Curated OER
Gas Laws and Alka-Seltzer Rockets
Students investigate the Ideal Gas Law. In this three states of matter instructional activity, students create Alka-Seltzer rockets using film canisters. Students record observations and data according to the scientific method and...
Curated OER
Polymers-Greaaaaaat Biiiiiig Molecuuuuuules
Students explore polymer properties. In this instructional activity about polymers, students perform an experiment to understand polymers, their properties, and that they are formed from small molecules. Students role play pretending...
Curated OER
Rising Water!
Students observe water change from a liquid to a gas state when heated and then return to its liquid stage when cooled. They learn that gas molecules move faster than liquid molecules. They discover physical properties that describe how...
Center for Learning in Action
Water – Changing States (Part 2)
Here is part two of a two-part lesson in which scholars investigate the changing states of water—liquid, solid, and gas—and how energy from heat changes its molecules. With grand conversation, two demonstrations, and one hands-on...
Center for Learning in Action
Water—Changing States (Part 1)
Here is part one of a two-part lesson in which scholars investigate the changing states of water—liquid, solid, and gas. With grand conversation and up to three demonstrations, learners make predictions about what they think will happen...
American Chemical Society
Matter on the Move
Start this mini unit on matter out by demonstrating how food coloring behaves when placed in cold and in hot water. Then have the class experiment with warm water and soap film. Pupils will learn that an increase in thermal energy also...
Curated OER
What is Air?
Young scholars investigate air by participating in a class experiment. In this matter measurement lesson plan, students identify air as a gas which consists of mass. Young scholars utilize a windsock or balloon to measure oxygen and...
Curated OER
The Nature of Chemical Change: Acting Out an Example
Students identify the signs that a chemical reaction took place. In this chemistry lesson, students role play the movement of different molecules of matter. They classify matter according to their properties.
Curated OER
Diffusion Through Balloons
Learners observe the diffusion of air molecules through a balloon. In this chemistry and molecules lesson, students fill balloons with air and a scented substance and observe whether the scented air is able to permeate the balloon.
Curated OER
Somethin' Sweet
Students 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...
Curated OER
Convection and Wind
Learners use water, beakers, hot plates, paper dots, and goggles to participate in a hands on activity where they see how a convection current creates wind. In this convection current lesson plan, students participate in a hands on...
Curated OER
The Nature of Chemical Change: Acting Out An Example
Students illustrate the molecular nature of matter and show that chemical change involves alteration of molecules.
Curated OER
Photosynthesis Explored
Students observe the production of gas as an effect of photosynthesis. In this biology lesson, students perform an experiment with pondweed and make measurements and predictions about photosynthesis and the plant.
Curated OER
Matter and Molecular Motion
Fourth graders define the states of matter and their properties. They demonstrate the air is matter and observe the effect of molecular motion through these activities.
Curated OER
What is a greenhouse?
Students experiment to gain understanding of how a greenhouse retains heat. In this greenhouse instructional activity, students work with soda bottles and simulate a greenhouse. Students compare data from a vented and intact bottle....
Forest Foundation
Forests, Carbon & Our Climate
To conclude their examination of forest ecosystems, class members consider the role forests play in the carbon cycle and how forests can offset climate change.
Montana State University
Climb into Action!
Climate change affects even the largest and intimidating of landforms—even Mount Everest! A resource helps teach learners the connection between global climate change and its effects on Earth. Activities include videos, class discussion,...
Center for Learning in Action
Introduction to the States of Matter
Liquids, gases, and solids are the states of matter in which scholars investigate in a lesson plan that offers in-depth information and engaging activities that look into the three states and the changes their properties make when mixed...
Curated OER
What is Water?
Students examine water's properties. They participate in hands-on activities to show the properties of water.
Curated OER
The Cool Forms of Water
Learners discover the different forms of water on Earth. In this states of water lesson, students read material on the different forms of water and how they are created. The learners answer written questions on worksheets.
Curated OER
What is Plastic?
Learners experiment with plastics. In this what is plastic lesson, students make a simple polymer and discuss recycling. Learners identify various types of plastics.
Curated OER
Applied Science - Physics Post-Lab
Young scholars investigate energy. In this Physics lesson, students explore different sources of energy: heat, nuclear, and chemical. Young scholars sing an electricity song.
Curated OER
Matter Matters: Solids, Liquids and Gases
Scientists participate in a variety of hands-on experiments in this ten-day unit on the three states of matter. Lessons incorporate literature, a-v materials, and poetry to help students differentiate between solids, liquids and gases.
Curated OER
Water Cycle Activity
Students build a model and observe the cycle of evaporation and condensation that occurs in the water cycle. They see how the water cycle works, such as water condensing on the side of the jar and drops precipitating into rain that...