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
Making Energy: ATP
The main concepts behind how ATP transfers energy are explained in this Ap Biology PowerPoint. The diagrams convey the information that students need for any test regarding phosphorylation. The steps are clear, and should help...
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...
Royal Society of Chemistry
Aspirin—The Wonder of Medicine
What do aspirin and the willow tree have in common? Scholars of chemical synthesis engage in a fascinating reaction to make their own aspirin samples. The lab uses thin layer chromatography analysis, includes stoichiometric calculations,...
Curated OER
DNA and Individual Differences
Young scholars list differences between DNA-related terms and create a simple DNA circle map. They order terms including human body, organ, tissue, cell, nucleus, etc. from largest to smallest. They discuss differences and similarities...
Curated OER
Chemical Formulas
Learners examine the structure of molecules, their formula, and percentage composition of each element in the compound. They construct an organic compound with different functional groups using a modeling kit, and draw a 3-D structure...
Curated OER
Preventing and Treating Disease
In this disease learning exercise, students will review the organs associated with the immune system including their specific functions. This learning exercise has 10 matching, 8 true or false, and 5 short answer questions.
Curated OER
What is Everything Made of?
Pupils observe a demonstration on how we see space between water molecules. For this experimental lesson students discover what elements make up the things around them and discuss what they learned.
Curated OER
Weather Lesson 1
Students describe and compare the layers of the atmosphere. They explain how to measure the temperature of the atmosphere. They also explain what causes the atmosphere to heat up in some places more than in others.
Curated OER
Properties of Metals
Fifth graders study the properties of metals and use them to identify different properties. In this metal properties lesson students complete a demonstration .
Curated OER
Atomic Structure
In this atom worksheet, students define the atomic theory, compare an atom and a molecule, determine atomic number and number of protons for elements, and draw Bohr models for given elements. This worksheet has 4 graphic organizer, 8...
Curated OER
Controlling the Code: Molecules at Work
In this DNA activity, students access a website to learn about how single-celled organisms function successfully. Then students pretend they are a bacterium and determine how to transport lactose across their cell membrane for food. This...
Teach Engineering
DNA Forensics and Color Pigments
Use food coloring in electrophoresis. The last segment in a four-part series mimics DNA fingerprinting by using chromatography. Teams conduct chromatography on food coloring to find colors that use similar pigmentation in their makeup.
Kenan Fellows
Unit 2: DNA Analysis
Ever wonder how they solve those mysterious murders in TV crime dramas? The second of four units in a Biotechnology series introduces scholars to the many methods of DNA analysis. Pupils create and run their own gel electrophoresis...
Curated OER
Ecology
In this ecology learning exercise students complete a crossword puzzle that incorporates all of the ecological vocabulary in the word puzzle.
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
Forest Decomposition
Students explore decomposition. Students define and describe components of the decomposition process. Students make a composter in a terrarium. Students record observations and changes weekly, drawing conclusions about the results...
Curated OER
Chemistry of Carbon - Building Blocks of Life
A great review of the structure and function of carbon-based molecules important to life, especially with relevance to humans. The chemistry behind the combination of polymers and the breakdown of bonds is covered. Valuable content...
Curated OER
Effects of pH on Organic Molecules
High schoolers investigate the effects of an acid and a base on the structure of milk protein. They observe the changes to droplets of milk when adding ammonia and lemon juice and relate the changes to old, curdled milk. An extension...
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Chemical Models
Science teams make models of four different hydrocarbon compounds that we commonly use for fuel. Then they demonstrate chemical reactions that result when energy is produced. This can be used as an enrichment when your class is studying...
Virginia Department of Education
Charles’ Law
Searching for a relatively interesting way to demonstrate Charles' Law? Here is a lesson in which pupils heat air inside a flask and then cool the flask to quickly cool the air. They make observations about what occurs during the...
Curated OER
Empirical Formulas
Young scholars investigate empirical formulas for molecules. In this empirical formulas lesson plan, students use paper ions to form formulas and they show these are empirical formulas. They use ions of carbon and hydrogen showing...
Curated OER
Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree Using DNA Sequence Data
Students analyze DNA sequence differences between organisms in order to establish a reasonable picture of the evolutionary relationships between them. They take the role of molecular biologists and make genetic changes and constructing...
Biology Junction
Biochemistry of Cells
Chemistry and biology work hand in hand, without one you literally wouldn't have the other. Using a presentation, individuals learn about plant cells, animal cells, cell responses, macromolecules, DNA bases, and so much more. A worksheet...