Curated OER
Investigating the Change
Sugar crystal growth is observed as an example of physical change and cabbage juice pH indicator is used to demonstrate chemical change. The crystal growth is tracked over five days. The cabbage juice experiment is involved and can also...
Curated OER
Chemical Change and Physical Change
Sixth graders combine chemicals to create a chemical change. In this chemicals lesson plan, 6th graders will investigate characteristics of chemical change by combining chemicals. They will learn that color change is an indicator of...
Curated OER
Physical/Chemical Properties of a Burning Candle
Students investigate the physical and chemical properties of a candle before and after it is lit. They conduct a burning candle experiment, and complete a KWL chart and worksheet, recording the results of the investigation.
Curated OER
The Chemistry of Refining Crude Oil
Consider our energy sources: wood, coal, oil, uranium. Learners compare the pollution to energy produced for each. They practice fractional distillation of an alcohol/water mixture to simulate the process of refining crude oil....
Curated OER
Making Cents of Density
Students utilize their knowledge of the physical properties of matter such as mass, volume, and density to solve a problem. They utilize the scientific method to solve a problem. Pupils analyze their data to determine whether their...
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...
Curated OER
Change of State
Students investigate the change of states of Butyl Stearate and the temperatures at which it changes state. In this change of state lesson plan, students place a test tube of Butyl Stearate in a cold water bath and monitor its...
Curated OER
Laboratory - Density of a Material
Students conduct a lab (with water, guar gum and sodium borate) and carefully record physical and chemical properties and changes throughout the session, and experiment with weighing by difference.
Curated OER
A New Phase In Town
Middle schoolers explore heat energy and how it is used to change the phase of matter, and discover that temperature does not increase or decrease until the phase change is complete. This extremely well-written plan is packed with great...
Rochester Institute of Technology
Solar Energy
Warm up to the idea of solar energy. A lesson includes three activities that challenge scholars to apply knowledge in new ways. First, they learn to run an alarm clock without a battery by using solar energy. Next, they complete an...
University of Minnesota
Dendritic Spines Lab
This is your brain on drugs ... literally! Your neuroscientists-in-training examine the evidence of drug use on the human brain and how neurons change their connectivity when altered by drugs. They then work together to create testing...
Curated OER
Cents-ible Chemistry-Analysis of the Metal in a Penny
Students determine the base metals and surface metals in a penny. For this analysis of metals lesson plan, students determine the density of five pennies minted in different years. They use different chemicals such as hydrochloric acid,...
Curated OER
Junior Solar Sprint Series: Electrical Power
Through scientific inquiry, middle schoolers discover how to arrange solar cells in order to produce electricity. This activity is intended to prepare learners to be able to design and construct solar cars. As with other resources...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Understanding Wave Motion - Slinky vs. Snaky: Which Spring is Dominant?
Ride the wave to an understanding of refraction! The first in a series of two inquiry-based lessons challenges learners to create transverse waves with two different types of springs. As their wave hits an object, they observe the change...
Curated OER
Lead and Mercury Ion Catalase Inhibition
Students participate in a laboratory investigation in which they observe the effect of temperature and pH on enzyme activity. Students also examine exposure to heavy metal ions and the effect that may have on enzyme activity.
Curated OER
Junior Solar Sprint Series: Gears and Drive Belts
Activate middle schoolers' minds with this physical science activity. Learners vary the diameter of gears and the number of teeth on them to find how energy output is affected. This writeup features well-developed background...
Curated OER
The Pure, The Mixture, The Unknown
Ninth graders participate in classroom discussions, demonstrations and hands-on laboratory activities about pure substances and mixtures with a focus on common household materials. They investigate: What is a pure substance? What is a...
Curated OER
Social Reality Portrayed through Pictures: The City as a Social Laboratory
Twelfth graders analyze and research physical and cultural changes to the city of St. John. Viewing photographs in a virtual exhibit, 12th graders draw conclusions about the culture and societal norms in St. John through the years. ...
Curated OER
UP AND ATOM
If you are willing to sort through this outline and overlook the portions relating to inaccessible videos, you will find a wealth of support for your introductory chemistry unit. Narrative is presented to help you help learners navigate...
Curated OER
Using Photovoltaic Cells and Systems
This interesting document suggests nine different activities for shedding light on photovoltaic cells. A bit of background information is furnished for you, as well as many, many resource links. Listed for each activity are a learning...
Curated OER
Numerical Determination of Drag Coefficients
Learners create a video of an object falling with a drag. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate drag coefficient using data from Logger Pro. They calculate velocity and acceleration of the object.
Curated OER
Wind Turbines
Students build their own wind turbine. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate the power output of their wind turbines. They evaluate their design and make the necessary modifications.
Curated OER
Density Of A Material
Students determine the density of a material created in the laboratory and observe physical and chemical changes. They engage in a lab activity, and answer questions on a worksheet imbedded in this plan.
Curated OER
Light Reflections
Students explore light. In this physical science light lesson, students display objects on a projection screen and investigate how light absorbs, refracts, transmits and reflects. Students discuss common features of light based on...