Curated OER
Mystery Powders
Students collect microscopic images from a variety of chemical specimens to determine the identity of a mystery powder. They use a ProScope Digital USB Microscope to describe and compare the crystal size and shape of the chemicals.
Curated OER
Mystery Powder Lab
In this mystery powder worksheet, students determine the identify of 6 unknown samples by testing them with cabbage juice for pH, vinegar, iodine for starch and heat. Students determine the identity of the mystery powders using their...
Curated OER
The Scientific Method Using Mystery Powders
Students use the scientific method to determine physical and chemical properties of unknown substances. In this scientific method lesson plan, students discuss chemical and physical properties of substances as a class after a...
Curated OER
Disposable Diaper Comparison and Mystery Powder Identification
Students investigate which diaper is the most absorbent. In this chemistry lesson, students calculate how much water is absorbed by diapers. They identify an unknown powder based on physical and chemical properties.
Curated OER
Who Took Jerell's iPod? ~ An Organic Compound Mystery
Within the setting of a crime scene investigation, biochemistry beginners analyze organic compounds as a means of determining "Who dunnit." They use a brown paper test for lipids, glucose test strips and iodine to identify carbohydrates,...
Curated OER
Oobleck and the Mystery Powders
Pupils listen to the book, "Oobleck," by Dr. Suess before experimenting with mystery powders. They determine the proper ratio of powder to liquid to make the Oobleck.
Curated OER
Mystery Powders
Pupils describe the physical properties of polymers. In this chemistry lesson, students experiment on different polymer powders and identify each one of them. They record their observations and share them to class.
Curated OER
Investigating Chemical and Physical Changes
Students explore physical and chemical changes by looking at how different powders react to a variety of substances. They observe and identify the difference between physical and chemical change using a mystery powder.
Curated OER
Confectionary Bureau of Investigations: Case of the Cookie Mystery
Students perform tests on different chemicals to determine their chemical properties. In this forensic science lesson, students identify an unknown sample using its physical and chemical properties. They solve a fictional crime using...
University of Colorado
Rings and Things
Galileo first observed Saturn's rings in 1610. Through the use of a flashlight and baby powder, classes see how they can observe the rings of the outer planets from far away. Another demonstration shows how these rings, made of ice and...
Nuffield Foundation
Observing Water Moving Through Plants
We know plants assist in the water cycle, but how do plants get water from the ground into the air? Through a series of demonstrations or labs, scholars observe the movement of water through plants. They microscopically view the cells...
Curated OER
The Case of Similar Substances
Students solve a crime mystery using chemical tests. They review the crime scenario and then become familiar with the procedure and results for two tests used to identify unknown powders. They perform the tests on the crime samples and...
Curated OER
Mystery Polymers
Students examine how some natural substances are polymers. In this polymer lesson students complete a lab and give examples of a physical change.
Curated OER
Math Maven's Mysteries
In these story problem worksheets, students read the story problem 'The Case of the Hatcher Hotel Heist' and use the information within the story to help them solve the problem. Students use addition and subtraction to find the next room...
Curated OER
Feely Balloons
Students use their sense of touch to identify different types of solids. In this "Mystery Solids" lesson, students feel various balloons filled with items such as rice, flour, salt, beans, etc. They use their senses to come to logical...
Curated OER
Coming To Our Senses
Students participate in a hands-on experiment that illustrates how taste and smell are related. They create their own experiments to help them explore all five senses and the relationships between them.
Curated OER
Mission Possible
Learners, in teams, solve a crime using forensic lab techniques. They apply lab techniques to a real life situation using a crime scenario that takes place on campus. Sample activities include Blood, Fiber, and Hair Lab.
Curated OER
Vinegar Experiment
Fifth graders mix vinegar with different substances and explore the reaction. They record data from the experiment. Students examine chemical change, reaction, physical change and physical reaction.
Curated OER
CSI, Second Grade Style
Second graders conduct a classroom investigation. In this investigative lesson, 2nd graders spend their time observing, measuring, and collecting data. They simulate a forensic science lab by conducting a fingerprint, scent, footprint,...
Curated OER
Science: Criminalistics - A New Look at Crime
Young scholars examine the world of forensic science, focusing on fingerprint analysis. In the lesson, they implement a method by which fingerprints of class members are categorized and identified. Elementary students study...
Curated OER
JUDY DREWDY DETECTIVE KIT CHECKLIST
In this literature worksheet, 3rd graders work with the character Judy Drewdy. Students use the given worksheet to create their own detective kits and respond to 7 short answer questions including a puzzle with given clues.