Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter: Atoms and Molecules

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate how information about the atom has been determined. In this atomic structure lesson, students draw what they think an atom looks like. They conduct Internet research about the types of atomic models and how...
Lesson Plan
Aquarium of the Pacific

Lego Molecules

For Teachers 4th - 6th Standards
Young scientists construct an understanding of molecular compounds in this hands-on science lesson. Using LEGO® to model the atoms of different elements, students build molecules based on the chemical formulas of common compounds.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Atoms Work

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students explore the concept of atoms and how they combine to form molecules and compounds. In pairs, they read an article on how atoms work and discuss the main points. They draw atoms and write a paragraph about their elements.
Lesson Plan
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network

Synthesis and Characterization of CdSe Quantum Dots

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
Does the size of a sample change the physical properties of that substance? It turns out it can! Young scientists combine physics and chemistry to synthesize CdSe quantum dots and record their color properties. Learners should...
Lesson Plan
Santa Monica College

Lewis Structures and Molecular Shapes

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed Standards
Learners practice drawing Lewis dot structures, build molecules with model kits, and predict molecular shapes using VSEPR theory. The combination of written work and hands-on reinforcement benefits young scientists.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Elements And Atoms

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners 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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Atoms Work

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars analyze the way atoms function and how they combine to form molecules and various compounds. Using a software program, they create a diagram of an atom and write a summary about their functions. They complete a worksheet...
Lesson Plan
2
2
American Chemical Society

Forming a Precipitate

For Students 6th - 8th Standards
Can you mix two liquids to make a solid that is insoluble? Yes, you can, and pupils see this as the lesson plan uses more than one combination of liquids to form a solid. Through two teacher demonstrations and a hands-on...
Lesson Plan
Global Change

The Carbon Cycle and its Role in Climate Change

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
So how does the carbon cycle work? Kids participate in a hands-on activity that allows them to understand the chemistry behind climate change and global warming. They act out the process of photosynthesis by labeling themselves as...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Density and Mass

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students experiment to find which liquids are more dense.  In this density and mass lesson plan, students predict and then test objects to observe and measure their density. students observe which items sink and float. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Writing Chemical Formulas

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Young scholars study how to write chemical fomulas by reviewing the combinations atoms form into compounds. They write a procedure to test various substances and name the compounds and write formulas. As they construct models for...
Lesson Plan
3
3
American Chemical Society

Different Substances React Differently

For Teachers 5th
Looks don't tell the whole story. Young experimenters explore reactions with substances that look similar. They observe the reactions that take place when combined with baking soda and use indicators to conclude they react differently...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Doing Lewis Dot Diagrams

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students observe the periodic table and draw the Lewis Dot Diagram.  For this investigative lesson students construct information on several elements including the Lewis Dot Formation and take a quiz on the information they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter: Build a Word

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine matter and the periodic table of elements. In this matter lesson, 4th graders discuss atoms and their composition. Students explore the periodic table of elements and use it to spell words out of the elements.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Causes of Differences in Density

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the causes of differences in density. Students choose objects, measure the mass and volume, and calculate the density of each. They perform additional density experiments to model atoms and their correspondence to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Polymers Lab: Bouncy Ball and Slime

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate chemical reactions to produce polymers. In this polymers lesson plan, 8th graders experiment with sodium silicate and ethyl alcohol to make a polymer. They also experiment with borax and glue to make a polymer....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physical Science Project-Atom

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate atoms. In this atom lesson, 5th graders investigate the parts of an atom. Students explore atom numbers and determine the number of electrons is in each atom.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Molecules

For Teachers 7th - 9th
In this making molecules worksheet, students complete a table of elements with their symbol, atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, number of electrons, period and group. Students then make models using pipe cleaners and beads of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reaction Reasoning

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders experiment with chemical reactions and examine what happens to the atoms when different reactions occur.  In this matter lesson students divide into groups and complete a lab experiment. 
Lesson Plan
Chymist

Esters: An Introduction to Organic Chemistry Reactions

For Students 9th - 12th
Scratch and sniff an introduction to organic chemical reactions. A creative lesson has individuals study the esters commonly used in scratch-and-sniff stickers and advertisements. Following the lab procedure, scholars create the organic...
Lesson Plan
LABScI

Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table of Elements: The Secret Agent Lab

For Students 9th - 12th
Food always gets attention! Model atomic structure using fruit loops to represent the subatomic particles. After building models, scholars create ionic bonds using their models. Finally, they use these concepts to create a periodic...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Applied Science - Physics Post-Lab

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Students investigate energy. In this Physics lesson, students explore different sources of energy: heat, nuclear, and chemical. Students sing an electricity song.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ancient Atomic Theories

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Studdnts research ancient texts and compare ancient Greek atomic theories, as used in the production of silver, to modern theories.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Polymers

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars explore online tutorial on polymers. In this chemistry lesson, they create two polymers in the lab and compare their properties. They write a sales letter about their new and improved polymer product.