Colorado State University
Can Boiling Make Something Freeze?
Use boiling as an avenue for freezing. Young scholars watch as liquid nitrogen removes heat from the ingredients for ice cream. As this happens, the nitrogen boils and the ice cream freezes—all in the same container. A little science magic!
Curated OER
The Physical Setting
Tenth graders examine chemical reactions. In this chemistry lesson students choose an investigation that they wish to perform based on their interest.
Curated OER
Science Investigation Using Water Quality
Eighth graders conduct an experiment that analyzes the physical and chemical characteristics of various water samples. They discuss the procedures and safety concerns for the water test, and test their water samples to determine if they...
Curated OER
An Introduction to Simple Machines
Students investigate simple machines and their uses in everyday life. For this scientific method lesson, students examine physical tools such as wedges, screws, and levers using a "how does it work" approach. Students complete...
Curated OER
Dogs & Darwin
Ninth graders construct and conduct a laboratory experiment illustrating the transfer of mutations. They compare and contrast natural selection in organisms with long and short reproductive cycles.
Curated OER
Estuaries, Estuarine Habitats, and Adaptations
Students conduct research on estuaries. They design and construct an estuary, describe the physical characteristics of an estuary, and create a diagram illustrating an estuarine food web.
Curated OER
Global Warming and Hurricanes: Is an Increase in the Number of Stronger Hurricanes an Indicator of Global Warming
Ninth graders investigate whether stronger hurricanes are signs of global warming. In this environmental science lesson, 9th graders research both sides of the issue about global warming. They debate for or against this issue in class.
Curated OER
Determination of Phosphates
Students engage in a laboratory lesson in order to increase understanding of the impact of phosphates at the chemical and ecological levels. The lab exercise is completed with the goal of getting them to predict the outcomes and future...
Curated OER
Metal Composition & the U.S. Mint
Students study the meaning, symbolism, and value of U.S. coins,
especially the quarter. Theyresearch why in 1965 the U.S. Mint decided to
change the metal composition of the quarter to copper coated with nickel.
In addition, they perform...
Curated OER
A Solution for Moles
Students calculate the concentration of different solutions. For this chemistry lesson, students explain what a solution is. They explain ways to change the concentration of a solution.
Colorado State University
How Far Away Is Space?
Outer space may be a lot closer than you think! Science scholars model the layers of the atmosphere using transparencies to gain insight into the scale of space. The resource includes ideas to tailor the activity to the skill level of...
Colorado State University
What's the Difference Between Blue Light and Red Light?
Finally, an electromagnetic spectrum lab that will get glowing reviews from your class! Explore the nature of light using red and blue LED sources and fantastic phosphorescent paper. Young scientists compare the effects of blue light...
Curated OER
i-Density Crisis
Eighth graders determine the density using mass and volume. For this science lesson, 8th graders explain why some materials float or sink. They estimate the density of objects based on whether it floats or sinks in a liquid of known...
Curated OER
An Introduction to Thermal Spray Technology
Learners discuss difference between kinetic and thermal energy, develop and demonstrate understanding of key concepts and characteristics underlying thermal spray techniques, list items used in their daily lives that are coated, examine...
Curated OER
Modeling Moon Phases
Students identify the phases of the Moon and the synchronous rotation. For this hands on lesson students will create a model of the Moon.
Curated OER
Ziplock Chemistry
Students investigate various chemical reactions when creating mixtures in ziplock baggies. In this chemistry lesson, students will recognize various chemical reactions and cite evidence. Safety and assessment strategies are included in...
Curated OER
Chemistry: Chemical Reactions
Students investigate chemical reactions. In this chemistry lesson plan, students burn magnesium and record the mass. Students list five chemical reactions they see everyday.
Curated OER
How Much Energy is Stored in Wood?
In this energy instructional activity, students create calorimeters out of soda cans and use them to calculate the amount of energy stored in different types of wood.
Curated OER
Breaking it Down
High schoolers will identify the factors that contribute to erosion and weathering. They will start by differentiating between chemical and mechanical weathering. They then apply what they learned by playing the online jeopardy game. Key...
Virginia Department of Education
Properties of Compounds and Chemical Formulas
Young chemists have unknown compounds they need to sort. Performing three different tests on each, the chemical behaviors they observe become the basis for data analysis.
Nikola Tesla documentary student worksheet
PBS documentary: Tesla - Master of Lightning; this worksheet will keep the students engaged while watching this excellent documentary about Tesla. The documentary can be found on Netflix or YouTube. It will take two class periods to...
University of Georgia
Antacid and Uncle Heartburn
Household materials can be used for more than cleaning! In this collaborative experiment, emerging chemists use products such as vinegar and liquid antacid to explore chemical reactions that commonly occur in the human body.
Teach Engineering
Bubbles and Biosensors
Bubbles aren't just for children. In the third installment of a seven-part series, teenagers use bubble solution to create bubbles and observe patterns of refraction on the bubble surfaces. Application of this concept to thin films in...
Curated OER
Water Pressure Blaster
Third graders complete an experiment to introduce them to the concept of water pressure. In this water pressure lesson plan, 3rd graders create pressure in a water bottle and observe the force of water that is created.