Curated OER
The Periodic Table, Electrons, and Chemical Bonds
Four activities immerse beginning chemists into the world of elements. They examine the periodic table, use cobalt hydroxide to learn about chemical formulae and valence electrons. Also, they name binary compounds and examine the...
Curated OER
Writing Chemical Formulas
Students study how to write chemical fomulas by reviewing the combinations atoms form into compounds. They write a procedure to test various substances and name the compounds and write formulas. As they construct models for formulas and...
Curated OER
The Elements
Fifth graders explore the differences between elements. In this elements and atoms lesson students complete an activity that shows how chemicals react to a flame test.
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Explosives
Students assume the role of police detectives and investigate chemical agents used to make explosives and suspected terrorists based on information provided. Students have a list of questions to lead their investigation and must produce...
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Up and Atom
"Up and Atom" is a mini-unit introducing middle-schoolers to the wonders of elements. Participants draw atom models, examine the periodic table, compare samples of metals to nonmetals, identify unknown elements, and more! The beginning...
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Blueprint Paper
Students investigate chemical reactions involved in making a blueprint. In this blueprint paper lesson plan, students expose blueprint paper with writing that has been soaked in a solution of potassium ferricyanide and iron (III)...
Cornell University
The Making of Macromolecules
Compare and contrast macromolecules made from the same elements. Young scholars learn how the structure of a molecule has as much influence on a compound as the elements in the molecule. They experiment with molecular model kits to...
Curated OER
Auxin: Indole-3-Acetic Acid
Learners identify auxins from their structural formulas. They understand the process of refluxing in chemical synthesis. Students perform thin layer chromatography using silica gel plates to differentiate chemical substances.
Curated OER
Periodic Table of Elements
Beginning chemists examine a collection of elements and compounds as they are introduced to the periodic table. The lesson plan is not cohesive and does not provide detailed instructions on how to teach it. However, it does includes a...
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Elements and the Periodic Table
Learners are introduced to the elements on the Periodic Table and what is meant by element. Using the Table, they identify the name, atomic mass, number and symbol of each element. To end the lesson, they discover the characteristics...
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Micro-Magic With Sticky Ions
Young scholars view a video about the formation of precipitates. They complete a worksheet that asks them to identify what makes a compound form and what holds it together.
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A Solution for Precipitation
Students predict the product of chemical reaction using the solubility rules. In this chemistry lesson, students balance ionic equation. They perform a lab to check if their predicted products are correct.
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Scavenger Hunt Worksheet
Exactly how environmentally friendly is your school? From the air fresheners in the bathrooms to the cleaning solvents used in the classrooms, young conservationists search the school grounds for sources of air pollution in...
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Properties of Metals
Fifth graders study the properties of metals and use them to identify different properties. In this metal properties instructional activity students complete a demonstration .
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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...
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Petroleum Poisons
Students discover how harmful petroleum distillates are that are found in the home. They demonstrate how to collect information about consumer products. They also ask their parents about the safety of the cleaning supplies used in their...
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Volcanoes
Students explore the formation of volcanoes. In this earth science lesson, students build their own volcanoes in the lab using different materials. They identify the different types of volcanoes.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Density, Iron, and Anemia
Pupils explain what factors determine density. For this physics lesson, students hypothesize which objects are less dense. They cite the importance of density in everyday life.
Curated OER
Revised “Understanding Nutrition” Activity
Students evaluate their current food choices. In this health science lesson, students test different drinks to rate the amount of Vitamin C content. They discuss results in class.