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Gumdrop Crystal Models
A great way to learn about molecular structures is to make a model. Gumdrops and toothpicks are used to construct crystal models. The models are based on theories of crystal shapes that occur because of positive and or negatively charged...
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Toothpicks, Gumdrops, and Polyhedrons
Sixth graders use toothpicks and gumdrops to make prisms and pyramids. This helps them explore the relationship betweeen faces, vertices, and edges.
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Environment: Battling for Oxygen
Students construct an interactive ozone depletion model using gumdrops and toothpicks. After analyzing the data obtained from the model, they record it on butcher paper and complete worksheets about oxygen.
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Different Minerals
In this minerals worksheet, learners read about the relationship between elements, rocks and minerals. They experiment using 6 different colored gumdrops to represent 6 common elements. Students construct gumdrop and toothpick models of...
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The No Zone of Ozone
Students explore the causes and effects of the Earth's ozone holes through discussion and an interactive simulation. Using gumdrops and toothpicks, they conduct a large-group, interactive ozone depletion model.
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Earthquakes
Learners inspect the causes and effects of earthquakes and examine how seismic waves travel. In this earthquake lesson, students determine where earthquakes happen and why, before determining how to build an earthquake resistant...
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Composition of the Atom
Students investigate the structure of the atom and its composition. In this atom structure instructional activity, students find the area of cut out circles and drop pens into the circles. They count the number of marks in the circles...
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Lesson One: Perimeter, Area, Volume
Students explore perimeter, area and volume. Using geoboards, toothpicks, and marshmallows, students create specific shapes. They are directed to use formulas to find the volume, area, and perimeter of the created shapes. In groups,...
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Measuring Angles
Sixth graders identify and measure right, acute, obtuse, and straight angles. In this geometry lesson, 6th graders review the definition of each angle and are shown examples of each specific angle. Students use toothpicks, gumdrops, and...
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Models of Hydrocarbons
Students construct models of hydrocarbon molecules using candy and toothpicks. In this hydrocarbons lesson plan, students are given a sheet with the molecular formulas of hydrocarbons. As a group, they construct each molecule using...
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Making Molecular Models
In these creative hands-on activities, students construct several different molecular models that represent substances that play an essential role in our nutritional needs. Using gum drops and toothpicks, students design the models....
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Candy DNA Model Lesson
Students explore DNA structure using materials such as Twizzlers, small colored gumdrops and/or toothpicks.
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The Structure of Materials
Students brainstorm what matter is and how they define it. They construct a water molecule with marshmallows and toothpicks. In addition, they watch videos to explore the use the idea of nanoscience to investigate the properties of...
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Turkey Centerpieces
Students create "turkey centerpieces" in this easy elementary art lesson using apples, toothpicks, construction paper, and gumdrops. The lesson includes a materials list and a step-by-step list of instructions to create the turkey...
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Matter
Fifth graders investigate the structure of matter. They examine pictures of atoms and molecules and discuss their relationships, and construct a model of a molecule using toothpicks and gumdrops.
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Solid Figures
Students investigate solids. For this geometry lesson, students use toothpicks and gum drops to solve problems. They create visuals to help them see what is happening to the shapes.
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Edible DNA
Young scholars use multicolored soft candies (gumdrops and candy orange slices) and toothpicks to create models of DNA structures. They discuss the fact that DNA must copy itself before splitting into two cells. Students demonstrate this...
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Marshmallow Bunny
Students create Easter bunnies using marshmallows, gumdrops, white paper, fruit rolls, and toothpicks in this edible Art lesson for the elementary classroom. A fun activity that can be accomplished in under forty-five minutes.
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Geometry Shapes
Learners create various geometric shapes with their younger grade "buddy partners." They identify and discuss various geometric shapes, and using gumdrops or marshmallows and toothpicks, construct different flat and three-dimensional...
NOAA
What's the Big Deal?
Who knew that a possible answer to Earth's energy resource problems was lurking deep beneath the ocean's surface? Part four of a six-part series introduces Earth Science pupils to methane hydrate, a waste product of methanogens. After...
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Geodesic Dome
Students build geodesic domes using newspaper after watching a video about the architectural concepts used in building domes. They decide which geometric shapes can be used to build the strongest building.
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Do You Know the Master Programmer?
Fourth graders, using candy, build models of DNA replication, RNA transcription, and tRNA translation.
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Edible Atom/Molecule
Upcoming chemists construct atom or molecule models out of candy. This is a classic idea that learners really enjoy; however, this lesson plan is vague. There is no instruction about the structure of atoms or molecules. Make sure you...
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Nature vs. Nurture
Eighth graders investigate the concept of nature versus nurture in human development through this series of lessons.