Curated OER
Pauli's Magical Water
Students predict the shape of molecules using VSEPR theory. In this chemistry lesson, students differentiate a polar and nonpolar molecule. They discuss why water's polarity is very important.
Curated OER
How Can You Study Things You Can’t See Like: Atoms?
Students simulate how scientists studied things they can't see like atoms. In this chemistry lesson, students predict what is inside the numbered obsertainers. They design a way to investigate what's inside without opening it.
Curated OER
Beads, Balls, and Beakers
Students analyze the amount of space required to pack round objects. In this geometry lesson, students practice using space economically by practicing packing spheres into beakers. They then translate this concept to molecules being...
Cornell University
Polymers: Making Silly Putty
Putty is proof that learning can be fun! Share the wonderful world of polymers with your class through an experiment. Young scientists create their own silly putty, then examine its properties.
Curated OER
The Periodic Table
Students examine the periodic table and how it was developed. In this chemistry instructional activity students identify common properties and uses of elements within a family.
Virginia Department of Education
Properties of Compounds and Chemical Formulas
Young chemists have unknown compounds they need to sort. Performing three different tests on each, the chemical behaviors they observe become the basis for data analysis.
Virginia Department of Education
Elements and Electron Configuration
It's electronic! Pupils uncover elements and their electron configurations as they explore mass, groupings, correct charges, and sliding theory. Young scientists learn creative ways to remember various elements and correctly...
Virginia Department of Education
Radioactive Decay and Half-Life
Explain the importance of radioactive half-life as your high school biologists demonstrate the concept by performing a series of steps designed to simulate radioactive decay. Pupils use pennies to perform an experiment and gather data....
Virginia Department of Education
Molar Volume of a Gas
What is a chemist's favorite plant? Stoichiome Tree! Scholars produce hydrogen gas by reacting magnesium with hydrochloric acid. Then they calculate the molar volume of the gas produced before answering assessment questions.
Virginia Department of Education
Solution Concentrations
What happens when you combine 6.022 times 10 to the 23 piles of dirt into one? You make a mountain out of a mole hill. Scholars use dehydration to obtain percent composition and then calculate the molarity of the original...
Curated OER
Doing Lewis Dot Diagrams
Students observe the periodic table and draw the Lewis Dot Diagram. In this investigative instructional activity students construct information on several elements including the Lewis Dot Formation and take a quiz on the...
Curated OER
Designer Colors, an Inquiry Approach to Flame Testing
Students investigate the spectroscopic colors unique to elements, and to use this information to create a specific color. They follow a detailed schematic to produce a spectroscpoe to be used in the testing.
Curated OER
Radioactivity Experiments
Students study the difference between types of ionizing radiation and how elements are transmuted. They determine that radiation is normal and surrounds us. They calculate the amounts of alpha, beta and gamma radiation emitted from a...
Curated OER
Acids and Bases: Together again!
Students identify principles behind acid-base reactions. They predict factors that may affect an acid-base reaction. Students identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations.
Curated OER
Oxygen
Students explore oxygen and its physical and chemical propeties. In this investigative activity students complete several experiments using oxygen.
Curated OER
Winter
Students explore the nature of water and water molecules. They examine the role of ice on organisms.
Curated OER
Renewable Energy in Connecticut - Softening Our Footprint through Sustainable Energy Use
Learners explore energy conservation. In this environmental lesson plan, students will look at data showing the amounts of energy used, our carbon footprint, and will research a power source. This unit allows for a deeper understanding...
Curated OER
Ionic Chemical Formulas Days 1 & 2
Students study polyatomic ions and write binary and ternary ionic chemical formulas. They explore putting together different monatomic ions and coming up with as many chemical formulas as possible. They play a game similar to memory...
Curated OER
Nanoscience and Sunscreen
Students use the topic of sunscreen to explore the "issues related to size and scale" as energy and matter interact. They compare the visible opacity of different substances to their ability to block ultraviolet radiation.
Curated OER
How Big is a Molecule?
Students estimate the size of a molecule of oleic acid. They conduct an experiment using chalk dust, water, and oleic acid, solve various calculations, and answer discussion questions.
Curated OER
Periodic Table Lesson Plan
Pupils describe how elements are arranged on the periodic table. They compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their properties and on their locations in the periodic table. Students describe the differences between a period...
Curated OER
Proteomics
Students analyze data taken from proteomic experiments. In this biology lesson, students explain the importance of bioinformatics tools in the study of proteins. They evaluate scientific results using math and computer software.
Curated OER
Periodic Table
Students identify the periodic table trends and predict material properties. They also design and conduct simple experiments and test material properties. Finally, students compare and contrast material properties and that chemical...
Curated OER
The Physical Setting
Learners study atoms and their protons and neutrons. For this physical setting lesson students work together to complete a lab activity.