Virginia Department of Education
A Dichotomous Key of Virginia’s Native Plants
Can your class correctly classify plant species? Individuals explore native plants of the local environment and correctly classify them into their respective categories. They investigate differences in the plants and discuss similarities...
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Detecting Meteors by Radio in the Classroom
Twelfth graders describe and interpret the science of optical and radio telescopes, space probes and remote sensing technologies (Unit E) They explain the role of radio and optical telescopes in determining characteristics of stars and...
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Columbus Travel Agency
Eighth graders research about their chosen ecosystem. In this life science instructional activity, 8th graders play the role of travel agents and create a travel brochure. They share this in class.
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No Creation-No Destruction--All in a Baggie
Students investigate the concepts of conservation of mass and simple chemical reactions. Students complete lab experiments and record all observations as well as conduct experiments on their own to determine which reactions created...
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Apply Scientific Inquiry and Scientific Habits of Mind
Students review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they apply this method to various experiments they are given to complete. They also use the correct scientific habits of mind when researching different concepts.
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Winogradsky in a Bottle: Beginning a Winogradsky Column
Students study changes in the environment using a microscale experiment. In this environmental science lesson, students construct a modified "Winogradsky Column" to observe bacteria activities. They record observations and formulate a...
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Measure Up!
Students examine parallax and angular measurements. In this investigative lesson students calculate distances of objects and map their results.
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A Closer Look at Wood
Young scholars examine forests as a renewable resource and conservation practices. In this conifers activity students complete a lab activity on the different types of wood.
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Keep it Active
Learners explore the active layer above permafrost and investigate various factors on the insulation value of the active layer. In this energy transfer instructional activity, students conduct and experiment to determine the effects of...
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How Much Energy is Stored in Wood?
In this energy instructional activity, students create calorimeters out of soda cans and use them to calculate the amount of energy stored in different types of wood.
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Enzymes in Action
Students explore how enzymes are important in the chemical reactions of all living things. In this enzymes and catalysts lesson students complete an activity to see how enzymes change living things.
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Jelly Bean's Galore
Students investigate the origins of the Jelly Bean. They complete a Scavenger Hunt using the jellybean website. Pupils create a bar graph using information collected about jelly beans. Students discuss the time of year that Jelly Beans...
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Surface Friction and Wear Characteristics of Common Materials
Students identify the factors affecting friction. In this physics instructional activity, students construct their own rocket car and race them. They graph the average speeds and discuss how lubricants affect friction between rubbing...
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Cosmic Collisions and Risk Assessment
In groups, students create their own scientific impact experiments using ordinary materials, and observe and measure results with a variety of impacting bodies and velocities.
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Rock Identification Lab
Eighth graders compare and contrast the three different types of rock. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders classify rock samples according to their correct rock type. They design their own data collection table.
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Pollen Collection And Identification
High schoolers investigate plant reproduction, pollen collection and identification. They collect pollen samples over a twenty four hour period and examine them under a microscope.
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Our Landfill Future
Students use the internet to research articles on garbage, landfills and the environment. In groups, they identify ways to conserve or recycle materials found in landfills and determine the future of a local landfill. They share their...
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Illinois' Habitats Happening
Learners use the scientific inquiry method to examine the ecosystems and biomes in Illinois. Using the characteristics of a local habitat, they identify the best conditions for an ecosystem to survive and how a slight change can damage...
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Definition and Applications of Computational Science
Students participate in a variety of instructional experiences about Computer Science. They define Computational Science and describe computational simulation. They also compare and contrast Computational Science and Computer Science.
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Nature of Meteor Showers
Ninth graders describe, in general terms, the distribution of matter in space and
identify evidence for, and describe characteristics of, bodies that make up the solar system. They then investigate predictions about the motion,...
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Revised “Understanding Nutrition” Activity
Students evaluate their current food choices. In this health science lesson, students test different drinks to rate the amount of Vitamin C content. They discuss results in class.
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Ecology: Adaptations
Eighth graders identify different types of adaptation in organisms. In this biology lesson, 8th graders explain how adaptation help organisms survive. They complete a worksheet at the end of the lesson.
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Boyle's Law
Students work in small groups and use a hand-held vacuum pump with a balloon under the dome with some air. Another deflated balloon is attached to the end where the air goes out. As the air is drawn out of the dome the first balloon with...
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Limiting Reagent
Students work in small groups with a small set of 8 nuts and 5 bolts to assemble into combinations of 1 nut: 1 bolt, and 2 nuts: 1 bolt. They explore the outcome and discuss. Then a student mixes two clear, colorless solutions together...