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
The Influence of Initiator Concentration on the Molecular Weight of Polystyrene
This in-depth organic chemistry lab walks learners through an investigation of the effect of initiator concentration on the resulting molecular weight of polystyrene. It is important that you use this lesson with experienced chemistry...
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Exposure!
Students investigate that chemicals may affect different people in different ways. They also realize that their perceptions of dangerous materials may not be realistic and that the news media may not provide all the information needed to...
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DNA Replication
Students create a model of DNA and simulate replication with their models in an activity that uses licorice, colored marshmallows, and toothpicks. Students also label a diagram of replication and indicate major parts of the DNA molecule.
Serendip
Cells as Molecular Factories
Cells are both made of molecules and make molecules all at the same time! An exploratory lesson provides a means for scholars to research the components of cells made of molecules and also investigate the molecule-producing power of...
NASA
The Case of the Wacky Water Cycle
Join the tree house detectives in learning about the processes of the water cycle, water conservation, water treatment, and water as a limited resource.
NASA
Producers Make Their Own Food
During an inquiry-based lesson, scholars decide which variable to test and then design an experiment to determine the needs of producers. After two weeks, they complete a full analysis and research paper.
Curated OER
DNA and Individual Differences
Middle schoolers list differences between DNA-related terms and create a simple DNA circle map. They order terms including human body, organ, tissue, cell, nucleus, etc. from largest to smallest. They discuss differences and...
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Chemical Formulas
Learners examine the structure of molecules, their formula, and percentage composition of each element in the compound. They construct an organic compound with different functional groups using a modeling kit, and draw a 3-D structure...
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What is Everything Made of?
Students observe a demonstration on how we see space between water molecules. In this experimental lesson students discover what elements make up the things around them and discuss what they learned.
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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 lesson students complete a demonstration .
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Staying Young with Vitamin E
Investigate how Vitamin E is used to prevent cell aging. Young scientists coat the surface of apples and bananas with oil, Vitamin E, and water. They place each in a petri dish and cover them to observe oxidation over time. They answer 8...
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Forest Decomposition
Students explore decomposition. Students define and describe components of the decomposition process. Students make a composter in a terrarium. Students record observations and changes weekly, drawing conclusions about the results...
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Effects of pH on Organic Molecules
Students investigate the effects of an acid and a base on the structure of milk protein. They observe the changes to droplets of milk when adding ammonia and lemon juice and relate the changes to old, curdled milk. An extension using...
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Empirical Formulas
Students investigate empirical formulas for molecules. In this empirical formulas lesson plan, students use paper ions to form formulas and they show these are empirical formulas. They use ions of carbon and hydrogen showing electron...
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Circle of Life
Here is a well-designed science lesson that shows learners that everything that organisms do in ecosystems, including running, breathing, burrowing, growing, requires energy. After a thorough discussion of their own eating and drinking...
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In Touch with Apples
Students read "How To Make an Apple Pie and See the World", the story of a girl who traveled the world to find the ingredients to make her apple pie. They conduct a series of interdisciplinary activities including testing their senses,...
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Polymers all Over the Place
Students investigate properties of common molecules. In this chemistry lesson, students construct polymer models to gain a better understanding of the properties of polymers.
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Sweet Science: How Sugar Molecules are Manipulated in Candy Making
Students investigate how heat affect sugar solutions. In this science instructional activity, students compare the sweetness of different types of sugars. They research the development of sugar and create a timeline.
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Chromosomes
Students study chromosomes and how molecular half life affects them. In this chromosome lesson students complete several lab activities on calculating half life, and cracking alkanes.
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Condensation Polymerization: Preparation of Two Types of Polyesters
College-level or AP chemists use phthalic anhydride to synthesize two different polyesters, one linear and one cross-linked in structure. A detailed materials list and well-written procedures are provided on a lab sheet. Learners write...
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Diffusion through Membranes
Students identify diffusion and its processes through experimentation and calculations. They also use a CBL and conductivity probe to measure the conductivity of various solutions and study the effect of concentration gradients on the...
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Catering Middle-School Science: Monomers, Polymers, and Macromolecules
Students investigate foods. In this biology lesson plan, students will conduct testing on different types of foods as they learn about different molecules that make them up. Students will also learn about the shapes of the molecules.
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Genetics 5 Technology
Students, after studying extraction and gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA, transgenic organisms, and reproductive cloning, summarize the main concepts in DNA technology. They analyze the applications of DNA: forensics, medicine,...