Virginia Department of Education
Average Atomic Masses
Facilitate learning by using small objects to teach the principles of atomic mass in your science class. Pupils determine the average mass of varying beans as they perform a series of competitive experiments. They gather data and...
Virginia Department of Education
Molar Volume of a Gas
What is a chemist's favorite plant? Stoichiome Tree! Scholars produce hydrogen gas by reacting magnesium with hydrochloric acid. Then they calculate the molar volume of the gas produced before answering assessment questions.
Virginia Department of Education
Solution Concentrations
What happens when you combine 6.022 times 10 to the 23 piles of dirt into one? You make a mountain out of a mole hill. Scholars use dehydration to obtain percent composition and then calculate the molarity of the original solution.
Virginia Department of Education
Radioactive Decay and Half-Life
Explain the importance of radioactive half-life as your high school biologists demonstrate the concept by performing a series of steps designed to simulate radioactive decay. Pupils use pennies to perform an experiment and gather data....
Curated OER
Chemical Reactions
Students work in groups to define chemistry vocabulary including the terms reactants, products, exothermic and endothermic. They then combine the group definitions to arrive at a consensus definition for the class. Students also listen...
Curated OER
Mathematical and Chemical Relationships of Stoichiometric Problems
Young scholars review key words used in stoichiometry such as mole, molar mass, Avogadro's number, and mass - mole relationships. They participate in a series of small experiments to explore solving stoichiometry problems in the...
Curated OER
The Photoelectric Effect in Photocells
Illuminate your physics class with this examination of a photovoltaic cell. Teach the structure and operation of the device using a diagram. Then make a human-powered, larger-than-life sized model of a PV cell. Learners become electrons...
Curated OER
Drawing Lewis Structures
In this drawing Lewis structures worksheet, students read about the 5 steps taken to draw Lewis structures for atoms and molecules. These include identifying the valence electrons, placing pairs of electrons between atoms to be bonded,...
Cornell University
Hydrophobic Surfaces—Deposition and Analysis
Couches, carpets, and even computer keyboards now advertise they are spill-resistant, but what does that mean? Scholars use physical and chemical methods to coat surfaces with thin films to test their hydrophobic properties. Then they...
Polar Trec
What Is My Footprint?
How do one's habits and lifestyle choices affect the environment? Through a short online survey, learners will calculate their own carbon footprints then determine how to reduce their impact on the environment through simple steps, such...
Cornell University
What Happens When We Excite Atoms and Molecules?
Excited atoms lead to exciting lessons! Learners use heat and light to excite both atoms and molecules. They display their learning in the form of Bohr models depicting the excited state of the atoms.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Float or Sink?
Experiment with mass and density as scholars figure out what makes things float or sink. First, they watch a podcast introducing these concepts. Be sure to use the comprehension question to test their understanding. Young scientists...
Beyond Benign
Catalysts and Oxygen
Here is an engaging and hands-on lesson plan that allows high school chemists to demonstrate the effects of a catalyst on various chemicals. They garner knowledge of how reactants and products differ from one another, while analyzing the...
NOAA
Ocean Acidification
If tap water is more acidic than ocean water, why are we so concerned about ocean acidification? The third installment of a 23-part NOAA Enrichment in Marine sciences and Oceanography (NEMO) program focuses on carbon dioxide levels in...
Cornell University
Bacteria Take Over and Down
Bacteria outnumber all other forms of life on Earth. Scholars observe the growth of bacteria in petri dishes to understand their role in maintaining good health. Then, they observe the growth of bacteria after they introduce...
Curated OER
Introduction to the Mole
Learners are introduced to the mole concept using a discovery-based method. Lesson includes activities with candy that allow students to discover the rules for mole-item, item-mole, mole-mass, and mass-mole conversions.
Curated OER
Comparing Properties of Elements & Compounds
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.
Curated OER
How Can We Accurately Make Different Solutions of Different Concentrations?
High schoolers work together to create different solutions made from different concentrations of liquids. They record and analyze their data. They answer discussion questions to complete the instructional activity.
Curated OER
Ionic Chemical Formulas Days 1 & 2
Students study polyatomic ions and write binary and ternary ionic chemical formulas. They explore putting together different monatomic ions and coming up with as many chemical formulas as possible. They play a game similar to memory...
Curated OER
Properties of Matter (Biomaterial Through Nanotechnology)
Students investigate friction between different surfaces. In this physics lesson, students research biomaterials that can reduce friction. They calculate efficiency using a mathematical formula.
Curated OER
Why are Electrons Important?
Students write electron configuration of elements using atomic numbers and they identify valence electrons. In this electrons lesson plan, students observe a demonstration showing the space-filling property of an electron. They also...
Curated OER
Atomic Structure and Quantum Theory
Students 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
Curated OER
Elements And Atoms
Students investigate the concept of elements and atoms. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the information in order to create a class presentation. The activity includes specific dialogue and steps for the teacher...
Curated OER
Unknown Element Project
Students work with a partner to determine the identity of an unknown element based on given descriptions. Groups use classroom textbooks, encyclopedias, and science internet sites to identify their unknown element then write a report as...