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Rate Determining Step and Catalysts
Students investigate the rate determining step in a chemical reaction and how catalysts effect reactions. In this rate determining step and catalyst lesson, students work in groups to perform 5 tasks. They rotate each task and time how...
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Big Enough?
Students explore the concept of density and buoyancy. In this physics lesson, students discover the different factors that affect an object's density and buoyancy in water. Students conduct several investigations to further understand...
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Density Challenge
Students calculate the densities of several liquids that appear similar. In this physical science lesson, students go beyond understanding the way liquids of different densities behave to researching how this knowledge applies in real...
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Melting Ice is Hot Stuff!
Fourth graders determine the amount of energy required to melt ice using a calorimeter. They calculate the Molar Heat of Fusion of Ice.
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Density Derby
Young scholars explore the relationship between mass, volume and density. They use model boats to discover how changing mass and volume affect density. This is a very engaging lesson which provides great demonstrations and hands-on...
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Hot Food
Students compare and contrast photosynthesis and chemosynthesis as processes that provide energy to biological communities. They investigate the energy content of hydrocarbons used in coral communities.
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Which Brand of Air Freshener is Most Cost Effective?
Students use scientific method to determine cost-effectiveness of air freshener, and create PowerPoint presentations to share their results.
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The Role of Density in Sinking or Floating: Relational Causality
Students watch the teacher do a demonstration of density with diet and regular soda. Note: try this first, as different types of artificial sweetener have different densities. Students discuss density and volume. They discuss "Relational...
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Science: Einstein's Big Idea
Students explore the various aspects of Einstein's energy equation and discover how energy is transferred from one form to another. In teams, they rotate through seven stations to experience such aspects of energy change through...
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Calorimetry
High schoolers investigate calorimetry and set up equipment to measure calories. In this calorimetry lesson plan, students make a calorimeter and compare large amounts of heated water with small amounts to show the difference in...
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Staying Up
Learners will explain the Archimedes's Principle. In this lesson on plankton, students will describe three factors that can affect the buoyancy of plankton. This lesson contains extensive background information, extensions, and multiple...
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Designing An Investigation
Students will design a scientific investigation. In this engineering design instructional activity, students will set up an investigation, collect data and form a conclusion about bridge design. They will use common household items to...
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Move that Tower
Students investigate ways to find the density of irregular shaped objects. In this physics lesson, students calculate density using its mass and volume. They explain why some objects float or sink in water.
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Density Discoveries
Students participate in Density Discoveries, which is a hands-on learning opportunity for students to find the mass, volume, and density of solid matter.
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Tools of the Trade
Third graders explore and identify the tools that can be used to measure length, mass/weight, and volume. They discuss how things are measured using different units, and observe the difference between the English and the Metric systems....
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Density Destiny
Sixth graders measure and investigate the densities of several objects. They, in teams, determine the mass and volume of each of the 5 objects and record the measurements in the data table.
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Transformations of Energy
Seventh graders investigate the relationship between energy and matter, and measure the mass of various objects. They listen to a teacher-led lecture about potential energy, and in small groups measure the mass of various objects such...
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Testing Density of Various Soap Products
Middle schoolers have the opportunity to observe, measure and analyze the density of aerosol shaving creams and foams generated from shampoo and dishwashing liquids or detergents.
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Physical/Chemical Properties of a Burning Candle
Students investigate the physical and chemical properties of a candle before and after it is lit. They conduct a burning candle experiment, and complete a KWL chart and worksheet, recording the results of the investigation.
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The Average Atom - Isotopes
Seventh graders, in groups, complete an Isotopes model and notice that atomic masses are decimal numbers. These masses are an average of all the isotopes of that element.
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Hover Above the Earth
Fourth graders build a balloon hovercraft, take direct measurements, answer critical questions, and make calculations using the data gathered in order to see the concept of acceleration as a change in velocity. They use a worksheet...
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Scientific Method "Lab Writeup"
Learners analyze and experience the scientific method. They discuss the various steps of the method, conduct various experiments, and write a three-paragraph essay regarding their conclusion.
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Project Geode
Young scholars predict the appearance of a geode's internal structure based on its mass and density. They form a hypothesis based on the data they collect. They also identify common minerals found in Illinois.
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Aluminum Foil Boats
Learners design a boat of aluminum foil and calculate the density of the boat. Washers are added to the boat until it sinks. Students then redesign boat to hold more washers and recalculate the new density.