Lesson Plan Library

All lesson plans are NGSS and CASEL aligned!

Browse our library of lesson plans created by educators for educators!

All lessons are NGSS and CASEL aligned and designed for middle and high school classrooms.

Each lesson links to a compatible X-STEM All Access episode featuring an inspiring STEM role model. View the full lineup of X-STEM All Access episodes HERE.

Looking for a lesson plan to accompany an X-STEM All Access episode?  Search by the episode title below to find the compatible lesson plan!

NGSS Performance Expectation
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Grade Level
Scientific Domain
Core Idea
Physics of Shipbuilding

Students design boats to explore Newton's Laws and momentum through hands-on...

Introduction to Optics

Students explore the science of optics through hands-on activities.

Molecular Properties of Welding Materials

Students test metal properties related to welding and use to solve...

Corrosion and Materials in Underwater Robots

Students investigate the effects of corrosion on different materials and apply...

Metrology and Heat Islands

Students explore the hands-on world of technology and metrology through the...

Hypersonics and Newton’s 2nd Law

Students use investigation to derive f=ma and apply it to hypersonic...

Submarine Technology

Students design and optimize a prototype submarine.

The Science of Directed Energy Technologies

Explain how energy directed technologies use wave properties and their interactions...

Modeling the Piezoelectric Effect

Students create and revise models to explain how the Piezoelectric Effect...

The Tradeoffs of Rare Earth Metals

Students use simulations and research to describe trade-offs of mining Rare...

Metrology: The Science of Measurement

Students explore the hands-on world of measurement and metrology

Modeling Fission, Fusion, and Radioactive Decay

Students develop and compare models of fission and fusion decay using...

Developing Solutions for Robots at Work

Students develop solutions for dull, dangerous, and dirty jobs using robots...

Introduction to Additive Manufacturing

Students create a 3D print with frosting and generate solutions for...

Evaluating Engineering Materials

Students compare properties of copper and bronze and use them to...

Investigating the Effects of Hypoxia

Students discuss the challenges pilots face at high altitudes, investigating incidents...

Examining Extreme Weather

Students explore weather patterns and then examine extreme weather events

Using Waves to Track Objects in Orbit

Students will communicate how reflecting telescopes use waves to track objects.

G-Forces in Fighter Planes

Students use F=MA to calculate the acceleration for various planes and...

Chemical Reactions and the Sun’s Lifespan

Construct explanations and develop models to understand the aurora borealis and...

Grand Challenges Engineering Solutions

Utilize the decomposition strategy to break down large problems into smaller...

Exploring Satellite Motion and Technology

Use mathematical and computational representations to predict orbiting object motions. Students...

Exploring GPS

Use GPS to measure, learn how it triangulates position, and is...

Scaling Objects in Outer Space

Examine optical wonders through studying lenses and focal points

Deriving Newton’s Law of Gravitation

Compare the law of gravitation with a computer modeled relationship between...

Using Computational Models in Science

Using computational thinking patterns, students propose a model for phenomenon.

Engineering in Space: Safe Collisions

After analyzing asteroid impacts, students engineer and iterate an egg drop...

Toxins in an Ecosystem

Study toxin cycles through an ecosystem to create a model for...

Exploring Encryption and Design Solutions

Students will learn the fundamentals of encryption, model encryption and decryption,...

Climate Models to Study Sea Level Rise

Analyze climate models to determine the extent and impact of ice...

Unraveling the History of Sharks

Analyze fossil records to observe patterns of existence, extinction, and change...

Laws of Motion with Homemade Helicopters

Explain the relationship between forces, mass, and acceleration as students design...

The Nervous System and Mindfulness

Investigate the relationships between the nervous system and other body systems...

Investigate Motion with Homemade Gliders

Use the engineering design process to discover the impact of forces...

The Power of Waves and Energy Conversion

Develop a model to illustrate wave behavior. Calculate the sound speed...

Exploring Ecosystem Dynamics

Use a simulator to observe how changes in parameters can affect...

Red Tide Effects on Marine Populations

Explore the phenomenon of Harmful Algal Blooms (Red Tide) and determine...

Iterating Rube Goldberg Machines

Build, refine and explain how energy is transferred by a Rube...

Analyzing Challenges of Endangered Species

Analyze a major global challenge of endangered species. Explore the OCEARCH...

Evidence of Species over Time

Write an evidence based explanation describing how new species are determined

Engineering Animal Enrichments

Develop an engaging animal habitat using the engineering design process.

Empowering Design Solutions

Define precise criteria and constraints and analyze data to assess solution...

Investigate Synthetic Material

This lesson plan looks at the dosing of a chemical and...

Engineering Designs to Solve Problems

Develop models for interactive testing and design solutions with simple machines...

Innovations in Prosthetics

Use models to illustrate system interactions in organisms by exploring skeletal-muscular...

Homeostasis in Space Suits

Plan and conduct an investigation of how temperature is regulated by...

Analyzing the Mars Sample Return Program

Prioritize criteria to select which samples NASA should return from Mars.

Freshwater Conservation

Develop a model of the Earth's water cycle and energy flow...

Studying Biodiversity

Create a computational simulation to explore the relationships between natural resource...

Water’s Impact on Climate

In the lesson, students will investigate the causes of climate change...

Exploring Cellular Function

Develop cell models to understand neural transmission.

Empowering with Precision & Inclusivity

Students are challenged to design solutions with scientific principles, consider impacts,...

Exploring Design Solutions and Motion

Students plan investigations to understand motion. They will design, test, and...

Sustainable Solutions in Outer Space

Explore the process of dehydrating foods in providing a consistent food...

Bioluminescence and Diversity in Ecosystems

Study bioluminescence, create a scientific poster on a bioluminescent organism, and...