Curated OER
Chemical or Physical?
Fourth graders make observations of the reactions that happens between calcium carbonate and various liquids. During the experiment the students determine if there is a chemical change, a physical reaction, or no reaction when they mix...
Curated OER
Glucose Factory
Fourth graders determine, through laboratory activity, the presence or absence of glucose in a variety of plant leaves and stems. They work in groups and perform a three part laboratory which shows them how plants convert sunlighht to food.
Curated OER
Mighty Minerals
Students investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals. They make a list of the uses of minerals found in Illinois. They write a report individually based on their observations.
Curated OER
Making soap you can use
Those textbook experiments are no good. Using this simple method you can make a real bar of soap. It's
Curated OER
The Internal Anatomy of the Grasshopper
Sixth graders explore the internal organs of grasshoppers. They determine the function of the organs through a dissection activity.
Curated OER
Project Geode
Students predict the appearance of a geode's internal structure based on its mass and density. They form a hypothesis based on the data they collect. They also identify common minerals found in Illinois.
Curated OER
Does the Introduction of Pesticides and Fertilizers Alter an Aquatic Ecosystem?
Students conduct an experiment using a small sample from a local water source. They introduce fertilizers and pesticides, separately, and carefully examine the results in their simulated aquatic ecosystem.
Curated OER
HOW IS PH DETERMINED?
Students estimate the pH based on the use of an unknown substance, determine whether an unknown substance is acid, base or neutral, and evaluate, by the pH determination, which of the unknowns is the strongest acid or base.
Curated OER
Oxygen Levels and Aquatic Plants and Animals
Young scholars design an experiment to test the effects of a change in the amount of dissolved oxygen of water on aquatic plants and animals. Questions are offered for exploration and experiment design. Results are tabulated and...
Curated OER
The Colors on My TV Screen
Students explore how electronic screens use only three colors to produce the colors that people see on the screen. They make and test a color wheel.
Curated OER
How Dense Are You?
Learners examine how density is a value that describes what type of a material an object is made of regardless of its shape or size.
Curated OER
Physical Difference and Classification
Students use a microscope and observation skills to compare and contrast several physical properties and develop a classification system.
Curated OER
Reflection of Light and Mirrors
Students address common misconceptions concerning reflection, light and mirrors. They investigate light reflection in mirrors and determine how light is transferred to the eye. In addition, they make predictions and then test them...
Curated OER
Testing Your Water
Students perform several water quality tests on groundwater from their area. They use test strips to determine the pH, hardness, alkalinity, nitrates, iron and chloride levels.
Teach Engineering
Spring Away!
The last segment of the nine-part unit makes a connection between springs and linear equations. Groups hang weights from the spring and measure its length. Then, using the data collected, they calculate the slope to find the k-value of...
Cornell University
Renewable Resins and Composites
Merge chemistry with environmental science to study biodegradable materials. An engaging activity allows learners to experiment with different resin concentrations and composites. Through experimental tests, scholars test their creations...
Learning Zone Express
The Basics of Sewing
This resource is a stitch. Kids learn the basics of hand and machine sewing, how to sew on buttons, how to construct and repair clothing, and how to use patterns to create decorative ornaments.
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
Salt and Water Divorce by a Physical Change
Pupils discuss the definitions of physical and chemical properties and changes. They vaporize a solution of salt and water, observing the sodium chloride that is left behind.
Curated OER
Can Bacteria Arise from Non-living Things?
Fourth graders, in groups, determine whether bacteria arises from non-living things,
Curated OER
Discovering Albedo
Students read a thermometer accurately, collect and record data, and generate a graph based on data. They learn what independent and dependent variables are. They analyze data and make conclusions concerning how soil coverings affect...
Curated OER
Micro-Magic With Sticky Ions
Students view a video about the formation of precipitates. They complete a worksheet that asks them to identify what makes a compound form and what holds it together.
Curated OER
Exploring With Photograms
Learners observe the interaction between energy absorbed, reflected or transmitted through an object in a photochemical process with a classroom demonstration.
Curated OER
Water Quality and Temperature
High schoolers evaluate the effects of temperature changes on the metabolic rate of a clam. Conclusion questions are addressed which help students to process and articulate their experiences.