Introduce organic chemistry through an analysis of flavor. A three-part unit begins with an overview of the components of flavor. Next, scholars prepare esters through esterification. Finally, they examine how all senses have an impact...

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...

Did she cheat on her husband? Did the hospital switch the babies? Should they have children? As much as this sounds like the plot for a soap opera, all of these questions fit into a single lesson on genetics. Scholars read about three...

Young scholars study genes, DNA and medical research. They watch "The Code of Life" video and answer discussion questions regarding the transcription and translation of DNA and how errors in these processes and mutations in DNA can...

Students discuss the importance of plankton in the ocean ecosystem. In this biology lesson, students identify the different types plankton by observing them under the microscope. They explain how plankton population affect global climate.

Young scholars discover the different forms of water on Earth. In this states of water lesson, students read material on the different forms of water and how they are created. The young scholars answer written questions on worksheets.

Students explore the field of genetics. They examine four basic traits. Students demonstrate their knowledge of phenotype and genotype by charting their personal traits. Students compelte a Meiosis chart. From the chart results,...

Students study the classification of viruses and describe their structure.  In this investigative lesson students complete an activity and answer questions about viruses. 

Seventh graders explore the function of a cell and cell division.  For this investigative lesson students construct a 3-D model of a DNA molecule.

Seventh graders investigate the concept of polymers. They discover unique properties and how polymers are natural. The lesson contains sufficient background information for the teacher. Students examine different types of materials and...

Fifth graders study how respiration and circulation are connected.  In this respiratory lesson plan students complete several activities to better understand heart rate and carbon dioxide in the body. 

Students are able to discuss the difference between a proton, a neutron and an electron. They also can explain the difference between an ionic and a covalent bond. Students know the main structure of atoms and molecules. Student are able...

High schoolers explain the basic concepts of polymerization. Students participate in a lab to create a crude preparation of carboxyl esterase and test its effectiveness in reducing the residual monomer in an emulsion such as paint.

Fifth graders use modern technologies which allow them to gain a new, dynamic, and intersting understanding of themselves, their community, and the world. They focus on environmental education and the effect of the environment on plant...

Beginning biologists place a drop of food coloring into water of differing temperatures to observe the effect on the diffusion rate. They remove the shells from raw eggs and then experiment with osmosis over the remaining membranes....

Students read the Who We Are Section on Calfee Designs Webpage and discuss carbon usage. They work in pairs to look up the minerals diamond and graphite then create a chart on the properties of each mineral then compare how they differ...

You will need a photovoltaic system and monitor at your school in order to obtain all of the data required to thoroughly implement this instructional activity. Your class monitors daily temperature and insolation amounts over a two week...

Students study DNA and how it was discovered.  In this biology lesson students see the effects of mapping the human genome would have. 

Students experiment with sense of smell, and how it relates to sense of taste.

Students focus on stellar luminosities to estimate size of habitable zones, map out habitable zone around hot light bulbs that serve as models of stars, investigate how size of model "habitable zone" around light bulbs depends on...

Students investigate the process of genetic engineering. In this genetic engineering lesson plan, students use paper models of DNA and plasmid bacterium to investigate the process of replicating DNA, splicing genes from DNA, and...

Students interpret basic chemical formulas. When class begins, students interpret a "chemical formula" for fruit salad. After they interpret the recipe, students use the same strategies to identify chemical formulas. They evaluate the...

Students explore the nature of water and water molecules. They examine the role of ice on organisms.

Students study the concepts of polymerization and the function of crosslinkage.  For this polymer lesson students complete a lab activity and write down their observations.