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Introduction to the Periodic Table
Eighth graders investigate the different elements of the Periodic Table. In this chemistry lesson, 8th graders pick an element to research, then present to the class using a powerpoint presentation or a poster.
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Finding the Ages of Rocks and Fossils
High schoolers practice dating fossils. They learn the concept of "deep time"--that earth was formed billions of years ago. They experience excellent hand-outs and virtual age tutorial links.
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Plate Tectonics
Students research separate elements of the theory of Plate Tectonics, then share that information with each other, drawing conclusions from the culminated information.
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Geologic Time Scale II
Students research the geologic time scales and the appearance of animals and plants during these eras. They complete a chart indicating the era, period and major events.
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Enhancing Students' Problem-Solving Abilities
Students analyze the results of a hypothetical cloning experiment using a restriction endonuclease map obtained from an on-line data source. They answer the question, "How can I tell if the DNA I have obtained from this hypothetical...
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Earth System Science
Students investigate the age of the earth by using accepted scientific methods. They conduct research about the use of radioactive dating and there is a simulation activity of the process. Finally, students measure the radioactive decay...
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Atoms and Molecules
Students become familiar with the relationship between atoms and matter. In this atoms, elements molecules and compounds lesson, students create a replica of an atom and a molecule. Students research scientist who contributed to the...
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Glaciers As Indicators of Global Climate Change
Students research about glacial ice melting on the four major spheres of the Earth. For this earth science lesson, students explain how this process relates to global warming. They create a presentation and share their findings with the...
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Periodic Table of Elements
Beginning chemists examine a collection of elements and compounds as they are introduced to the periodic table. The lesson plan is not cohesive and does not provide detailed instructions on how to teach it. However, it does includes a...
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Determining the Age of Fossils
High schoolers examine the concept of radioactive dating. In this radioactive dating lesson, students investigate how to determine the ages of fossils and rocks as they learn about half-life radioactive decay.
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Nuclear Power
Students take on the role of members of a concerned citizens group and discuss the transportation of spent-fuel rods from a local nuclear power plant and the safety issues that surround the power plant. Students work in groups to write...
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Radioactive Decay: A Sweet Simulation of a Half-life
Students demonstrate rates of decay of unstable nuclei can be measured. They understand ratios and multiplication of fractions. They simulate radioactive decay. They read about the accomplishments of scientists.
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Radioactive Decay
Students generate a radioactive decay table for an imaginary element, use their data to plot a decay graph, develop the concept of half-life, and use the graph to "age" several samples.
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Reactor Incident
Students are introduced to Chernobyl incident and the resulting environmental health impacts they watch a PowerPoint presentation, read articles and discuss what they have gained from these sources.
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Our Future - Nuclear Power?
Students comprehend that there are risks involved with using nuclear power. They write persuasive paragraphs for and against nuclear power. Students analyze the environmental issues and risks with nuclear power.
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Are You Charged?
Fourth graders study the charges on ions and familiarize themselves with a quick way to remember charges based on location of elements on the periodic table. They complete a worksheet and share their answers with the class.
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A Phylogenetic Perspective for the Cladistically Challenged
Students use M&Ms to simulate radioactive decay of elements.
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Electron Sqare Dance
Pupils participate in an Electron Square Dance in which they act the part of atoms. They follow the structure of different atoms suggested by the teacher.
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How does Nuclear Fission differ from Nuclear Fusion?
Students examine concepts of nuclear chemistry. They compare and contrast the topics of nuclear fission and nuclear fision. They predict the outcome of reactions based on the types of emissions and reactants.
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Help Wanted: A Lighting Engineer For Popular Rock Group
Students are assigned to groups, and determine each member's role in the group. They will design an experiment to determine a way to produce the three primary and five secondary colors. Students discuss color and mood. They listen to a...
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Acid Rain
Students use real-time weather maps to determine the likelihood of acid rainfall in a region. Students apply their understanding of interaction between weather systems, land and air pollution, to address acid rain and the effects on...
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Atmospheric Cells
Learners recognize that the sun is the source of energy driving atmosphere cells. They relate the motion of the atmospheric cells to mantle convection cells. Students recognize that the function of atmospheric cells is to move heat from...
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Climate Patterns across the United States
Students articulate differences between climate and weather using examples in a written statement. Using climate data from across the country, they describe climate patterns for various parts of the United States on a map. Students...
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Cold Fronts
Students determine its' direction of movement, and list at least five weather conditions associated with the specific front, given animations of several atmospheric variables during a cold front passage. They list at least three weather...