Cornell University
Hydrophobic Surfaces—Deposition and Analysis
Couches, carpets, and even computer keyboards now advertise they are spill-resistant, but what does that mean? Scholars use physical and chemical methods to coat surfaces with thin films to test their hydrophobic properties. Then they...
Curated OER
Somewhere Over the Milky Rainbow
Ninth graders demonstrate safe lab practices. They make critical decisions as to the effects of the fat content of the milk. Students complete called "Somewhere Over the Milky Rainbow." They are given a safety symbol worksheet. ...
Curated OER
Parasites: Our Tiny Companions
Learners consider parasites that seek human hosts. They prepare nutrient agar plates and cultivate samples of bacteria taken from their own bodies. They experiment with disinfectants and soaps to determine which method kills the most...
Curated OER
A Self Directed Inquiry into the Identification of Unknowns
High schoolers gain experience in designing an experiment and use logic in selecting specific tests for unknowns. Students recognize the use of spreadsheets in helping one to make clear comparisons.
Curated OER
Oxygen vs. Air Pressure
Learners conduct an experiment to determine if water level is affected by a change in oxygen level or air pressure.
Curated OER
Palace for Pill Bugs
Students build a palace fit for pill bugs. In this experimental design lesson, students design an experiment to determine which shelter is preferred by the pills bugs. Students are creating a testable hypothesis, collecting data,...
Curated OER
Earthquake Machine
Students explore plate tectonics by conducting a class experiment. In this earthquake activity, students utilize scrap wood, sandpaper, rubber bands and a sanding belt to create a model earthquake experiment which shakes a nearby...
Curated OER
Introduction to the Oscilloscope as a Voltmeter
Students measure the electric potential of 9 volt batteries using oscilloscopes. They draw a diagram of the front panel of the oscilloscope, conduct the experiment, and create a graph of voltage versus the number of batteries.
Curated OER
Observing the Elements of Water
Fifth graders conduct a closed circuit experiment to observe the elements of water. They discuss the elements of Hydrogen and Oxygen, and in small groups construct a closed circuit connected to two pencils placed in water. Students...
Curated OER
Farming Fantastic Friends
Seventh graders demonstrate scientific inquiry to design and perform an experiment involving Grow Creatures. They participate in a class discussion, and in small groups design an experiment that determines how to change the materials to...
Curated OER
Variables
Learners watch a video show how to identify the independent variable, dependent variable and controls in an experiment; and design experiments that use controls to isolate a single independent variable and measure the resulting dependent...
Curated OER
What Boat Designs Float the Best?
Fifth graders investigate buoyancy by conducting a science experiment. In this water properties lesson, 5th graders predict which of their different paper boat designs will float for the longest period. Students conduct the experiment...
Curated OER
Story Mapping: Guide for Cross-Disciplinary Application
In this story mapping learning exercise, students read how story mapping can apply to 3 different areas of study: history, English and science lab. The components of story mapping that are included here are setting, characters,...
Curated OER
Discover Science
Students practice scientific research skills. In this lesson about science, students gain experience with the following skills: comparison, observation, identification, and data gathering. Students will go from station to station and...
Curated OER
Urinalysis
Students participate in a lab experiment that explains why doctors take urine samples. They participate in a discussion about the urinary system and have already studied the functions of the organs involved in the urinary system along...
Curated OER
Providing Safe Food to the Consumer
Students identify safe practices that must be followed to assure the food chain from the farm or ranch to dinner table is providing safe and quality food for the consumer. Students visit websites to examine numbers of food borne...
Curated OER
DNA Isolation
Students use scientific methods to investigate the concept of DNA. They observe the DNA of human cheek cells. This is done with the use of a lab experience. Students record their observations and reflect upon on how each organism is...
Curated OER
Gravel Run - Freshwater Spring
Students perform five lab experiments dealing with water run. Students monitor gravel run water quality. They conduct a bioassessment and collect information on water quality. Students organize and analyze collected data.
Curated OER
Create Your Own Cloud
Students explore and analyze weather conditions, climates, compositions and characteristics of the atmosphere and weather patterns. They explain in detail the water cycle and its relationship to weather patterns. A lab experiment is...
Curated OER
Weight and Velocity
Students perform an experiment in order to determine how increasing weight affects the velocity of a truck and use the computer to compile their data.
Curated OER
Rechargeable Batteries
High schoolers explore how rechargeable batteries work by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics instructional activity, students discuss the benefits of using rechargeable batteries over disposable ones. They build their...
Curated OER
Geologic Sequestration
Students investigate how geologic sequestration reduces carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. In this earth science activity, students simulate oil mining in the lab. They write down their observations and complete the lab...
Curated OER
The Affect of Water Temperature on Living Organisms
Students examine the environmental impact of global warming. In this environmental science lesson, students design and conduct an experiment about the effect of temperature on paramecia. They write a lab report about their experiment.
Curated OER
Oceanic Absorption- Oceanic Sequestration
Students examine the different techniques that may be used to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In this ocean pollution instructional activity students divide into groups and complete a lab to see how the ocean holds carbon dioxide.