Lesson Plan
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DIY Lava Lamp

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine lava lamps and what causes them to work.  In this density instructional activity students make a lava lamp and write the scientific explanation of what happens.
Lesson Plan
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Rechargeable Batteries

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore how rechargeable batteries work by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students discuss the benefits of using rechargeable batteries over disposable ones. They build their own battery charger...
Lesson Plan
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Primary Energy Sources Pros and Cons

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students explore the different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. In this earth science activity, students discuss the pros and cons of each type. They conduct a variety of experiments on renewable energy.
Lesson Plan
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Cool Chemistry- DIY pH Indicator

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students study the differences between an acid and a base.  In this pH lesson students view a demonstration then test chemicals in groups.
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Spectroscope

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine how to apply conservation of energy and properties of matter to a spectroscope.  In this energy instructional activity students build their own spectroscope and observe three kinds of spectra.
Lesson Plan
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Eating Up Energy

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine the amount of energy that is consumed in different countries and see the global effects. In this energy lesson students calculate the amount of CO2 released as a by product and map the impact of its emissions.
Lesson Plan
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Energy and Cars: What Does the Future Hold?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine alternative energy. In this research based lesson, students study alternative energy and how it will influence transportation in the future. They will write a report and give an oral presentation of their findings.
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Electricity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars identify the different professions that are related to electricity.  For this professions lesson students write a story about performing one of these jobs and share it with the class.
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Methods of Power- Solar, Hydrogen, and Electric

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Learners examine solar, hydrogen, electric power. In this research based lesson, students will do simple investigations, view videos, discuss, and research how these three types of energy are used for power. They illustrate a...
Lesson Plan
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Energizing Resources

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders describe electrical energy and how it is produced. In this natural resource lesson, 7th graders explain the various ways of obtaining and using natural resources for energy and the environmental consequences. They will...
Lesson Plan
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Heat Loss and Cool Gains

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders predict what happens when cold and hot water are mixed together. In this physics lesson, 5th graders discuss how heat transfer takes place. They record temperature readings and compare it with their prediction.
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Simulating the Greenhouse Effect in a Terrarium

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students identify what factors effect global warming and how the greenhouse effect occurs.  For this environmental lesson students view videos then complete an experiment using a terrarium to observe greenhouse gas.
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The Magic of Solar Thermal: How the Sun Can Be Used to Heat Water

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students are introduced to how the sun is used to heat water.  In this solar instructional activity students identify the different types of solar water heating and demonstrate how it works.
Lesson Plan
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How Solar Cells Work: Converting Sunlight to Electricity

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine how to convert sunlight to electricity.  In this renewable energy sources lesson plan students explain how solar cells are used and use a voltmeter to measure the energy produced by a solar panel.
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The Power of PV: Measuring the Power and Energy of Photovoltaic System

For Teachers 8th - Higher Ed
Students explore photovoltaic systems. In this alternative energy instructional activity, students calculate solar panel efficiency and convert devices to solar energy using photovoltaic cells.
Lesson Plan
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Our Solar Roof

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students sketch what a solar installation will look like. In this energy lesson, students examine the benefits of using solar energy. They record a video on the installation event for further study.
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Measuring Solar Energy

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students study solar energy and how to measure it.  In this energy sources lesson students complete a lab, obtain data and use that to convert surface temperature to energy. 
Lesson Plan
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Solar Cooker Challenge

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students use the scientific method to design a slow cooker.  In this experimental method lesson students measure temperatures and conversions of the solar cooker that they create.
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Catching Rays

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate solar collectors. In this energy lesson, students create and demonstrate solar collectors. They will use measurement, data collecting, and analyze their findings to determine the best orientations for their solar...
Lesson Plan
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Balloon Ball Bounce

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students investigate energy conversions. In this physical science lesson plan, students make balloon balls to better understand rebound and the law of conservation of energy. The students will use there balloon balls in a series of tests...
Lesson Plan
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Night Golf Classroom Guide

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students read the story "Night Golf" and respond to questions that enhance their comprehension of the book's message.  In this reading activity, students participate in a literature circle to explore reading passages. Students ...
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Food Chains & Food Webs

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders examine how energy is lost through different trophic levels.  In this trophism lesson students construct a food web and view a video. 
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Climate Change & Coral Activities

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students study how the ocean stabilizes our planet's climates and how global warming is becoming a threat to this fine balance.  In this climate change instructional activity, students identify that fossil fuel emissions are...
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Junkyard Wars: Wild Watercraft

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students develop a fast travelling hull for a boat. In this physical science lesson plan, the students' hulls will be tested in a channel (built by the teacher) with a fan as the driving force. The students will compete for who has the...