Curated OER
Colors of Stars
Students observe the colors found in the flame of a burning candle and examine the basic concepts of matter and energy. Students apply this information to the color's of starts and the temperature of the stars photosphere. Students...
Curated OER
Discovering Dinosaurs
Students investigate the physical characteristics of dinosaurs. They participate in a puppet show, take a field trip to a dinosaur museum, and compare/contrast dinosaur characteristics at the museum.
Curated OER
Series or Parallel?
Physics classes that are studying electricity connect photovoltaic cells into both series and parallel circuits. Inquiry and critical thinking come into play as learners try to determine which circuit is more productive. They associate...
Curated OER
Fundamentals of Matter
Seventh graders explore the the constituents and properties of matter. They use the scientific process while exploring solids, liquids, gases, the mass, volume and density of matter. Students plan and conduct an investigation to measure...
Curated OER
Classifying Matter Game
Students identify the different states of matter. In this chemistry lesson plan, students differentiate the physical properties of the three states. They apply what they learned by playing a team game at the end of the lesson plan.
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Physical Science Project-Atom
Fifth graders investigate atoms. In this atom lesson, 5th graders investigate the parts of an atom. Students explore atom numbers and determine the number of electrons is in each atom.
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Physical and Chemical Changes
Sixth graders complete several experiments about chemical and physical changes. In this physical and chemical science instructional activity, 6th graders complete 6 experiments about chemical and physical changes. Students examine the...
Cornell University
Polymers: Instant Snow
Is it easy to make snow? Scholars use critical thinking skills as they investigate the concept of polymers by making snow. The class tests several different variables and takes measurements over the course of several days. They then...
Curated OER
Matter & Subatomic Particles
Seventh graders divide into small groups to construct several models. Each group builds with an accompanying chart showing the colors of gumdrops used for the protons, electrons, and neutrons.)
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State of Matter - Atoms
Students examine and discuss how atoms change from solid to liquid to gas. They inflate a balloon by melting ice that converts to steam, and discuss the results.
Curated OER
Teaching Matter with The Wild Christmas Reindeer
Second graders learn the proper way to take measurements, explore the properties of objects and expand their vocabulary.
Curated OER
Matter And Its Changes
Fifth graders explore the phases of matter, make observations of matter, the physical and chemical properties of matter, solutions and mixtures, formation of molecules and atoms and molecules all through hands on activities.
Curated OER
Ice Cream Science
Students review properties of matter and discuss how materials change when things are done to them. They observe how materials change as a reaction to temperature by following the procedure to make ice cream and recording the temperature...
Curated OER
Facts of Matter
Students make group decisions about matter as they explore and interpret many types.
Curated OER
States of Matter
Young scholars categorize items into one of the three states of matter. They participate in a demonstration in which they represent particles of matter. Finally, they complete an experiment in which they "race" top see who can make...
Curated OER
What's the Matter with My Orange?
Students use oranges to informally explore decomposition, dehydration, fermentation, the water cycle, bacteria, yeast, food webs, the needs of living things, and physical vs. chemical change over a period of three or more months.
Curated OER
Phases of Matter
Students describe the motion of solids, liquids and gases. In this chemistry lesson, students describe how temperature affect motion of the particles. They determine the physical properties of each phase.
Curated OER
Classification of Matter
Students classify items according to their physical properties. For this chemistry lesson, students define what matter is in their own words. They use the matter diagram to organize different substances.
Curated OER
Food Matters
Fifth graders identify physical and chemical changes. In this science inquiry lesson, 5th graders observe the changes that occur when making bread and butter. Students explain if the product is result of a physical or chemical change.
Curated OER
Science: Floating and Sinking Objects
Second graders discuss why some objects float while others sink. They examine various objects and predict whether or not they will sink or float. Students discover the properties needed for objects to float.
Curated OER
What's The Matter: A Sinker or Floater?
Students conduct an experiment. In this water lesson, students watch the lesson "Float and Sink" on an interactive website. Students learn how to test items in water and then work in groups to test their items. Students discuss their...
Curated OER
What's the Matter? (Experiments)
Students observe a scientific discrepant event, and are then challenged to create experiments to solve the dilemma.
Curated OER
Density as a Unique Physical Property
Students find the density of objects by finding their mass and their volume. In this density lesson plan, students determine the mass of objects, the find the volume by using formulas or by water displacement and they calculate the...
Curated OER
Cartoon Laws of Physics
Students are introduced to Newton's Laws. They are shown excerpts from Road Runner, and students are asked to write new laws of their own, and then constrast them to the behavior of real world objects in motion, and to Newton's Laws. ...