law in action Physics 11-12
Volcanoes in a GIS World Earth Science 8
Roller Coaster Engineers Physical Science 8
Balloon Rockey and Checker Challenge Physical Science 7
Introduction to Simple Machines Physical Science 7
Statistical Analysis in Text Form Statistics 10-12
Fan Carts Physics 11-12
Empirical Formula Determination Chemistry 9-12
Parachutes & Surface Area Geometry/Algebra 9-12
Projectile lab: Siege that castle! Physics 11-12
Winds Earth Science 8
Air Pressure Earth/Physical Science 8
Properties of a Rhombus Geometry 9-12
Rocket Time! Physical/Space Science 7
GPS-ometry Geometry 9-12
Centripetal Force Lab Physics 11-12
Acids and Bases in the Environment (Acid Rain) Chemistry 9-12
Collision and Impulse (Force and Energy) Part 1 Physics 11-12
Lunar and Solar Eclipses Earth Science 7
Solutions Chemistry 9-12
The Water Cycle Earth Science 8
Space Travel…in Mississippi?! Earth/Space Science 7
How big is the country we live in? Geometry 9-12
Averaging Data Demo Physics 11-12
Conversion Cookies Chemistry 9-12
Lab Safety - Part 2 Chemistry 9-12
Collision and Impulse (Force and Energy) Part 2 Physics 11-12
Earth's Climates and Climatological Data Earth Science 7
Chemistry of Weather Earth Science 8
Let's Fold! Geometry 9-12
Edible Dinosaurs - The Fossil Record EarthScience 8
Magma and Viscosity Earth Science 8
What Elements Control the Weather? Earth Science 7
Forces of Flight Advanced Math (IB) 11-12
Introduction to Minerals of the Earth Earth Science 7
Energy: Non-Renewables,Renewables,and Conservation Earth Science 8
Farming and Geometry Geometry 9-12
Ohm's Law Lab Physics 11-12
Understanding an X-ray Defractometer and Intro of Bragg's Law Physics 11-12
Chemistry Sandwiches Chemistry 9-12
History of Chemistry Chemistry 9-12
Typhoid Tootsie Life Science 8
Blinky Bugs Physical Science 8
Who Wants to be a T.V. Meteorologist? Earth Science 8
Using STEM to Understand Air Flow Advanced Math (IB)/Physics 9-12
Who Wants to be a Meteorologist? Earth Science 7
Green for Ghana Earth Science 7
Object Ratios in Life Geometry/Algebra 9-12
Capacitors Introduction Physics 11-12
Acid/Base Titration Chemistry 9-12
Resonate Frequency and Earthquakes Physics/Earth Science 11-12
The Carbon Cycle and Soils Chemistry 9-12
Exploring the Universe Earth Science 8
Homemade Telescopes Earth/Space Science 8
Viruses,Bacteria,and Your Health Life Science 8
Earth Processes…Where in Mississippi? Earth Science 7
Fly by Math Advanced Math (IB) 9-12
Geography and Minerals of Sierra Leone Earth Science 7
Geocaching in Geometry Geometry 9-12
Capacitance Physics 11-12
Calorimetry Chemistry 9-12
Polarization and Optics (Intro Optical Mineralogy) Earth Science 11-12
The Savanna Biome and Climate Change Earth Science 7
Adaptations Life Science 8
Smoking Life Science 8
Renewable Energy in Poland Physical Science 7
Wetlands Earth Science 7
Will it Sink or Will it Float? Geometry/Algebra 9-12
Damped Spring-Mass Systems Lab Physics 11-12
Iodination of Acetone Chemistry 9-12
Geologic Time Scale (Intro Optical Mineralogy/Fossils) Earth Science 9-12
Stars and Bucky Balls Earth/Space Science 8
Genetics Life Science 7
Blast Off! Advanced Math (IB) 9-12
Water Quality and Indicator Species Life Science 7
Digestion: Everyone Does It Life Science 8
Thermoclines:A reference of descriptive Statistics 10-12
Fun with Simple Circuits Physics 11-12
Iodine Clock Reaction (Factors Affecting Reaction Rates) Chemistry 10-12
The Senses Life Science 8
Climate Change Earth/Space Science 8
Extracting DNA! Life Science 7
Fossils and Fossilization Earth Science 7
It's in the Genes Life Science 7
Units,Units,Units Geometry/Algebra 9-12
Power Factor Physics 11-12
Solution Chemistry Chemistry 9-12
Fun with Simple Circuits Part 2 (Advanced) Physics 11-12
The Chemistry of Climate Change Chemistry 9-12
Porosity,Permeability,and Grain Size Earth Science 7
Successful Succession Life Science 8
Spectroscopy Physical Science 8
Water: How fast does it flow; How much can be held? Algebra 9-12
Don’t be a Fool: Know Gold from Fool’s Gold! Chemistry 9-12
Elastic Deformation of Materials: An Investigation of Hooke’s Law Physics 11-12
Detecting backscattered electrons with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Life Science 7
Math Sequences with Digital Logic Circuits Algebra II 9-12
Pinewood Derby Velocity Test Physical Science 7
ALERT: Chemical Reactions EVERYWHERE Physical Science 8
Density of Metals Physical Science 8
Percentages of Dissolved Solids Algebra 9-12
Unit Conversions: Creating Oobleck,Goop and Glurch Chemistry 9-12
Estimation of Spherical Surface Area Physics 11-12
Safety First! General Science 7
Area in Origami Geometry/Algebra 9-12
Modeling Plant and Animal Cells Life Science 7
It’s Electric! Physical Science 8
Period of a Pendulum Physical Science 8
The Black Box Mystery Geometry/Algebra 9-12
Is Density Intrinsic? Chemistry 9-12
Investigation of Static and Kinetic Friction Coefficients Physics 11-12
Water Quality Earth Science 7
Staircases and Slopes Geometry/Algebra 9-12
Scientific Method General Science 7
Recycling…ROCKS? Earth Science 8
Earth's Formation and Structure Earth/Space Science 8
Topographic Profiles Geometry 9-12
What’s My Age Again? Isotopic analysis Chemistry 9-12
Polymers: Reduce,Reuse,Recycle Chemistry 9-12
Mine Field: 2D Vectors Physics 11-12
To Pee or Not to Pee Physical Science 7
Folding Fractions Geometry/Algebra 9-12
What Is Life? Life Science 7
Plate Boundaries Earth Science 8
Earth's History Earth/Space Science 8
Relative Distance vs. True Distance Geometry/Algebra 9-12
pH,Do We Have Anything In Common? Love,Eletrical Current Chemistry 9-12
Scientific Methods Chemistry 9-12
Fan Carts with Tracker Software Physics 11-12
What’s growing on you? Life Science 7
Binary Art Geometry/Algebra 9-12
Classifying Part 1 General Science 7
Broadcast that Storm Earth Science 8
Calibration - Grating Spectrometer Earth/Space Science 8
Hazards of Angles Geometry 9-12
Chemistry Bingo Chemistry 9-12
Reaction Types Chemistry 9-12
Parallel Lines with Lasers and Mirrors Geometry 9-12
Scientific Method Review Game General Science 7
Classifying Part 2 General Science 7
Climate Patterns Earth Science 8
Planetary Climates Earth/Space Science 8
Measuring Stress Geometry 9-12
Halloween Chemistry Chemistry 9-12
Organic Chemistry in Dyes Chemistry 9-12
Similar Polygons Puzzle Geometry 9-12
Learning Light Microscopy Physical Science 7
Kepler’s Third Law and Celestia Physics 11-12
GIS Day – Evacuation Geosciences 7-8
GIS Day - Flooding Geosciences 7-8
Hazards: Hurricane Tracking with ArcGIS Geosciences 7-8
Hierarchy of the Heavens Earth/Space Science 8
Electricity and Magnetism Physical Science 8
The Power of the Sun - Climate Geometry 9-12
Bonding Over Silicate Gardens Chemistry 9-12
Stoichiometry Chemistry 9-12
Spacecraft MMOD Shielding Physics 11-12
Fundamentals of Fractals Geometry 9-12
Cell Microscopy: Exploring biological domains and kingdoms Life Science 7
Light! Behave. Physical Science 8
Faraday's Law of Induction Physics 11-12
Laser Tag: Capturing the Sun! Geometry 9-12
Greenhouse Gases: Political Debate or Real Science? Chemistry 9-12
Gyroscopic Precession Physics 11-12
Satellite Dish Pointing Geometry/Algebra 9-12
Investigating the Statue of Liberty Disintegration Chemistry 9-12
Diffusion and Osmosis Life Science 7