High schoolers are introduced to the structure of an atom and Dalton's atomic theory through a short video and mini-lecture. They also take a look at the weight of mass and become familiar with the idea of quantum theory

Students investigate friction force on a variety of objects such as bricks and cardboard boxes. They use a force probe to collect data on the changes in force required to drag the objects across a variety of surface types.

Twelfth graders look at local speed limits and traffic controls and see if they are reasonable. They plot the displacement and time to represent velocity, develop a plan for improving the current system, and organize experimental...

Students brainstorm ants and their characteristics in a class discussion. They observe the ants and answer question pertaining to their behavior; then they apply the scientific method in creating and investigating a problem.

Middle schoolers conduct a simple test to determine how many drops of each of three liquids can be placed on a penny before spilling over. They come up with an explanation for their observations about different amounts of liquids a penny...

Young scholars investigate the kinetic-molecular theory. In this state of matter instructional activity, students consider the differences of melting glaciers, melting icebergs and investigate on what happens when submerged water melts.

Seventh graders study the parts of corn and explore the role of starch.  In this corn products activity students prepare a model of water and stones.

Students model the preparation needed for a soft-landing on a planet or object in space. They do this by packaging a raw egg with certain material, and dropping the egg from a given height to test the packaging effectiveness.

First graders investigate sound and recognize the importance of hearing. They listen to and identify sounds in the environment, classroom, and on a pre-recorded tape. The students classify each type of sound and participate in a Sound...

Seventh graders determine the center of gravity of an object. They get card stock objects to balance on pencil eraser and a meter stick to balance with same # of weighted string(s) on each side. They get meter stick to balance with...

Students explore the relationship between pressure and vessel diameter. They are given an open-ended design challenge in which they engineer their own remote repair device. Students see a model that represents how elevated blood...

Students compare the ability of a sample of carbon dioxide gas to absorb thermal energy compared to a sample of air. They build a visual representation of the greenhouse effect to illustrate the heat-absorption of atmospheric carbon...

High schoolers work together to brainstorm their obstacles in testing different scientific principles. In groups, they are given a scenerio with a specific dilemma and they use the internet to research how to solve the problem. They...

Middle schoolers investigate various concepts related to weather. They conduct historical research to see how the study of weather originated and the application of the latest technologies in the field. Students summarize the information...

High schoolers are introduced to the principles involved with technological design. In groups, they use the Internet to research an important historical innovation and how it changed the world. They discover the barriers that were...

Students use the scientific inquiry method to identify the changes in a plant's life cycle. In groups, they plant different types of plants and use a chart to compare and contrast their growth rates. They share their conclusions with...

High schoolers identify the forces that affect the weight of an object. In groups, they determine the proper math model which can demonstrate the attraction between two objects based on gravity. They discuss the relationship between the...

Students discuss and identify the types of adaptations that are made by different organisms in order for them to survive. In groups, they describe the features of beaks and discuss how it affects their chances for survival. They share...

Students review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they use the internet to research the sustainability of water resources in their community. They examine an environmental impact study, answer questions and...

Students listen as the teacher introduces Newton's early discovery of the diffraction of light. They use multiple sources of light (fluorescent, incandescent, sunlight, etc) to bend the light. They first use a prism then a diffraction...

Students investigate atomic and nuclear structure of matter by researching historical atomic theories. Students examine Rutherford's studies and discover that many scientific conclusions change over time as new data is collected.

Learners practice graphing relationships between variables by studying topics such as exponential growth and decay. They conduct a series of numerical experiments using a computer model and a variety of physical experiments using mold,...

Students record data, make observations, and share in experimentation and discussion of numerical experiments.

Eighth graders investigate Newton's Law of Inertia in order to create a context for the review of the use of different types of graphs. They practice gathering the data from an experiment and put it into the correct corresponding graph.