Lesson Plan
University of Colorado

Looking Inside Planets

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Researchers use scientific data to understand what is inside each of the planets. The first in a series of six, this lesson plan builds off of that concept by having pupils use a data table to create their own scale models of the...
Lesson Plan
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University of Colorado

Looking Inside Planets

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
All of the gas giant's atmospheres consist of hydrogen and helium, the same gases that make up all stars. The third in a series of 22, the activity challenges pupils to make scale models of the interiors of planets in order to...
Lesson Plan
NASA

Melting Ice: Designing an Experiment

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Sometimes, despite the best laid plans, the unexpected will occur. Learners witness this firsthand as they carefully design an experiment to determine the time needed for ice to melt in salt water or pure water. They uncover facts not...
Lesson Plan
Wild BC

The Greenhouse Effect: Warming the Earth Experiment

For Teachers 6th - 8th
First in a two-part lesson on the greenhouse effect, this lesson involves a classroom demonstration of the phenomenon, and a lab group experiment with color and absorption. Although there are easier ways to demonstrate the greenhouse...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ooblek

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Young scholars demonstrate the three states of matter. In this matter instructional activity, students read Bartholomew and the Ooblek. Young scholars create "ooblek" and discuss what state of matter it is.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter Jeopardy

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore science by participating in a Jeopardy style game. In this matter lesson plan, 4th graders define matter and identify the characteristics and properties of it. Students collaborate in two teams and utilize a SMART...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ready, Set, Let's Dough! It's a Matter of System

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore physical sciences by participating in a class experiment. In this matter instructional activity, students identify the three forms of matter and their physical differences. Students utilize cookie dough to create a play...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter, Matter

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students define vocabulary related to the parts of the atom.  In this matter lesson plan, students navigate the web to find the structure and the forces that affect atoms.  Students complete an experiment with positive and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Non-Newtonian Fluids

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students will use water, cornstarch, eggs, and more to explore the different states of matter. They will make observations of an unknown substance called "Oobleck" and test its liquid and solid properties. This would be a great lesson to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Science of Shadow Puppets

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore the art of shadow puppetry. In this performing arts lesson plan, students study the functions of lighting in the puppet theater as they examine the transmission, absorption, and reflection of light. As a culminating...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Melting, Freezing, and More!: Phase Transitions

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders listen to a talk on phase transitions and view three demonstrations. In this phases of matter lesson, 3rd graders complete a worksheet as they listen about phase transitions. They move through three demonstrations of phase...
Lesson Plan
American Chemical Society

Evaporation

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This is one in several lessons that explore the relationship between temperature and phase changes of water. After some discussion, elementary physical scientists place wet paper toweling on a hot and a room-temperature water bag...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hurricanes: An Environment of Concern

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study hurricanes and research the damage done by hurricane Katrina.  In this environment investigative lesson students divide into groups and complete a given assignment. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

States of Matter Mini-Unit

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers identify he phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas), and why they take place. They comprehend what a physical change is and what a chemical change is. Students know the difference between a Mixture and a Solution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Types of Matter

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils analyze different types of matter according to its general and specific properties. They design an experiment to classify matter. Students are shown cornflakes and raisins. They are asked what type of substance is each sample. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science: Identifying Properties of Matter

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students observe a demonstration of the the three forms of matter - air, water, and solids - in plastic bags. After discussing the properties, they transfer them to a Venn diagram. Finally, students identify five items in the classroom...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Matter?

For Teachers 3rd - 9th
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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparing Properties of Elements & Compounds

For Teachers 9th - 12th
In this elements and compounds worksheet, students review the physical properties of different compounds and elements using websites for information. This worksheet has 1 graphic organizer and 1 short answer question.
App
PBS

NOVA Elements

For Students 5th - 12th
It's like a periodic table variety show! When the plethora of periodic table apps becomes ho-hum, this one may revive interest.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gas Laws and Alka-Seltzer Rockets

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students investigate the Ideal Gas Law. In this three states of matter lesson, students create Alka-Seltzer rockets using film canisters. Students record observations and data according to the scientific method and explain the gas...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students perform experiments in pairs to visualize the changes in water during freezing and melting. In this properties of water lesson, students use their senses and inquiry tools to understand the changes in state of water. Suggested...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fluid Thinking About Liquids and Solids

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders examine the physical characteristics of the different states of matter. In this chemistry lesson, 2nd graders observe how matter changes from one phase to another. They classify substances according to its type of matter.
Worksheet
Curated OER

The Structure of Matter

For Students 9th - 12th
In this matter worksheet, students compare and contrast chemical and physical properties and explain the relationship between a pure substance and a mixture. Students review the properties of metals and nonmetals. This worksheet has 1...
PPT
Normal Community High School

Density

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Change the density of water by adding minerals. The presentation discusses density—from the definition to calculations—and applies it to the real world. It briefly mentions specific gravity, and finishes by showing Archimedes'...