Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Polymers: Comparing Two Liquid Glue Based Polymers
In this experiment, young scholars will work in small groups to create two different polymers, similar to Flubber and Silly Putty, using Elmer's glue, liquid laundry starch, and Borax. They will then compare the properties of the two...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Slime Chemistry
Have you ever wondered how fun toys like Silly Putty, Gak, and Slime are made? These products are so much fun because of the properties of polymers, which make them delightfully bouncy, stretchy, sticky, moldable, breakable, hard, soft,...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Introduction to Matter
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart is a basic introduction to the properties of matter, mass, and weight. It discusses the physical properties of objects.
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History: Grow Rock Candy
Students can carry out an investigation using sugar and water to determine whether heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. This activity reinforces the ideas that the properties of materials can change when...
Other
The Science House: Combustion
In this experiment, students will observe that the weight of the product of combustion is greater than that of the starting material. Teacher's notes address the key concepts of this experiment.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Atmospheric Processes: Radiation
In this activity, students investigate how different surfaces absorb heat and apply their experience with the surfaces to interpret real-world situations. From this information, they come to understand that the physical characteristics...
New York University
Nyu: Math Mol: Motion of Molecules
Examine the link between molecular motion and energy. Observe the movement of a molecule at room temperature. Learn about the different types of molecular motion.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Felix Bloch (1905 1983)
Physicist Felix Bloch developed a non-destructive technique for precisely observing and measuring the magnetic properties of nuclear particles. He called his technique "nuclear induction," but nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) soon became...
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Mineral Identification
At this site you can identify minerals by observing and testing the physical properties of each mineral. A mineral worksheet and mineral background sheet are included in this site.
Museum of Science
The Atom's Family: Phases of Matter
Help the Phantom choose a material and observe the changes at different temperatures in the molecule chamber. What happens to the elements or molecules as the temperature changes?
Michigan Reach Out
Nasa Trc: Maple Seed Helicopters
Students study the aerodynamic properties of a maple seed and then apply what they observe making their own flying object.
Other
The Science House: Floating Candles
In this experiment students observe a combustion reaction and deduce the components necessary for the reaction to occur. They also see the relationship between pressure, volume, and number of molecules for gases.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Forensics Case 7 Drug Tests: Identifying an Unknown Chemical
In this activity, students distinguish between physical and chemical properties. They also understand the differences between qualitative and quantitative observations. They use quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify an...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: The Three States of Matter
In this Physical Science exploration activity, students explore the meaning of the words solid, liquid, and gas. Student groups complete a chart with examples of each type of matter and its properties and then record their observations...