Using the chemicals that leaked in the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984, chemists examine covalent bonds. Provide for them the chemical reactions and have them draw Lewis diagrams for the molecules involved. That's about all there is to the...

Lewis dot diagrams, Lewis dot structures, and electron dot diagrams are all the same thing. Young scientists learn how to draw Lewis dot diagrams and come to understand how dots and dashes represent valence electrons and ionic or...

Making models is always memorable. In this activity, physical science starters examine the structure of hydrocarbons using marshmallows, raisins, and toothpicks. They even act as atoms themselves and link arms to represent covalent...

Nanofibers can be made through electrospinning or force spinning in order to reduce the negative impact on the environment. Pupils study the role of fibers and dye on the environment through a series of five hands-on activities. Then,...

In this molecules worksheet, learners answer post lab questions about types of bonds, factors that determine polarity and molecular geometry. They calculate electronegativity differences in atoms and determine the types of bonds between...

Students discuss the difference between atoms and elements. They analyze how compounds are formed. Students discuss the difference between covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, and ionic bonds. They review bonding with diagrams, "Atoms or...

Learners see how electrons are transferred in the bonding of NaCl. They then create models of NaCl using styrofoam balls and toothpicks to assist them in explaining the formation of ions and ionic bonding. 

Students create models of ionic and covalent electronic bonds to demonstrate their understanding of these chemistry concepts. They explain how both ionic bonds and covalent bonds work so that younger students can understand.

Students investigate molecules through 2 demonstrations and writing formulas for molecules given the oxidation states of the atoms. In this molecules lesson plan, students observe iron filings being separated from salt and pepper using a...

How attractive is your intermolecular forces lesson plan? Draw your class in with an activity that includes research, presentation, and demonstrations. Chemistry scholars work together to create claims about the each intermolecular...

High schoolers will draw Lewis structures of common covalent compounds using a Chem 3D computer program. They will predict the shapes of the molecules, complete a data table, and formulate rules for predicting shapes of molecules. In the...

Alia-Seltzer tablets cause a very obvious chemical change, but do they also cause a temperature change? Each class member explores hot/cold packs, discussing how these temperature changes occur. Groups then design and carry out their own...

Students work together to observe the bond lengths of single, double and triple bonds. They make their own predictions about the strength of the bonds and chemical reactions. They answer discussion questions to complete the lesson.

Glucose is a simple sugar and a molecule that can be illustrated through modeling. Scientific investigators with visual impairments use hands-on models to reconstruct the process of bonding molecules. The tools used in this activity are...

Learners observe how substances are held together by bonds. In this physics lesson, students demonstrate how a substance is held together by ripping newspapers and stretching marshmallows. Learners complete a data sheet.

Did you know baking powder can be used to treat acne, whiten teeth, and make sugar cookies? The lesson on the development of baking powder is ready-to-go with no preparation required. Through readings, pupils answer questions, complete...

Information on the biomedical use of nanotechnology, specifically in the detection and treatment of cancer, is the focus of a activity that seems like it is out of a science fiction novel. Pupils learn about electrophoresis, which is...

Students demonstrate their understanding of a chemical process.  In this exploratory lesson students create a clay animation that shows how a specific type of chemical bond. 

Without water there would be no life on this planet. Biology learners find out why by reading this handout. Create a worksheet of questions to answer after the reading. Follow it up with quick demonstrations or laboratory activities that...

Hate to vacuum, but enjoy using a vacuum pump? Explore a lesson that starts with a demonstration of boiling water at various temperatures by using a vacuum pump. Then scholars design their own experiments to measure vapor pressure and...

Primo Levi wrote a collection of short stories comparing his life from Italy to Auschwitz to elements in the periodic table. Pupils read an excerpt from his book and research the characteristics of various elements. Then, they make a...

Students read about Humane Genome Project, examine structure and function of DNA, and participate in gel-electrophoresis lab. They complete Internet activity to test their knowledge of DNA.

Photosynthesis requires energy and produces food, and cellular respiration produces energy and requires food. An interesting lesson analyzes the factors that affect the rates of photosynthesis and respiration. Classes spend one day...

Students investigate the carbon dioxide content of different sodas. In this chemistry lesson, students explain why PET containers are preferable than HDPE for soda bottles. They collect data and graph them.