Couches, carpets, and even computer keyboards now advertise they are spill-resistant, but what does that mean? Scholars use physical and chemical methods to coat surfaces with thin films to test their hydrophobic properties. Then they...

It's the moment of truth. Previous lessons in the 24-part series had scholars design and develop shampoo formulas using chemical concepts. The 18th lesson asks them to test the function of their shampoos. To do this, they calculate the...

Here is an engaging and hands-on lesson plan that allows high school chemists to demonstrate the effects of a catalyst on various chemicals. They garner knowledge of how reactants and products differ from one another, while...

Who doesn't love gold and silver? Brine shrimp, that's who! Learners conduct an experimental lesson to monitor the toxicity of gold and silver nanoparticles on brine shrimp. They synthesize solutions to expose the brine shrimp to and...

It's all about the scale—they're not just wires, they're nanowires! The second lesson of the series builds on the oxidation-reduction experiment in the first lesson. Scholars synthesize a sample of nanowires using electrolysis. As they...

Students participate in an investigation in which they compare a polyethylene bag designed for recycling or disposal with a polyethylene food storage bag. Students use hexane to determine the differences between the low density...

Students are introduced to the analysis of health risks in the laboratory, particularly from vapors from organic solvents. They consider quantitative measure of risk such as threshold limit values (TLVs), the amount of the compound that...

High schoolers test wood splints that have been soaked in mystery solutions to identify the different colors it produces when lit. The lesson concludes with a reading passage and analysis questions.

Never trust an atom; they make up everything! Young chemists make modeling dough and add another ingredient to change the properties. Scholars then compare the properties of emulsion to composite materials. A reading passage and analysis...

A review of a full unit on energy and matter, this slide show starts with basic definitions of states of matter and their mass. It then develops the ideas of the forces that that matter can exert. Details about bonding within matter and...

Tiny particles can provide big learning opportunities! Middle school scientists explore the world of nanoparticles through reading, discussion, and experiment. Collaborative groups first apply nanotechnology to determine water...

Students investigate "indicator" (Bromothymol Blue or BTB) to test for the presence of certain chemicals in liquids and gases. They compare distilled water and seltzer water for presence of carbon dioxide.

Young scholars identify the different sources of radiation around us. In this physics lesson, students calculate their estimated radiation exposure per year. They research a current issue about radiation.

Students investigate the rate of a chemical reaction. In this rate of reactions lesson plan, students use an electronic balance to measure the change in mass of a chemical reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate. They...

Students explore the world of nanotechnology by synthesizing ferrofluids in a series of chemical reactions. In small groups, they follow the procedure to create the ferrofluids using precise measuring techniques. They test the resulting...

Learners create acid rain using carbonic, nitrous, nitric, and sulfurous acids.

Those textbook experiments are no good. Using this simple method you can make a real bar of soap. It's

Students view a video about the formation of precipitates. They complete a worksheet that asks them to identify what makes a compound form and what holds it together.

Seventh graders use a pond to explore macroinvertebrates and other organisms. They use a dichotomous key to classify the organisms and maintain a journal recording their findings.

Students explore the importance of water. They discuss why water is important and students design an experiment that evaluates the water quality and methods of improving water quality. Students perform testing and report their findings.

Students determine the concentration of acetic acid when the concentration of the base with which is titrated is known. They investigate how to weigh a sample using the balance, measure volumes using graduated cylinder, explore the...

Tons of science safety rules and information are available here, arranged by category. Resources are available for students and teachers on maintaining safety during labs and other activities.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students explore and review safe practices during laboratory and field investigation in science.

Many (if not most) experiments in the chemistry lab do not get significant results - or the expected results. In this Chemistry Now original video series, we highlight the curiosity, daring, and creativity of the best bench chemists by...