Virginia Department of Education
Molar Heat of Fusion for Water
How can you describe heat of fusion in a way the class understands and relates the importance of this concept to present day issues? In this third lesson of the series, learners conduct an experiment, demonstrating the flow of heat...
Code.org
Number Systems
Generating a system of shapes. Groups work together to create a number system using three different shapes as symbols. The groups should come up with the rules that generate all the possible permutations of the three shapes.
NASA
Melting Ice: Designing an Experiment
Sometimes, despite the best laid plans, the unexpected will occur. Learners witness this firsthand as they carefully design an experiment to determine the time needed for ice to melt in salt water or pure water. They uncover facts not...
American Chemical Society
Investigating the Line
Note that this lesson is best paired with the preceding lesson in the unit. In that lesson, elementary physical scientists observed that the color coating of M&Ms® candies do not mix when dissolved off of the chocolate surface. Now...
NEED Project
Calibrating Thermometers
Engage young scientists in the upper-elementary and middle school grades with this collection of simple experiments. Whether you're teaching about heat transfer, density, or potential energy this resource has a lab for you.
Curated OER
What are Rocks and Minerals?
Students identify the properties of rocks. In this rocks and minerals instructional activity, students use the Internet to learn about the properties of rocks and minerals. Students conduct a test to determine whether various samples of...
Curated OER
Periodic Table Lesson Plan
Students describe how elements are arranged on the periodic table. They compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their properties and on their locations in the periodic table. Students describe the differences between a...
Curated OER
Fungus
Students study fungus, its reproduction and uses. In this eukaryote lesson students complete several fungal experiments.
Curated OER
The Big Bang
Fifth graders relate the elements in the human body to those produced during a supernova. In this space science and chemistry lesson, 5th graders listen to a lecture and view visuals about the big bang. They relate the production of...
Curated OER
Sort It Out
Students study classification systems by sorting Legos and determining how the different pieces are classified. They list as many attributes as possible to use for sorting.
Curated OER
States of Matter: Liquid
Students work in a mini lab where they measure the temperature every 30 seconds for several minutes as water is heated. They are asked what makes liquid different from a solid. Students view a PowerPoint on the model of liquids,...
Curated OER
Look at It from the Right Angle
Students investigate how geometry can be used in the field of fitness and physical performance. They view a video that demonstrates how doctors and therapists mention geometry as they treat sports-related injuries.
Curated OER
Is It Grown or Mined?
Learners are introduced to how to identify various minerals. In groups, they compare and contrast raw materials that were grown and mined. They discuss their views on mining and identify the ore minerals and their purpose to end the...
Curated OER
Atoms
Eighth graders explain what makes up matter. In this atoms lesson students define an atom and what its components are and identify properties of elements.
Curated OER
Poster Assignment: Sports Chemistry
Tenth graders distinguish between chemical and physical properties and changes in matter when given specific examples. They view a video of sports activities. Students chose their favorite sport and design an experiment to improve sports...
Curated OER
Ice Cream Chemical and Physical Changes
Fourth graders identify characteristics of a simple physical and chemical change. They describe objects by the properties of the materials from which they are made and that these properties can be used separate. Students describe the...
Curated OER
Saltwater Science
Students conduct an experiment that shows them how salt water allows things to float. In this salt water lesson plan, students mix ingredients together to create salt water and observe how it makes the oceans dense. They then interpret...
Curated OER
Heat and Temperature
Ninth graders explore the relationship between heat and temperature. After performing experiments, 9th graders record their observations and discuss the results. They investigate the properties of heat and explore how energy possessed...
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Students conduct an experiment. In this forms of water instructional activity, students observe ice to see what changes take place and then write in their journal about what they observed.
Curated OER
ZIPPLY Delicious Ice Cream
Second graders explore states of matter when they change a liquid to a solid. Working students make ice cream in a zip-lock bag.
Curated OER
Sum of the Parts
Fifth graders build objects using various materials. They estimate the weight of the object using individual building pieces. Then they weigh the actual object and then tear it apart and weigh the pieces. They compare the two weights.
Curated OER
Reflecting Light
Students are introduced to the reflective properties of light and use mirrors to make light from a source reflect onto a specific target. They take turns and record the amount of time it took to correctly reflect the light.
Curated OER
Oil Embargo!
Ninth graders generate and analyze data to determine which and how much of two polymers best absorb oils, formulate procedure to accurately determine how many times its own weight particular polymer can absorb, and develop understanding...