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What is Matter?
Students create a definition of matter. In this physical science lesson, students work in pairs to sort items printed on cards into several categories (matter, non-matter, and unsure) and agree on a definition of matter.
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States of Matter
Students explore the states of water. In this physical science lesson, students use ice and dry ice to observe the changes in the state of matter. Students record the results.
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Heat: Mini Unit
Students experiment with heat. In this physical science lesson plan, students engage in hands-on activities to develop concepts related to heat. Students offer explanations for their observations using given vocabulary.
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Energy Efficiency Ambassadors
Students consider how to cut their energy use. In this physical science lesson plan, students investigate the connections between energy use and climate changes. Students compute the actual electrical energy consumption of 2 bulbs and...
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Physical and Chemical Changes
Sixth graders complete several experiments about chemical and physical changes. In this physical and chemical science lesson, 6th graders complete 6 experiments about chemical and physical changes. Students examine the processes of...
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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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Communications
Students incorporate different disciplines into this lesson. In this science lesson, students investigate the use of communicating without words, and how it is different than communicating with words. They discuss the pros and cons of...
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Circuits and Electromagnets- A Total Inquiry Investigation
Students investigate how electromagnets work. In this circuits and electromagnets lesson, students complete a series of four challenges using electricity and magnetism.
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Forces and Newton's Three Laws
Students watch demonstrations of forces and Newton's Three Laws. For this forces lesson, students watch four demonstrations and complete the associated worksheets associated with Newton's Laws. There is a PowerPoint that can be accessed...
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Ocean Observations
Students examine a coastal ocean. In this physical science/earth science lesson, students generate a list of questions about how researchers study the ocean. In addition, students investigate, through research on the computer, to answer...
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Gravity Gets You Down
Students design an experiment to investigate how objects with different masses fall. In this physics lesson, students predict how these objects will fall in a vacuum tube. They write a report explaining experimental results and conclusion.
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Mr. and Miss Big Feet
Third graders experiment with gravitational force. In this physical science lesson, 3rd graders send matchbox cars off a ramp while changing the amount of weight attached to the car. Students record their data and discuss the results.
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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...
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Watershed Landscape
Students demonstrate how water flows by building a human watershed using themselves. In this ecology lesson, students compare and contrast point-source and non-point source pollution. They write what they have learned from this activity...
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Forces and Motion
Students build parachutes for chicken eggs. For this physics lesson, students describe the forces acting on a falling object. They predict which of the three parachute models they made has the best chance of keeping the egg intact after...
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Introduction to Minerals
Learners discover how crystal structures go together to create minerals. In this earth science lesson, students work in groups to create 3-dimensional shapes of crystals that they then put together in a compact structure.
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The Noble Gases
Students identify the different elements that belong to the Noble Gas family. In this chemistry lesson, students design a neon sign. They research how they are made and share their work with the class.
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Nonmetals
Students research about the chemical processes involved in cave formation. In this chemistry lesson, students draw or find a cave picture with stalagmites and stalactites online. They write a brief caption and share them with the class.
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Filtering Water
Students investigate the need for filtered water. In this filtered water instructional activity, students explore the health hazards posed from consuming unfiltered water. Students construct a water filtration device.
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Other Metals
Students identify the properties of transition metals. In this chemistry lesson, students research facts and uses of one aluminum product they choose. They create an advertisement highlighting aluminum's useful properties.
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Alkali Metals
Students explore the unique properties of alkali metals. In this chemistry lesson, students create a mural of fireworks display after researching its different element components. They write a brief description about an alkali metal used...
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Halogens
Students identify the elements that belong to the halogen family on the periodic table. In this chemistry lesson, students describe the common characteristics of elements in this group. They research about hydrochloric acid's effect on...
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Measure It Up!
Students investigate the states that water may take. In this physical science lesson, students read the book, Water: Up, Down, and All Around and recall the states of water from the book. Students examine how water takes the shape of its...
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Fun with Surface Tension!
Learners explore physical science by participating in a water properties experiment. In this surface tension lesson, students utilize pennies, water, a dropper and soapy water to test the different surface tensions with numerous objects....