Using toothpicks, marshmallows, and round colored sticky dots, physical science enthusiasts build models of an atomic nucleus. In this eighth grade chemistry lesson plan, they play an atom-naming game with the models that they have...

Pupils explore matter by conducting an in-class experiment. They experiment with water's various forms by melting and freezing water, identifying its new shape. These observations are recorded to supplement later discussion. They also...

Ninth graders explain how a scanning tunneling microscope works. In this chemistry lesson, 9th graders construct atomic models and simulate how their images appear under the STM. They discuss the limitations of their atomic model.

Students explain scientists' ideas about the structure of the atom over the last century. They develop a pictorial history of the changing ideas about the atom and write a caption describing the scientific thinking behind the model.

Student teams use a digital camcorder and iMovie to create a commercial about an element. They also use the Internet and their textbook to gather the following information about their element: the name, the symbol, the atomic number, the...

Seventh graders, in their study of Japan, examine and discuss the effect the atomic bomb had on Japan. They watch videos and then read the story of Sadako and her magic cranes. They make their own origami cranes and write a paragraph on...

Ninth graders perform a series of experiment to investigate heat transfer and phase changes. In this physical science lesson, 9th graders identify and calculate the different subatomic particles. They explain the importance of scientific...

Students construct a periodic table based on the physical and chemical properties of elements. In this chemistry lesson plan, students share their work with the class and explain why they classified the elements that way.

Make fitness fun at your school! A list of outdoor activities for a "Fun Through Fitness Day" could be helpful in planning your own version of this activity. The resource describes what one school district has done in general, but does...

Pupils experiment on magnets and electricity. In this physics instructional activity, students determine what factors affect the strength of a magnetic field. They design an experiment to determine how electromagnetic field strength...

Students explain how the elements are arranged in the periodic table. In this chemistry instructional activity, students determine the subatomic particles for certain elements. They research the physical and chemical properties of an...

Students examine hydrothermal vents. In this ocean lesson, students identify changes in physical and chemical properties of sea water caused by hydrothermal vents.

High schoolers build metal atomic models using styrofoam. In this chemistry lesson, students identify the different unique properties of metals. They explain how metal atoms bond.

Students explore the unique properties of alkali metals. In this chemistry instructional activity, students create a mural of fireworks display after researching its different element components. They write a brief description about an...

Young scholars create videos about an element on the periodic table. In this element lesson, students work with partners to create a 1-2 minute video giving interesting information about their element. They include the name, symbol,...

Students investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals. They make a list of the uses of minerals found in Illinois. They write a report individually based on their observations.

Students design a program to make an automated vehicle perform a specific task. In this robotics lesson, students play the role of scientists competing to win a factory's contract. They present their algorithm to class.

Students listen to a song that teaches the elements of the periodic table and write their own song to be used as an aid in remembering scientific information.

Eighth graders investigate the different elements of the Periodic Table. For this chemistry lesson, 8th graders pick an element to research, then present to the class using a powerpoint presentation or a poster.

Students create a periodic table of elements. In this chemistry lesson plan, students work together to build all of the different elements into a complete mini periodic table. They identify similarity and difference of the elements.

Students explore energy conservation. In this environmental lesson plan, students will look at data showing the amounts of energy used, our carbon footprint, and will research a power source. This unit allows for a deeper understanding...

Students analyze the amount of space required to pack round objects. In this geometry lesson, students practice using space economically by practicing packing spheres into beakers. They then translate this concept to molecules being...

Students build a model of an atom using an online program. In this chemistry lesson, students discuss the different parts of the atom. They complete an independent research about their chosen element.

Students prepare an ad for an element, including properties and uses, in an attention getting format such as that used in the advertising business.