Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oil Embargo!

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders generate and analyze data to determine which and how much of two polymers best absorb oils, formulate procedure to accurately determine how many times its own weight particular polymer can absorb, and develop understanding...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Thermoset Polymers

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars complete a lab activity with polymers to allow them to better understand how to make "observations".  In this science lesson students make measurements and collect data.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Leavening

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students experiment with the various types of leavening agents and complete a muffin lab. They review the basics of lab management and safety procedures: sanitation, measuring, altering recipes, table setting and mealtime manners, basic...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Volcanoes

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students explore the formation of volcanoes. In this earth science lesson, students build their own volcanoes in the lab using different materials. They identify the different types of volcanoes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Leavening

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students experiment with the various types of leavening agents and complete a muffin lab.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Field Trip to test Water Quality

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine water quality indicators,test water quality and record their results.  In this water quality lesson students complete a water testing lab and complete a lab report. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Genes Work Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students define the key terms that are the structure and function of DNA. In this genetics lesson students complete a lab activity in which they construct a model DNA structure.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

To Smell or Not to Smell, That is the Ester

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars 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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Polymerization Experiments

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain the process of polymerization. In this chemistry instructional activity, students produce carboxylesterase in the lab. They test its effectiveness in removing the by-product odor.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rusting-A Form of Oxidation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners conduct an experiment to observe oxidation. In this chemistry instructional activity, students explain how rusting happens. They rank metals according to their conductivity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mixing Colors

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders perform experiments with color mixing and color changing. They observe the differences between physical and chemical changes and record their observations in journals.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solar

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study solar energy.  In this renewable energy lesson students complete several lab activities using different controls and variables. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rusting: A Form of Oxidation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners observe and record the corrosive nature of oxidation-reduction reactions, and determine the electro-chemical series of selected metals.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Penny Factory

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify the characteristics of a simple physical and chemical change. They describe objects by the properties of the materials from which they are made and separate or sort items using these properties. Students explain...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Do I Get a Pure Sample of the Molecules I Make?

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Learners initially engage in online research and consult print materials to identify a compound to produce. Once a selection has been made, individually, students conduct lab experiments to isolate substances. The end product is a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Vectors

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students describe motion by the use of adding vectors. They identify the difference between the x and y components of vector quantities. Students are given the Paper Bridge Building handout and the instructions as to where to perform...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Food Color Chemistry

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students investigate plant pigments in fruits and vegetables. In this plant pigments lesson plan, students observe the effects of pH changes on chlorophyll in one demonstration and they observe the effects pH changes on flavonoids in...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Making a Battery

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Don't be shocked when your class has a blast making their own batteries! Science scholars examine a dry cell battery, then design and construct a wet cell battery. The activity guides them through the parts of a battery, the variables...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Vitamins

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers determine the amount of vitamin C present in 3 samples of juice stored in various light conditions. In this vitamin lesson plan, students investigate the amount of vitamin C present in juice exposed to different quantities...
Activity
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network

Silver and Bandages: Assessment of Inhibition of Bacteria by Silver Colloid-Impregnated Bandages

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Silver: more than jewelry, it's also a natural antimicrobial agent. An inquiry-based lesson asks collaborative groups to design and implement an experiment to test this property. Using samples of silver nanoparticles and a strain of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Enzymatic Action

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students observe how a cell uses an enzyme to rid itself of a poisonous substance by experimenting with hydrogen peroxide, potatoes, liver and carrots. They record the temperature and changes of the hydrogen peroxide as other elements...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Catalase and Catalysis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore enzyme catalysis through a series of experiments. In this chemistry lesson, students determine the factors affecting catalysis. They explain the different uses of this process.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bioluminescence

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students differentiate chemiluminescence from bioluminescence. In this biology lesson, students explain how fireflies and other animals emit light. They discuss the applications of engineered bioluminescence.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Photosynthesis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a variety of experiments on photosynthesis. In this biology lesson, students identify the factors required for the process to occur. They perform computerized experiments to test the amount of oxygen produced when plants...