Curated OER
Let it Grow and See What Happens
Students participate in an experiment in which they try to stop algae from growing. In groups, they develop a hypothesis and test it while making changes to the experiment along the way. They make observations and organize their data...
Curated OER
Wonderful Waves
Students read about water, waves and the sea. They experiment with the action of water by pouring water into baking pans and watching how it moves. They build and examine a 'wave bottle' by adding colored water and vegetable oil to a...
Curated OER
Marine Debris
Students will perform experiments to examine if debris will float, or blow in the wind. They discuss the effects of these characteristics on marine debris.
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Oil Spill Simulation
Students examine the materials that can be used to clean up an oil spill. They experiment with vegetable oil and a variety of substances to see which clean the oil the best.
Curated OER
Creepy Reflection and Floating Finger
In this science exploration activity, students use a plastic mirror and a bowl full of water to get a fish's eye view of a water surface. Students follow the directions to conduct this investigation.
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Make a Bouncy Custard Ball
In this science experiment learning exercise, students mix borax, custard powder (pudding mix?), glue and water to make a bouncy ball. Students carry out bouncing and stretching investigations.
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Groundwater Flow Demonstration Model
Students investigate the concept of groundwater that includes aquifers, groundwater flow, and the water table. They participate in activities using a flow demonstration model. Its use engages all types of learners because of its hands on...
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Paper Chromatography K-12 Experiment
Students study chromatography and how they can distinguish between the different pigments in a color. In this chromatography instructional activity students separate a mixture of dyes in soluble ink then record the colors they...
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Oil Well That Ends Well
Focusing on the effect of oil spills on the environment, learners conduct experiments to explore this issue. First, they create an ocean environment using materials provided. Then, they make a simulated crude oil substance from vegetable...
Teach Engineering
Biological Processes: Putting Microbes to Work
Is there such a thing as useful microbes? Get ready to perform experiments on applying microbes for wastewater treatment. The first installment of the three-part unit provides background information to prepare young engineers for two...
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Oil Spill Clean Up
Students use various methods and materials to clean up a simulated oil spill that has occurred. Once clean the students will decide which method or material was most useful
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Drinking Dirty Water
Learners consider the importance of clean drinking water. They conduct a taste experiment with water, adding incremental drips of salt and vinegar to determine at which point it doesn't taste drinkable.
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Experiment: How acidic is rain in your area?
Students collect water samples from around your home and school, check the pH level of each water sample, and record the pH levels in a chart that looks something like this:
Curated OER
Planet Dermis: How does soap clean me?
In this hygiene activity, students perform an 8 step experiment in which they learn how soap works to clean things. There are pictures to go along with the steps.
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Global Change — Change and Cycles Where Land, Air and Water Meet
Pupils participate in an experiment to define a parts-per-billion solution. In this ecology lesson, students select a second substance to create a parts-per-billion solution and observe and record their results. Pupils work in groups to...
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Eye On Conservation Drainage Basin
Middle schoolers are able to describe the importance of wetland vegetation. They describe the impacts human activities have on water systems. Students compare and contrast the effect of different soil types on water filtration.
Curated OER
Acid Mine Drainage
Students use cabbage, backing soda, cobblestones, and more to test the acid in the water. For this acid mine damage lesson plan, students complete 13 experiments to test and treat acid.
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Global Oil Busters!
Pupils design and implement an investigation of the impact of oil spills on the environment. They then identify and compare different methods in cleaning up oil spills. Students write letters to the Governor about why the material they...
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Buoyancy: Who Sank the Boat?
Students examine whether objects will sink or float. For this buoyancy lesson students bring in objects and experiment to see if they sink or float.
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Air, Air-It's Everywhere!
Students engage in experiment activities, which illustrate that air is made of matter, does take up space, and is very important to our health. This lesson contains activities for a variety of grade levels. A very nice idea!
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Color Mixing
Students experiment with primary colored water to mix new colors. They record new colors on a simple data sheet and share opinions on their work.
Curated OER
Splash
Learners work together to enhance their communication and problem solving skills. They move a cup of water from a tarp to a higher surface using nothing but pieces of yarn. In addition, they reflect on the lab experience.
Curated OER
Tie Dye
Students practice writing research proposals to test the color fastness of a dye once it has been exposed to a t-shirt. Each proposal needs details of experimental design, length of treatment, and means of cleaning the shirt. All...
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Dry Ice Activities Mini Lesson
Get your middle schoolers experimenting with dry ice. In the first activity, they place a piece in water and then use phenol red to identify its pH. In the second, they place a piece in a limewater solution and watch as the combination...