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Cody's Science Education Zone
Young scholars observe a scientific experiment and pose a hypothesis. In this scientific inquiry lesson, students make predictions about the combination of alcohol in water and how it will affect a floating ice cube.
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Cartesian Diver Lab
In this Cartesian diver lab, middle schoolers explain using text and diagrams how the Cartesian diver works. Students evaluate ways in making their lab design better. Middle schoolers make predictions of how changing the variable would...
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To Float or Not to Float, That is the Question?
Ninth graders develop operational definition of density, do computations using density equation, categorize pieces of matter as being able to float on
water or not, based on density, explain why some objects sink or float based on...
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Properties of Matter
Students investigate the properties of matter. In this properties of matter lesson, students observe containers of different metals and discuss their properties including density. Students find the density of an unknown metal and of...
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Water
Students conduct a series of investigations on the unique properties of water. In this general science activity, students explain what causes water's surface tension. They explain the different stages in the water cycle.
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Are You a Trend Setter?
Students are introduced to the periodic table of elements. They devise and perform and experiment in which they determine the density of specific elements. They use their results to predict the density of other elements in the same group.
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Properties of Water with a Splash of Color
Students explore the properties of water. In this cross curriculum art and physical science lesson, students experiment with a variety of materials to demonstrate the cohesive forces and adhesion of water. Students create a water color...
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The Great Ocean Conveyor
Students investigate water density. In this water density lesson, students conduct an experiment with food coloring, water and salt to see how the salt effects bodies of water.
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What's The Matter: A Sinker or Floater?
Students conduct an experiment. In this water lesson plan, students watch the lesson plan "Float and Sink" on an interactive website. Students learn how to test items in water and then work in groups to test their items. Students...
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TE Activity: Oil Spill Cleanup
Students experiment by creating an oil spill and trying a number of clean up methods. They determine which methods are the least costly and most effective. They role play as an environmental engineer and as an oil company owner who must...
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Hot Air Balloons
Middle schoolers examine how a hot air balloon works. In this hot air balloon instructional activity, students do an experiment to test the effects of heat on density. Middle schoolers make their own hot air balloon and act out how...
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What's the Matter? (Grades 6-7)
Students explain the physical properties of matter. They, in groups, perform a variety of experiments, each demonstrating a different property of matter. A very nice, hands-on lesson!
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How Big is a Molecule?
Students calculate the size of a molecule. In this molecules and their sizes lesson plan, students find the size of an oleic acid molecule by using a measured amount of drops of oleic acid to find the volume of the sample, the thickness...
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Sink or Float
Second graders explore floating and sinking and make predictions about whether certain objects are likely to sink or float. They read the story Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen. Pupils loacate rhyming words and discuss the events of...
Virginia Department of Education
Work and Power
Assist your class with correctly calculating the values for force, work, and power as they determine the amount various activities require. They gather data and participate in a group discussion to compare results upon conclusion of the...
Virginia Department of Education
Greenhouse Gas Modeling Activity
Why are greenhouse gases called greenhouse gases? Young Earth scientists learn about greenhouse gases though experimentation in the second installment of a 3-part series. They use lamps to model radiant energy as well...
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Why Do Certain Things Float, While Some Sink?
First graders conduct an experiment. In this density lesson, 1st graders work in groups to test 10 different objects to see which ones sink and float. Students discuss why certain objects float and others do not.
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Applied Science - Science and Math Post-Lab
Students explore optical illusions. In this Applied Science lesson, students view optical illusions and record the data of what they see. Students graph the data that they collect.
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Density Currents
Students study how fluids of differing densities interact with one another, how densities of fluids can be changed, and how density currents transport and deposit tremendous amounts of sediment in lakes and in the ocean.
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Graphical Determination of Density
Students determine the density of metal shot by a graphical method using significant digits in making measurements and calculations. Students graph a seris of laboratory measurements and determine density from a mass verses volume graph.
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Water Density Boundaries
Students create observable layers in water that represent a separation based upon density differences. They model density boundaries using differences in temperature and salinity. They, in groups, perform a meaningful experiment...
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Water Density
Students identify and analyze the concept of density using the formula, density equals mass divided by volume. They review the differences in salinity levels of the ocean and note that the changes in density are caused by wind and...
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Immiscible Liquids and Density
Students will make a lava lamp. In this density lesson plan, students will combine water and oil and make observations, then add salt to the oil and observe the oil sink, then float again when the salt dissolves in the water.
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Teacher's Guide For: Water Temperature and Salinity Experiment
Students experiment with water density, temperature and salinity. In this water lesson, students observe how the coldest water sinks to the bottom of a test tube, and how saltwater sinks in comparison to freshwater.