Curated OER
Warm and Cold Air
Learners examine what happens to air when it is heated or cooled. They conduct an experiment using bottles and balloons, record and discuss their observations, and write a hypothesis.
Curated OER
Weather Instrument Use and Application
Eighth graders measure temperature, wind speed and pressure using Skymaster SM-28. In this earth science instructional activity, 8th graders collect data and record observations taken from outdoors. They explain why numerical values are...
Curated OER
A Cloud In The Hand
Students investigate the scientific concept of forming clouds. The use simple materials to simulate the formation. This creates a powerful visual for students to make cognitive connections. They make observations and record them in a lab...
Curated OER
The Effect of Automobile Exhaust on Hydra in an Environmental Chamber
Students study the structure and habitat of the hydra in this lab lesson. Students determine if the hydra can be used as an indicator to detect pollution from automobile exhaust.
Curated OER
Scientific Method Experiment: Factors Affecting How Ice Melts
Students demonstrate the scientific method by conducting an ice cube melting experiment. They make predictions and observations, and conclude what factors make ice melt more slowly or quickly than normal.
Curated OER
Motion in Fluids
Students explore physical science by participating in a science activity. In this liquids lesson, students discuss how fluids can be affected by motion unlike solids. Students define other scientific vocabulary terms and conduct a motion...
Curated OER
Meteorites
Students model how meteors fall to the surface of planets. In this space science activity, students identify different types of meteorites using an interactive online website. They investigate the relationship between a meteorite's size...
Curated OER
Elasticity of Gases
Students investigate gas laws and apply them in experimental conditions. Using an apparatus composed of a syringe and wooden blocks, they experimentally verify Boyle's and Charles' laws of gases.
Curated OER
Water Quality Monitoring
Students work together to gather water samples. They compare and contrast the water quality from different places in the community. They answer discussion questions to complete the lesson.
Curated OER
Biodiesel Combustion and Its Influences in NOx Emissions
Tenth graders evaluate the physical mechanisms that cause a change in NOx emissions. In this combustion lesson, 10th graders participate in a research project. Students create a presentation of their findings.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: How Atmospheric Pressure Affects Objects
A bell jar, Peeps and balloons demonstrate how changing the atmospheric pressure around objects can change their size. [3:18]
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Atmospheric Pressure With a Cup, Straw and Water
In this classroom lab activity, students will work with a plastic cup, straw, and drinking water to gain a better understanding of how atmospheric pressure works. They will be able to see how an imbalance in the atmosphere causes a...
Other
The Amazing World of Science With Mr. Green: Introduction to the Atmosphere
This teacher website provides a comprehensive lesson unit on the structure of Earth's atmosphere and how it sustains and impacts life on Earth and its ecosystems. Includes labeled diagrams, student worksheets, a slideshow, flashcards,...
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Deep Sea Diver Lab
Examine the factors affecting the pressure under a fluid. Run this simulation on "Earth-Like" planets with the same atmospheric pressure but different accelerations due to gravity.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Four Air Pressure Labs
Four lab exercises from the Illinois Institute of Technology demonstrating air pressure are given.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: Virtual Ballooning to Explore the Atmosphere Activity
In this computer-based virtual lab, students will learn about the layers of Earth's atmosphere by launching virtual balloons to collect temperature and pressure data at various altitudes. Given a limited number of balloon flights,...
Florida State University
Florida State University: Magnet Lab: Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization (Appi)
In the APPI technique, UV light photons are used to ionize sample molecules.
Other
Steve Spangler Science: Soda Bottle Prank
This resource demonstrates atmospheric pressure using a soda bottle and water.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Does Air Really Exist?
Given a teacher demonstration and various learning stations, the students learn that air is a real substance which occupies space, exerts pressure, and has weight.