Curated OER
Water Cycle Activity
Students build a model and observe the cycle of evaporation and condensation that occurs in the water cycle. They see how the water cycle works, such as water condensing on the side of the jar and drops precipitating into rain that...
Curated OER
The Atom
In this atom worksheet, students read about the structure of the atom including its subatomic particles and John Dalton's theory of the atom. Students also read about the differences between atoms, molecules and compounds. They answer 30...
Curated OER
The Atom
In this atom activity, students read about the parts of the atom and how atoms combine into molecules and compounds. Students learn how to read a periodic table. This activity has 20 fill in the blank and 10 matching questions.
Curated OER
Building Blocks of Matter
Young scholars view videos and worksheets and construct a model of a water molecule. In this atomic structure lesson, students view video clips and handouts about matter and nanoscience. They construct a model of a water molecule with...
Colorado State University
Why Can Warm Air "Hold" More Moisture than Cold Air?—Vapor Pressure Exercise
Does it feel a little humid in here? Learners assume the role of water vapor in the atmosphere as they explore the differences between warm and cold air. They roll dice to determine their level of energy, which determines if they stay...
Science 4 Inquiry
States and Phases of Matter
Plasma is the most common phase of matter in our universe. Scholars explore the change of energy as molecules change phases of matter. They rotate through stations, graphing the changes in energy level.
Curated OER
Making Molecules
For this making molecules worksheet, students complete a table of elements with their symbol, atomic number, atomic mass, number of protons, number of electrons, period and group. Students then make models using pipe cleaners and beads...
Curated OER
Polymers-Greaaaaaat Biiiiiig Molecuuuuuules
Students explore polymer properties. In this lesson about polymers, students perform an experiment to understand polymers, their properties, and that they are formed from small molecules. Students role play pretending they are polymer...
Curated OER
'Round and 'Round it Goes!
Learners discuss and interpret background knowledge on poster copy given on the water cycle. Students complete the included activity sheets using the poster as a reference in small groups. Learners identify and name where water can be...
Curated OER
How Much Do I Know About Water?
Sixth graders explore how water behaves on a penny.  In this states of matter lesson, 6th graders observe water as they add drops to a penny. This lesson helps students apply the adhesive properties of water to the water cycle.
Learning Games Lab
Cattle Feeding
Finding a balance between too much protein and not enough doesn't have to be a guessing game. Young scientists use an interactive lesson to learn how to calculate protein content in cattle feed and how to mix feed to create the ideal...
Curated OER
Designing Scientific Models
In this scientific models worksheet, students will use a model to represent matter in its various states. Students can use a computer graphics program, drawing on paper, or three-dimensional creation. Then students will complete 3 short...
PhET
Reactants, Products and Leftovers
Did you know when you mix the reactants sulfur, tungsten, and silver, you get the products SWAg? The simulation begins with making sandwiches, to show pupils reactants and products of something familiar. They then can make water,...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Carbon, Greenhouse Gases, and Climate
Climate models mathematically represent the interactions of the atmosphere, oceans, land, sun, surface, and ice. Part two in the series of four lessons looks at the role greenhouse gases play in keeping Earth warm and has participants...
NOAA
Animals of the Fire Ice
When the sun's rays can't reach the producers in a food web, where does all the energy come from? Extreme environments call for extreme food sources. Young scientists investigate creatures that appear to get their energy from methane...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Utah Open Textbook: 6th Grade Science
There are many interactions among living things and their surroundings. By completing a reading, scholars learn about the Earth, the moon, and the sun and how they relate to the solar system. They also investigate the basics of physical...
Cornell University
Nano Interactions
Tiny particles can provide big learning opportunities! Middle school scientists explore the world of nanoparticles through reading, discussion, and experiment. Collaborative groups first apply nanotechnology to determine water hardness....
Curated OER
Spiral Symmetry
Taking the notion of symmetry to the next level, this looks at combining rotation and translation symmetry to build spiral symmetry in three dimensions. Using the Zome modeling system and an instructor’s guidance, geometers try to build...
Curated OER
Activity #5 Environmental Effects
Students explain the implications of particle theory of The Law of Conservation of Matter for problems of pollution and waste disposal. They describe, in terms of atoms and molecules, what happens to materials when they are dissolved or...
Curated OER
Chemistry is pHun
Young scholars investigate the pH of solutions and they learn how to use different types of indicators. In this pH lesson plan, students test various solutions with pH paper and determine if they are acidic, basic or neutral. They also...
Serendip
Where Does a Plant's Mass Come From?
Where does the mass for a growing tree come from? Scholars consider a few different hypotheses and guess which is correct. They then analyze data from different experiments to understand which concepts science supports.
Curated OER
Staying Young with Vitamin E
Investigate how Vitamin E is used to prevent cell aging. Young scientists coat the surface of apples and bananas with oil, Vitamin E, and water. They place each in a petri dish and cover them to observe oxidation over time. They answer 8...
Curated OER
Molecular Shapes
In this molecular shape worksheet, students read how the shapes of molecules can be predicted from their Lewis structures by using the VSEPR model. Students then complete 2 word problems, 1 drawing, and 1 graphic organizer.
Curated OER
Desalination: Creating a Solar Still
To better understand how solar power can aid in creating desalinated drinking water, the class creates a model still. They will build a model of a solar still, make observations, and discuss how the process works. While the idea behind...