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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.
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The Influence of Carbon Dioxide on the Chemistry of Soda
Students investigate the carbon dioxide content of different sodas. For this chemistry lesson, students explain why PET containers are preferable than HDPE for soda bottles. They collect data and graph them.
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Quantitative Determination of the Composition of Water-based Paints and the Correlation of Paint Properties to Pain Composition
High schoolers perform a series of tests on water-based paints. In this chemistry lesson, students identify their different functions. They calculate paint density and fractional concentrations.
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The Mighty Elements: Using the Visual Thesaurus to Investigate Chemical Elements
Pupils create trading cards for elements in the Periodic Table. Initially, they are introduced to the Periodic Table of Elements and the concept of elements in the world around us. After dividing into groups, learners use the Visual...
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Disposable Diaper Comparison and Mystery Powder Identification
Students investigate which diaper is the most absorbent. In this chemistry lesson, students calculate how much water is absorbed by diapers. They identify an unknown powder based on physical and chemical properties.
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The Nature of Chemical Change: Acting Out an Example
Learners identify the signs that a chemical reaction took place. In this chemistry instructional activity, students role play the movement of different molecules of matter. They classify matter according to their properties.
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The Chemistry of Life
Students study atoms and chemical compounds. They identify certain elements essential to human health, describe physical and chemical properties of water, and name four types of polymers unique to all life forms. They explain how each...
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The Discovery of OXygen
Students conduct experiments to identify the different properties of oxygen. In this chemistry lesson, students examine its importance to life on Earth. They explore the historic dispute about oxygen's discovery.
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Determining pH
Eighth graders explain the difference between acids, bases and neutral solutions. In this chemistry lesson, 8th graders describe the properties of each. They determine the pH of an unknown solution using the indicator paper and pH scale.
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Science Lesson Plans
Students conduct a variety of exploration activities on various science topics. In this science instructional activity outline, students design a cell encapsulation to hold a specific type of medicine. They give examples of physical and...
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From Polymers to Bioplastics: Looking Toward Finding Renewable Resources
Students investigate the properties of polymers. In this chemistry lesson, students explain the importance of energy sources. They produce a bioplastic from the lab and evaluate its structural integrity.
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Calibrating a Thermometer
Students calibrate an alcohol thermometer using the boiling and freezing point of water. In this physical science instructional activity, students explain what happens to boiling point of water as altitude increases. They calculate their...
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Chromatography
Students conduct various experiments on chromatography. In this chemistry lesson, students distinguish among the different types of chromatography methods. They explain how the stationary and mobile phase interact with each other.
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Confectionary Bureau of Investigations: Case of the Cookie Mystery
High schoolers perform tests on different chemicals to determine their chemical properties. For this forensic science lesson, students identify an unknown sample using its physical and chemical properties. They solve a fictional crime...
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Ice Cream
Open this instructional activity by giving a brief history of ice cream. Using liquid nitrogen to lower the temperature, preteens make their own confection. The accompanying activity sheet queries learners about freezing point, the...
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Ions in the Environment
Students explain the importance of the five main biogeochemical cycles. In this chemistry instructional activity, students discuss how ions are transported in the environment. They design an experiment to collect data on eutrophication.
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The Tell-Tale Plume
High schoolers examine hydrothermal vents. In this ocean lesson, students identify changes in physical and chemical properties of sea water caused by hydrothermal vents.
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Inter-State Matters
Students explore the six phase transitions between gases, liquids and solids for a variety of elements. Each group of students focuses on a different element, investigating its physical properties during each of the six phase transitions.
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Crystal Growing
Young scholars explore the different phases of a crystal. In this mineral lesson students grow their own sugar crystals using a sugar recipe.
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Start at the Very Beginning
Students explore ocean ecosystems. In this cross curriculum art and oceans lesson plan, students create a collage featuring three-finger algae using sand paper, tissue paper, and construction paper.