Curated OER
The Pure, The Mixture, The Unknown
Ninth graders participate in classroom discussions, demonstrations and hands-on laboratory activities about pure substances and mixtures with a focus on common household materials. They investigate: What is a pure substance? What is a...
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Concrete Research
Students explore concrete. In this physical science and computer research lesson, students work in groups to answer specific questions about concrete. Each group of students completes a different worksheet with a specific subtopic....
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Getting Physical with Estuaries
Students study estuaries and how the physical factors change over time. In this investigative lesson students use a website to gain knowledge of estuaries then in groups they create and present their charts.
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Solutions and Suspensions
Students explore matter by conducting an in class demonstration. In this liquid mixture lesson, students identify the difference between a solution in which a solid dissolves into liquid, and a suspension where the solid doesn't dissolve...
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The Physics of the Planets: How 16th and 17th Century Physicist Helped Us Understand Our Solar System
Eighth graders draw the paths of the planets in the solar system. In this astronomy lesson, 8th graders calculate speed of objects using distance and time information. They research about the work of scientists in the 16th and 17th century.
NOAA
Oceans of Energy
Are the earth's oceans really just giant batteries, waiting for their energy to be harnessed? Middle school mechanical engineers will be shocked by the amazing amount of energy that forms around them after diving into part four of a...
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Mixing Oil and Water
Students explore physical science by participating in a class experiment. In this chemistry instructional activity, students discuss what they predict will happen when cooking oil and water are blended together. Students utilize a...
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Physical vs. Chemical Change Lab
Students recognize both a physical and chemical change in different substances. They determine which particles actually changed into different substances, and explain if it represented a physical or a chemical change.
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States of Matter Mini-Unit
Students identify he phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas), and why they take place. They comprehend what a physical change is and what a chemical change is. Students know the difference between a Mixture and a Solution.
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Photosynthesis
Learners explore the concept of photosynthesis. They describe the light and light independent reactions of photosynthesis. Students relate physical plant characteristics to their functions. They distinguish between C3, C4, and CAM plants...
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Matter: Atoms and Molecules
Learners investigate how information about the atom has been determined. In this atomic structure instructional activity, students draw what they think an atom looks like. They conduct Internet research about the types of atomic models...
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Properties of Materials - Part B
Learners describe the history of materials. They use the kinetic (particle) theory to explain changes of state in matter and trace the flow of heat during changes of state and chemical changes.
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Now Take a Deep Breath
High schoolers research to answer questions related to deep sea diving. For this deep sea diving lesson, students answer questions on a worksheet using the Internet. They discuss pressure, gas laws, and the physiology of diving in the...
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Tracing the Origins of Man
Young scholars discuss Hominid evolution through various websites and other resources. They examine online fossil skulls, discuss the use of tools by ancient man, and look for examples of sophisticated tools built by man.
Curated OER
Matter
Young scholars complete a unit of activities to learn about states of matter and how to measure matter. In this matter lesson, students complete 8 lessons to learn about matter, its states, and how to measure matter.