Curated OER
Does the increased use of fertilizers effect biodiversity?
Pupils conduct a hands-on lab activity in which they analyze a sample of water from a local stream or pond. They introduce a fertilizer solution into the sample and analyze and describe their findings.
Curated OER
The pH scale
Young scholars list the common properties of acids and bases. They classify substances as acids or bases, by using pH and litmus tests and are able to explain the pH scale. They participate in a lab activity which reinforce their...
Curated OER
Measuring Acceleration
Students create an accelerometer and take measurements of acceleration in a moving car. They study the car speeding up in a straight line, slowing in a straight line and curving at constant speed. They prepare a lab report showing...
Teach Engineering
Investigating Contact Angle
Discover the properties of water-loving and water-hating surfaces. In the seventh installment of a nine-part series, scholars explore hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces by conducting an experiment. They observe surface coatings,...
Cornell University
Nano What?
The size of a nanoparticle is difficult for pupils to grasp. A hands-on experiment is designed to give your classes perspective. Learners analyze different sports drinks for the content of electrolytes as an introduction to nanoscale....
Teach Engineering
Sugar Spill!
Sugar isn't good for you, but it's great for yeast! Scholars design an experiment to investigate how variables affect the rate of sugar consumption in yeast. The last installment of a nine-part Life Science unit considers how scientists...
Teach Engineering
Exploring Capillary Action
Explore capillary action from different perspectives. In the fourth installment of a nine-part series, scholars perform several experiments to observe capillary action. They look at the meniscus of water in a glass, observe capillary...
Teach Engineering
Battle of the Beams
Make the strongest beam possible using taffy? Groups mold a taffy-water mixture into a beam and a reinforcing material of their choice. To finish the final installment of a two-part series, participants test its strength by adding...
Cornell University
Exploring Rocks and Minerals
Investigate the properties of rocks and minerals through a rockin' hands-on activity. Learners test rocks for various properties and, using a guide, attempt to identify different samples. They use various properties including hardness,...
Curated OER
The Solar System: Why do we Explore?
Third graders act as scientists. In this property discovery lesson, 3rd graders explore the substance "Oobleck" (cornstarch, water, food coloring). They work in groups to investigate the substance and make observations as a scientist...
Curated OER
From Polymers to Bioplastics: Looking Toward Finding Renewable Resources
Students investigate the properties of polymers. For this chemistry lesson, students explain the importance of energy sources. They produce a bioplastic from the lab and evaluate its structural integrity.
Curated OER
All About the Brain
Students use eggs, cooking oil, foam balls and more to create a simulation of the brain and record what happens in each step. In this brain lesson plan, students learn about protecting the brain, the brain's ability to learn, and reflexes.
Curated OER
Palm use in Chemistry
Students use a Palm loaded with chemistry software to assist them in gaining information presented in a lesson about basic chemistry principles. They perform a basic chemistry demonstration for their class using information from received...
Curated OER
Celt Spoon
Learners investigate the invention of a celt spoon. They construct their own in order to make observations. This should include the spinning in opposite directions than that which it is sent. The construction instructions are included in...
Curated OER
Dirty Worms
Young scholars examine the functions of earthworms and their effect on soil. They conduct an earthworm dissection lab, and complete a checklist.
Curated OER
Bungee Man Lab
Students explore the motion of a toy bungee jumper using the scientific method. They view a video of a bungee jumper and discuss what can be measured about a bungee jump. Students discuss the scientific mehtod and how to design an...
Curated OER
Icecream in a Baggie
Students apply their comprehension of colligative properties to real-world situations. They review the concepts of physical and chemical changes. Students are reminded that science is used extensively in food-production. They are...
Curated OER
Making Soap
Students recognize and use chemical indicators in the lab, recognize the need for safety while doing chemical experiments and understand the need for following precise directions.
Curated OER
Chemistry: Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy
Students research on renewable and nonrenewable resources. In this chemistry lesson, students design and build solar panels. They evaluate their device and write a lab report.
Curated OER
Bridges for All: Better Way
Learners explore organizations founded for the common good. For this character education lesson, students read about organizations that developed for the common good during the Civil War and Reconstruction. In small groups, learners...
Curated OER
Making Plastic
Students experiment to create a plastic solution. In this science instructional activity, students use sodium borax and polyvinyl alcohol to create their solution, then identify, discuss, and chart observations on the end product.
Curated OER
Model Rockets
Learners study the basics of a model rocket and its classifications. In this rocket lesson students determine the flight duration of a model rocket.
Curated OER
Plant Pigment Chemistry
Students discover the roles of pigments present in leaves. They extract and isolate pigments present in autumn leaves using a thin layer chromatography. Very nice lesson and lab!
Curated OER
A Comparison of Polymeric Liquids with Newtonian Liquids
Students perform several tests on liquids. In this general science lesson, students compare the properties of polymeric and nonpolymeric liquids. They explain the composition and importance of macromolecules.