Curated OER
Polymers all Over the Place
Students investigate properties of common molecules. In this chemistry lesson, students construct polymer models to gain a better understanding of the properties of polymers.
Cornell University
Extracting DNA
Uncover the basics of DNA structure through exploration activities. Collaborative groups build DNA models and recreate the process of replication. Then, using plant cells such as peas or strawberries, they extract a DNA sample.
Curated OER
Genes, DNA, and Mutations
With paper DNA patterns, budding biologists model translation and base-pair substitution within sequences. Through these activities, they examine how mutations can result in genetic disorders. The modeling that occurs is an enlightening...
Cornell University
Discovering Enzymes
Explore the function of enzymes through a series of lab investigations. Learners use household enzymes such as hydrogen peroxide to model the role of enzymes. The enzymes break down proteins with and without a catalyst.
Curated OER
The Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle is the focus of a well-designed science lesson. In it, learners see that plants and animals produce waste products and decompose after death. Many of the waste products include nitrogen which is absobed by other...
Curated OER
What's on Your Plate?
Young scholars demonstrate the path of food in the body. In this biology lesson, students conduct an experiment to determine how large the the digestive system is. They name the different organs involved in the digestive process.
Curated OER
The Marvels of Mud
Young scientists roll up their sleeves and get a little dirty in this three-day earth science investigation. Following the scientific method, children monitor the growth of algae in pond water samples in order to determine the role that...
Curated OER
Elements And Atoms
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 includes specific dialogue and steps for the teacher...
Curated OER
Dissolved Oxygen
Students discuss the relationships between dissolved oxygen in a stream, stream temperature, organic waste loads, and stream conditions by studying and using a model of dissolved oxygen in the stream.
Curated OER
Isomers and Polymers
Young scholars 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.
Curated OER
Isomer
In this isomer learning exercise, students use molecular model kits to build isomers. Students work in groups and draw and name the isomers they build. They answer 9 questions about both geometric and structural isomers.
Curated OER
Science Lesson: Chocolate Flavored Cherries
Students are able to identify start and stop sequences in DNA. They are able to model using restriction enzyme and ligase to remove sections of DNA and reattach them. Students are introduced to the process of recombinat DNA through the...
Curated OER
Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis
Tenth graders complete a vocabulary assignment based on terms in the unit. They complete appropriate worksheets as each section of the unit is completed. They participate in classroom discussions. They construct a model of a DNA molecule.
Curated OER
Virus and Bacteriophage
Students examine the differences between a virus and a bacteriophage. They explore various websites, identify the parts of a virus and a bacteriophage, and construct a model of a virus or bacteriophage.
Curated OER
Surface to Volume Ratios
Young scholars measure the rate of diffusion and to calculate the surface area to volume ratios of varying cell sizes. The lesson is very clearly organized with a useful student worksheet provided. They perform a lab experiment which is...
Cornell University
Glued into Science—Classifying Polymers
Explore the unique characteristics of polymers. A complete lesson begins with a presentation introducing polymers. Following the presentation, young scientists develop a laboratory plan for creating substances using polymers. They test...
Colorado State University
How Do Long and Short EM Waves Interact with the Earth's Atmosphere?
Things are about to heat up in your classroom! A kinesthetic lesson asks learners to play the part of the gases in the earth's atmosphere and interact with the sun's radiation. The focus is to learn the impact of the increasing...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Synthesis and Characterization of CdSe Quantum Dots
Does the size of a sample change the physical properties of that substance? It turns out it can! Young scientists combine physics and chemistry to synthesize CdSe quantum dots and record their color properties. Learners should notice a...
Cornell University
Electroplating
Silver pennies and copper nickels are made possible by applying some chemistry. Learners use electrolysis to coat a penny with zinc sulfate and a nickel with copper sulfate. Their investigation builds an understanding of electroplating...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
DNA Is Packaged in a Chromosome
Roger Kornberg, the oldest son of two biochemists, won the 2006 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Learn about Kornberg and his scientific research with an animation, videos, biography, and an applied problem-solving activity. A summary and...
Curated OER
DNA in a "Snap"
Students observe a model of DNA and answer probing questions like, "What does this model represent?" They then work in small groups to construct an accurate model of DNA per rubric provided and present to the class explaining their model...
Curated OER
Genetics DNA Replication
Learners explore DNA replication. Beginning with a teacher led discussion, students examine inherited information, genes, and Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA). As the teacher models the structures of DNA, tells about the contributions of...
Curated OER
Kernel Power" Ethanol Fuel from Corn
Students study why corn is a biodegradable, renewable resource. In this ethanol lesson students build models and observe a chemical reaction.
Curated OER
Earth's Atmosphere and Temperature
Learners explore the layers of earth's atmosphere and conduct an experiment to identify carbon dioxide. They construct models using styrofoam to represent molecules in the atmosphere's layers. To discover how sunlight efffects...