NASA
The Invisible Sun: How Hot Is It?
It's getting hot in here! The first in a series of six lessons has learners model nuclear fusion with a simple lab investigation. Groups collect data and analyze results, comparing their models to the actual process along the way.
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Radiation and You
Internet research on nuclear radiation is conducted by young physicists. They discover how our understanding of radiation developed, define vocabulary terms, and explore how ozone protects us from the sun's harmful radiation. Several...
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Photograph and Pamphlet About Nuclear Fallout
Students explore the term, 'nuclear fallout.' They analyze the "Facts about Fallout" pamphlet and list any questions that either were not answered by the pamphlet or arose as a result of materials provided.
American Institute of Physics
The Black Scientific Renaissance of the 1970s-90s: African American Scientists at Bell Laboratories
A two-part instructional activity asks young scientists to research the contributions of African American scientists at Bell Laboratories. After presenting their findings, class members watch two demonstrations that introduce them to...
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Meteorology
Students research and produce an oral history that reflects the importance of meterologists in the lives of people in their community.
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Human Cloning: Is it Biological Plagiarism?
Is cloning good or harmful? Help your class understand the risks and benefits as they read, research, and discuss human cloning. Individuals form teams, research information, and present to the class before concluding with an in-depth...
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Declaration of Power
Students examine the Korean nuclear escalation. In this current events lesson, students explore the nuclear arms race in Korea and the science that explains nuclear weapons.
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History: I'm Watching You 24/7
Students examine the growth of authoritarian societies. Focusing on North Korea, they watch video clips looking for examples of totalitarianism and identify the problems there. They write letters to the editors of local newspapers...
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America's Energy Future
Students write a proposal to save energy resources. In this energy lesson, students research nuclear energy, coal power, petroleum, natural gas, hydroelectric power, and renewable energy. Students then debate energy issues and share...
Virginia Department of Education
Determining Absolute Age
How can radioactive decay help date old objects? Learners explore half-life and radioactive decay by conducting an experiment using pennies to represent atoms. Young scientists graph data from the experiment to identify radioactive decay...
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
The Cuban Missile Crisis: How to Respond?
For 13 days, the United States stood on the edge of nuclear War. The Soviet Arms buildup in Cuba is the focus of an activity that asks groups to analyze how the governmental role each of John F. Kennedy's advisors played went on to...
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Cold War-Atomic Weapons
Ninth graders explore how nuclear weapons have affected the actions of nations around the world. They identify the countries that have nuclear weapons and discuss the humanitarian issues with nuclear weapons. Students create a "Doomsday...
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Scientific Scenes
Students discover how the public's perceptions of science have changed throughout recent history; then research scientific and technological breakthroughs in a variety of areas. They then create plays that allow scientists to encounter...
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Electricity Generation
Students study the history of electricity and the different ways we generate electricity. In this electricity lesson plan students complete several experiments on generating power.
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Splitting the Atom
High schoolers use the Internet to research the history of the splitting of the atom. They use that research to prepare a presentation on an aspect of that topic. A map is generated to record findings and results.
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Debating the bomb
High schoolers research how the development of the atomic bomb affected people in World War II. In this American History lesson, students participate in a debate about the bombs use. High schoolers investigate how it has affected...
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Atomic Age Critical Thinking
Students research and discuss issues surrounding the atomic bomb and the concerns it raised and the consequences of dropping the atomic bombs on Japan. A variety of sample questions are provided to engage discussion.
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Electromagnetic Bomb (E-Bomb)
Learners explain how E-bomb works. In this physics lesson, students simulate the effects of e-bombs on electronic targets. They discuss its potential harmful effects when used as a weapon.
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The Energy Crisis
Students participate in different activities and discussions to analyze the energy crisis in the United States and other parts of the world. In groups, they research the availability of fossil fuels and the possible alternatives. Using...
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Enduring Themes in American History-Museum Assignment
Learners study and research the life of Albert Einstein. They focus on the extent Albert Einstein catalyzed and criticized President Harry S. Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan during WWII. Students answer a series of...
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Investigating and Using Biomass Gases
Young scholars examine the definitions of biomas gasification and generate their own biomass gas. For this renewable energy lesson students collect gases and roast a marshmallow.
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Cloning Animals and Plants: Any Difference?
Students examine the process in which plants and animals are cloned. They compare and contrast the two procedures and determine if there is a difference. They share their views on cloning to the class.
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Atoms: The Building Block of Matter
Students examine how scientific theories are developed. In this matter lesson, students explore the basic idea of quantum theory. They create a timeline of scientists, their contributions, and discoveries.
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The Life of A Star
For this astronomy worksheet, students read through a description of the development of a star and its life cycle. The description provides detailed explanation and key vocabulary terms.