Cornell University
Polymers: Instant Snow
Is it easy to make snow? Scholars use critical thinking skills as they investigate the concept of polymers by making snow. The class tests several different variables and takes measurements over the course of several days. They then...
Curated OER
Somethin' Sweet
Young scholars make their own candy. In this science lesson plan, students observe how molecules interact with each other in physical changes and observe how the addition of heat can cause molecules to interact and form new molecules in...
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States of Matter
Student explore states of matter. In this science lesson plan, students define matter, identify the states of matter, tell about the properties of each state of matter, and demonstrate an understanding of the difference between a...
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It's Alive! Using Microorganisms in Cooking
Students create a KWL chart about food. In this chemistry lesson, students differentiate physical and chemical changes. They explain how microorganisms are used in food preparation.
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Weathering and Erosion
Students investigate how changes occur on the surface of the earth through erosion and glaciation. They observe what happens to salt and iron after they interact with water and vinegar, and analyze what occurs when water is sprinkled on...
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The Chemistry of Ceramics
Students compare the characteristics of a fired porcelain sculpture to the clay used to create it. They discuss the physical and chemical changes that occur in the clay as it is heated and then create their own clay sculpture. This...
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What's the Matter? (Experiments)
Young scholars observe a scientific discrepant event, and are then challenged to create experiments to solve the dilemma.
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Physical Science: Magnetism and Electricity
Students use a variety of objects to test for ability to "stick" to a magnet. They perform an experiment to see that electricity in circuits can produce light, heat, sound, and magnetic effects. They discover magnets attract and repel...
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Stream Scanners
Students investigate quality of water in a stream, lake, or pond by examining chemical, physical, and biological characteristics.
American Chemical Society
Crushing Test
Solidify understanding of the properties of crystals by crushing them to compare hardness. After some class discussion, a procedure is planned, and then small groups go about making observations as they crush five different crystal...
Curated OER
Power Play
Once your physical science stars have a grasp of the different forms of energy, use this resource to get them putting the energy to work. Small groups choose from seven different project options and work together to build an energy...
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States of Matter
Students examine the properties of solids, liquids, and gasses. In this states of matter lesson, the teacher guides students through a series of experiments to illustrate each state of matter and how matter changes from one state to...
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The Solar System
Third graders investigate Newton's law of Motion. For this chemical reaction lesson, 3rd graders participate in an experiment with rockets to study Newton's law. Students observe the effects of a chemical reaction made by combining...
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The Sun Affects Earth
Third graders read, write, and listen to information about the sun and its effects on the Earth.as it relates to its axis, orbit, rotate, and revolution. In this solar system instructional activity, 3rd graders examine how the sun...
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Landforms in a Tub
Fifth graders use common household items to build landforms and simulate weathering and erosion.
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Weathering and Erosion
Students examine the similarities and differences between weathering and erosion. They participate in a lab in which they test the effects of different materials when exposed to weathering and erosion. They record their observations.
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Mixtures of Matter
Students experiment with mixtures of matter. In this matter lesson, students investigate which liquids form a solution when mixed together and which do not. Students also identify which solids can be separated from matter.
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Solutions and Suspensions
Students explore matter by conducting an in class demonstration. For this liquid mixture lesson, students identify the difference between a solution in which a solid dissolves into liquid, and a suspension where the solid doesn't...
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Plant Nutrition and Nutrients
Students observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal and...
American Chemical Society
Using the Combining Test to Identify Unknown Liquids
Once investigators have learned how their mystery liquids interact with water during the preceding activity, they now use their observations to identify them. This is an ideal conclusion to the mini unit on the properties of water.
American Chemical Society
Look-Alike Liquids
Here is the first of four experiments to differentiate among unknown liquids by their behaviors and properties. Pupils observe how different liquids respond to being placed on plastic and paper, and they take notes about their...
Curated OER
Water in the Geosphere
Through a PowerPoint presentation and the embedded animation and video, earth science enthusiasts find out about the moisture in the soil beneath our feet. In the animation, follow a water molecule on its path through the water cycle. As...
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The Game is Afoot - A Study of Sherlock Holmes
Mystery is an exciting genre for young readers to investigate. The plots are so intriguing! Here is a series of lessons featuring Sherlock Holmes stories that invite learners to enter the world of the mystery genre. Based on what they...