Oregon State
Using Paper Chromatography
Through the analysis of paper chromatography to separate ink from the pen found at the crime scene, learners analyze the different stains and through calculations determine the thief.
Curated OER
Paper Towel Testing
Students discuss whether there are variations in absorbency and wet strength amount different brands of paper towels. They compare advertising claims and personal preferences and perform tests to reach a conclusion of which brand is the...
Curated OER
Penny Science
A penny can be a much more valuable teaching tool that you might think. Whether you are teaching about chemical reactions, surface tension, the behavior of gases, or are just looking for engaging activities for early finishers, this...
American Chemical Society
Evaporation
This is one in several lessons that explore the relationship between temperature and phase changes of water. After some discussion, elementary physical scientists place wet paper toweling on a hot and a room-temperature water bag and...
Nuffield Foundation
How Good is Your Toilet Paper?
You'll never forget the importance of toilet paper and hand washing ever again. Scholars perform an experiment to model the transfer of microbes in the bathroom. They perform three trials to test the transmission of yeast using their...
California Academy of Science
Dry My Laundry!
Meant to be a pre-field trip lesson, this can also serve as a cute and simple activity to use when your little ones are learning about evaporation or surface area. The children cut tiny t-shirts out of paper towel material, wet them, and...
Curated OER
Paper Production
Students compare paper making by hand and by assembly line. In this manufacturing lesson, students compare and contrast the two main ways to make paper, by hand or by machine. Students research paper making and have a class discussion...
Curated OER
Paper Towel Structure
Students investigate technology and its purpose in the workplace. In this geometry lesson, students design and build a paper towel structure to investigate motion and forces. They are given a restricted weight and asked to build their...
Curated OER
Solving Mysteries Using Paper Chromotagraphy
Students solve the mystery of the kidnapped teacher by analyzing a ransom note using paper chromatography. They carefully prepare ink samples from the note to known ink samples to determine the kidnapper.
Curated OER
Absorbancy: What does it mean?
Define the scientific concept of absorbency as it relates to the properties of matter, then conduct an investigation. Learners answer several questions, then investigate the absorbency of several different types of towels. Tip: This...
Curated OER
Sandwich Stratigraphy
Two activities are included in this resource. In the first, junior geologists model sedimentary rock layers, apply the Law of Superposition, and demonstrate folding and faulting of the Earth's crust. The model is technically a sandwich....
American Chemical Society
Mysterious M&M's
The first in a six-lesson plan mini unit, all using M&Ms® candies, this physical science activity gets kids to observe a single piece and discover what happens when it is placed in a plate of water. The activity can be used to...
Curated OER
Keeping Paper Dry Under Water
In this keeping paper dry activity, students follow directions on how to use cups, paper towels, and water to keep the paper dry even under water. Students also answer 4 questions.
Curated OER
Investigating The Mysteries Of Third Grade
Third graders use logic and knowledge of mathematics facts to solve problems. They see that pigments can be broken down into separate colors. Pupils recognize the capacity of water to move upward and measure the height water travels up...
Curated OER
Going, Going, Gone!
Sixth graders use the scientific method to test variables of evaporation. In this evaporation lesson plan, 6th graders test a wet handprint on a paper towel and relate this experiment to weather conditions.
Society of Petroleum Engineers
Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy
Energize an environmental science unit on natural resources with this collection of instructional materials. From simple coloring sheets for primary grade children, to guiding questions for a high school research report, a wide variety...
Resources for Educators
Math & Science Connection
Whether you're using a collection of Dr. Seuss books to teach basic math skills like counting, adding, and subtracting, or exploring the different states of matter by melting a crayon with a hairdryer, a series of 11 fun activities...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Science and Math Post Lab
Learners construct paper. In this applied Science lesson, students create paper using lint. Learners investigate the different fibers in their homes.
Curated OER
Recycled Paper Making
Second graders investigate the life of a recycled newspaper by experimenting in class. In this recycling lesson, 2nd graders create their own recycled paper pulp by mixing an old newspaper into a bucket and adding water. Students...
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
Watershed Works: Unit 2
The second of a three-unit lesson plan, this focuses on how human-made structures affect watersheds. Using watershed models that were built during the first unit, junior geologists now place buildings, dams, or levees into the models and...
American Chemical Society
Exploring Moisture on the Outside of a Cold Cup
As a stand-alone or as part of the intended unit, this is a valid investigation of what causes condensation to occur. By limiting the amount of air around a cold cup of water and comparing it to one out in the open, they find that the...
American Chemical Society
From Gas to Liquid to Solid
From gas to liquid condensation to solid frost, water undergoes phase changes before young scholars' eyes! Using ice, salt, water, and a metal can, they set up an investigation that can be used in a physical science setting, or as part...
American Chemical Society
Condensation
It's time to break the ice! If you are doing all of the lessons in the unit, children have already seen that increasing heat increases the rate of evaporation, but is the opposite true? Does decreasing temperature cause more condensation...