Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Models of Atoms and Isotopes

For Teachers 7th - 9th
In this models of atoms and isotopes worksheet, students use marshmallow of different colors to represent the protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom. Students make models of the 3 isotopes of hydrogen. They draw a diagram of each and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Chemical Context of Life

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
In this chemistry worksheet, students fill in the chart for question one. The chart is filled out examining the mass, protons, electrons, and neutrons for specific atoms.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Atomic Emission Spectra and the Bohr Model of the Atom

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the wavelengths of spectra lines for common atoms. For this atomic emission spectra lesson plan, students use a transformer and diffraction grating to observe the emission spectra of various atoms. They find the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hydrogen Powered Cars

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students apply the principles of chemistry to investigate the concept of how a hydrogen powered car works. They study the electrochemical reactions that provide the energy source. Students also record observations in the functioning of a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Models of Hydrocarbons

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemical Formulas for Molecules

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Newcomers to chemistry compare hydrogen peroxide to water, realizing that the difference of one oxygen atom significantly affects the chemical properties. Other pairs of compounds and their formulas are also examined. A few chemical...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Atom and Eve

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research and define an atom using a concept map. They design and create a model of an atom, labelling all the parts, and write a journal entry.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Periodic Table of the Elements

For Teachers 1st
First graders discuss, at their level, the concept of elements making up all matter. They discover the story of Dimitri Mendeleev and his discovery of the Periodic Table of the Elements. They locate and color some of the most common...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

The Making of Macromolecules

For Students 7th - 12th
Compare and contrast macromolecules made from the same elements. Young scholars learn how the structure of a molecule has as much influence on a compound as the elements in the molecule. They experiment with molecular model kits to...
Lesson Plan
Perkins School for the Blind

Building an Organic Molecule

For Teachers 6th - 9th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hydrocarbons

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Molecular Modeling Activity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the concept of molecular modeling and differentiate between saturated and unsaturated compounds. In small groups, they identify molecular formulas, complete a chart comparing alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Peek into the Lives of Stars!

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students create a model of the birth of a star and demonstrate the stages of the star's lifecycle.  In this star lifecycle lesson plan, students mix flour and water in a jar to model the birth of a star, then role-play the entire...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Methods of Power- Solar, Hydrogen, and Electric

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students examine solar, hydrogen, electric power. In this research based lesson, students will do simple investigations, view videos, discuss, and research how these three types of energy are used for power. They illustrate a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Elements And Atoms

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the concept of elements and atoms. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the information in order to create a class presentation. The lesson plan includes specific dialogue and steps for the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mighty Molecules

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners examine a PowerPoint production on molecules. Then they construct their own molecule and define what an atom, molecule, and matter is. They make a H2, HCI, and an H2O molecule. Finally, a drawing to accompany the actual model is...
Lesson Plan
SRI International

Science of Water

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Water is crucial to survival. Scholars gain an appreciation for water by reading about it, learning about its atomic properties, and investigating its properties through six stations in a lab activity.
Lesson Plan
2
2
American Chemical Society

Why Does Water Dissolve Sugar?

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Did you know that if you wait long enough, the M on the outside of an M and M will float to the surface when submerged in water? Learners observe the sugar coating of an M and M while it is dissolving in water. They explain how this...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Molecular Models

For Teachers Pre-K - 6th
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....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

It's Just a Phase: Water as Solid, Liquid and Gas

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Young scholars construct models of the way water molecules arrange themselves in three physical states - solid, liquid, and gas. They explain the molecular behavior of ice, water, and water vapor.
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Splitting Water with Electricity

For Students 9th - 12th
Explore how electricity splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Learners begin by calculating the voltage necessary to separate the water. They then perform the experiment and measure the ratio of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles.
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Radioactive Decay and Half-Life

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Explain the importance of radioactive half-life as your high school biologists demonstrate the concept by performing a series of steps designed to simulate radioactive decay. Pupils use pennies to perform an experiment and gather data....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemical Models

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students study hydrocarbon gases and chemical equations. In this hydrocarbon gases lesson, students work in groups complete a molecular formula worksheet and review alkane prefixes. Students complete molecular models, balance chemical...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Isomers and Polymers

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Learners create models of structural isomers, geometric isomers, and polymers.  In this chemistry lesson, students are given definitions and molecular model kits to create a variety of different isomers and polymers.