Curated OER
Investigating Properties of Water: Temperature
Investigate how temperature affects the density of water and stratification that occurs in bodies of water when temperatures vary. Water of differing temperatures is given different colors to see the layers that form. The lesson is meant...
Curated OER
Water
Students conduct a series of investigations on the unique properties of water. In this general science activity, students explain what causes water's surface tension. They explain the different stages in the water cycle.
Curated OER
Light Stick Chemistry
In groups of three with the lights off and the shades drawn, investigators place inactivated light sticks, in three beakers: one filled with ice water, another with lukewarm water, and the other with room temperature water. They wait...
Curated OER
What is Wrong with My Pond?
Students examine various pond water samples to identify water quality. In this water quality lesson, students will identify levels of nitrates, ammonia, pH, hardness,and alkalinity in pond water. They will explain importance of water...
California Academy of Science
Coral and Chemistry
Using cabbage juice as a pH indicator, future scientists explore the effect of increasing carbon dioxide on the pH of the ocean and relate it to the health of coral reefs. Ideal for an earth or environmental sciences course, this lesson...
Curated OER
Chemistry of Burning
Students look into the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In this chemistry lesson, students look at the hydrocarbon molecule through a model and see what happens when energy is released. They watch as the water vapor leaves...
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
Household Chemistry
Students use indicator paper to determine if substances are acidic, basic, or neutral. They test for Ph levels in them. They investigate the effect of oxygen on darkening fruit cut and exposed to the air. They observe vitamin C as an...
Curated OER
Basic Vitamins: Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble
An incredibly thorough lesson on vitamins, and how to keep one's body at peak health. Learners access a variety of excellent worksheets embedded in the plan that have them consider raw vs. cooked foods, a vegetable nutrition summary,...
Curated OER
Electrolysis
Students conduct a series of experiments on water electrolysis. In this chemistry lesson, students explain what happens to the molecules during the process. They cite real world applications of electrolysis.
Curated OER
More Acid-Base Indicators
Students explore acids, bases, and indicators. They use turmeric solution, phenolphthalein, and goldenrod paper to determine the acidity and basicity of a variety of common household substances. A worksheet is included to record test...
American Chemical Society
Production of a Gas - Controlling a Chemical Reaction
Though the publisher designated this unit for use with third through eighth grades, this particular lesson would be best used with middle schoolers due to the specific measurement skills required. Basically, they set up the reaction...
Curated OER
A Very Simple Conductivity Meter
Students conduct a simple conductivity meter to test the ionic or non-ionic nature of water samples including one from their home.
Curated OER
Oxygen
Students explore oxygen and its physical and chemical propeties. In this investigative lesson students complete several experiments using oxygen.
Curated OER
Chemistry is Crystal Clear
Students observe crystals and their shapes and formation. In this crystal formation lesson, the teacher prepares crystal gardens for the students to observe, then the class finds examples of crystals in nature and observe a teacher...
Curated OER
Activity #1 Reactions: Chemical or Physical?
Middle schoolers distinguish between physical changes and chemical changes. They comprehend that chemical reactions produce new substances with compositions and properites which are different than those of the starting materials. ...
Curated OER
Making Soap
Students explore what chemical indicators are and use pH paper to determine if something is alkaline or basic. In this pH lesson students manufacture their own soap.
American Chemical Society
Comparing the Amount of Acid in Different Solutions
Upcoming chemists use chemical reactions to determine relative pH in two different acids. This is a terrific lesson for middle schoolers that can stand alone as a practice in precision and lab skills, or as part of the unit on chemical...
Curated OER
Phases of Matter
Students describe the motion of solids, liquids and gases. In this chemistry lesson, students describe how temperature affect motion of the particles. They determine the physical properties of each phase.
Curated OER
The Measurement Of Acids And Bases
Middle schoolers investigate the differences in chemistry between an acid and a base substance. They conduct measurements based upon the pH scale and then answer the questions included in the lesson. The information for the lesson is...
Curated OER
DNA Fingerprinting through a Chemistry Lens
Learners explore DNA and restriction enzymes using fragments of DNA separated by electrophoresis on an agarose gel. They analyze the results to see "whodunit".
Curated OER
Introduction to Neutraliization
Learners explore acids and bases and the process of neutralization.T hey practice volume measurements and observe the neutralization of an acid
directly through bubble formation and indirectly through indicator color changes.
Curated OER
Light & Crystals
Students observe a demonstration of light refraction. They experiment with disappearing crystals to further study light refraction.
Curated OER
Polymerization Experiments
Students study the concepts of polymerization and the function of crosslinkage. In this polymer lesson students complete a lab activity and write down their observations.