Curated OER
Cave Formation Age Estimation
Students investigate growth rates of flowstone formations. They view a virtual field trip and discuss how flowstones form. They observe the cave fieldtrip and predict the growth rate for a cave formation. They graph growth rates and...
Curated OER
Rusting and the Scientific Method
Students observe the oil can scene with the tin man from a clip from "The Wizard of Oz" and answer the question, "What can we learn about rust from this scene?". They take 2 tubes and 2 nails, adding 1 salt packet to 2 ml of distilled...
Curated OER
Who Gave It to You?
Students use logic to locate the primary cases, the people who started the spread of the disease through the population. They graph the data of the number of people infected over time (exchanges) and determine an equation that best fits...
Curated OER
Mixtures
Sixth graders experiment with mixtures. In this chemistry instructional activity, 6th graders determine which mixtures are considered heterogeneous, a suspension, a solution or a colloid. Students create a data sheet of what they discover.
Curated OER
Qualitative Analysis and Ksp Calculations
In this compounds worksheet, students determine which anion is present in solution from the results of testing with various reagents. Students compare the solubility of different compounds in water. This worksheet has 7 fill in the blank...
Curated OER
Cocaine in the Brain
Students examine the effects of cocaine and heroin and withdrawal symptoms. In this drug lesson students participate in an activity that illustrates cocaine's actions.
Curated OER
The pH scale
Students list the common properties of acids and bases. They classify substances as acids or bases, by using pH and litmus tests and are able to explain the pH scale. They participate in a lab activity which reinforce their understanding.
Curated OER
Where's the Period in the Periodic Tables?
Students investigate the Periodic Table of Elements. The teacher is provided with the necessary background information to complete the instructional activity. Students practice matching the element symbol to its place on the chart.
Curated OER
Please Turn Up the Lights!
Eighth graders discuss series and parallel circuits and design an investigation to test a hypothesis on total resistance of series and parallel circuits in combination. After discussion, groups design their experiments, run tests, and...
Curated OER
Solution Concentration
Students determine differences in concentrations. They have to state the problem they feel exists, consider possible solutions, and develop a plan to come up with for containers whose labels have fallen off. Students base this off the...
Curated OER
Phytoremediation
Students participate in a lab designed to facilitate the clean up and remove of substances ranging from heavy metals to dynamite. They focus on the remediation of copper. They discuss their results of this open ended inquiry experiment.
Curated OER
What is Biocomplexity?
Students dicuss different aspects of biocomplexity. They demonstrate synthesis of complex concepts by creating before and after posters expressing how the concepts of biocomplexity have ben internalized. Students define the term...
Curated OER
Elements And Atoms
Students investigate the concept of elements and atoms. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the information in order to create a class presentation. The lesson includes specific dialogue and steps for the teacher...
Curated OER
Does Size Matter?
Students explore chemical solutions. In this chemistry activity, students investigate the relationship between three related experiments about solutions. Students determine variables that affect the chemical concentration of each solution.
Curated OER
Are Polymers Photodegradable?
Students study the term photodegradability and how it applies to the 6-pack loop ring. In this materials lesson plan students test photodegradability of the 6-pack plastic ring.
Curated OER
Corrosion/Conservation/Preservation
Students examine the reasons why metal corrodes in regard to metal artifacts. In groups, they discover the affects of salt water on metal and compare the type of corrosion found on iron. They also research the types of metal...
Curated OER
Activity #17 Liquid Density and Temperature
Students comprehend that hot water rises up through cold water but cold water does not rixe in hot water. They comprehend that water at temperatures above 4oC decreases in density with increases in temperature. Students answer lab...
Curated OER
Seltzer Breath
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.
Curated OER
Determining Liquid Densities
Students practice determining liquid densities in a short, hands-on lab activity. Students use a graduated cylinder to measure out 100 milliliters of a liquid, find its mass using a balance, and record measurements in a data table....
Curated OER
Activity #8 Which State Are You In?
Middle schoolers define, give similarites and differences between solids, liquids, and gases. They compare and contrast a solid, liquid and gas in terms of shape, volume, compressibility, diffusion and density. Pupils classigy common...
Curated OER
The Energy Debate - Sea Level Rise
Students comprehend the impact of global warming on our coastal cities. They appreciate how geographic information systems can be used to represent scientific data. Students research the melting of the ice caps in Antarctica and the Arctic.
Curated OER
What Changes Occur When Ice Melts?
Students explore the physical process of melting. They observe melting ice and answer questions related to energy transfer during phase changes.
Curated OER
Science: Quick Freeze
Students observe an experiment of freezing point depression using club soda. Through observation, they note that the carbon dioxide molecules disrupt the capacity of the water molecules to solidify. Precautions must be taken to assure...
Curated OER
Activity #20 Tear An Aluminum Can In Half
Pupils observe the chemical reaction between CuCl2 and aluminum. They identify the evidence for a chemical change. Pupils answer the following questions after observing the experiment: How do you know a chemical reaction occurred?, and...