Curated OER
Kernel Power" Ethanol Fuel from Corn
Students study why corn is a biodegradable, renewable resource. In this ethanol lesson students build models and observe a chemical reaction.
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...
Curated OER
Playing With Polymers
Students explore the world of polymers. In this chemistry lesson, students make polymers and observe their properties. Follow-up questions and extension activities are included.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle and Global Warming
Students study the flow of water in the environment. In this water cycle lesson students evaluate the consequences of changes in the water cycle using data.
Curated OER
Look At Those Leaves!
Students observe, measure and sort leaves. For this leaf lesson students divide into groups and observe the different kinds of leaves.
Curated OER
PA Watersheds, Many Ways to the Sea
Learners examine the water cycle and the factors that interact with watersheds. In this watersheds activity students describe the purification process, trace the flow of infiltrate water through aquifers, and research the Internet to...
National Institute of Open Schooling
The Liquid State
Due to surface tension, dew — a liquid, is spherical in shape. Learners explore the properties of liquids in activity seven in this series of 36. Beginning with its basic properties such as boiling point and moving through to surface...
Serendip
Food, Energy and Body Weight
High schoolers learn why humans need calories, how they control weight with food choices, and the impact of exercise on energy. Scholars then apply their understanding to a case study of lunch choices and exercise.
Cornell University
Atomic Bonding
Explore the connection of surface area to bonding within atoms. Learners complete lab investigations to model changing surface area with different sizes and concentrations of atoms. A flour fireball demonstration follows the labs to...
Cornell University
Study Soil
What's in soil? Young scientists study the pH levels of soil from their school yard. They observe the land and area the soil came from to decide if location has anything to do with acidity level.
Serendip
How Do Muscles Get the Energy They Need for Athletic Activity?
Every muscle movement requires energy, but where does that energy come from? Scholars answer this question and more as they complete a worksheet. By following the directions, completing research, and discussing it as a class, they begin...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Living Things Share Common Genes
Everything evolved from a common ancestor, but how did modern plants and animals develop so many more genes? Scholars use an online interactive to learn about the process. They begin to understand common genes with an animation, multiple...
NASA
Making Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide
Some like it hot! Scholars observe both exothermic and endothermic reactions as part of the carbon dioxide oxygen cycle. First, scientists demonstrate (or watch) a chemical reaction to create pure oxygen using fire for confirmation....
LABScI
Enzymes: The Spit Lab
Enzymes in our bodies each have a job to do. Learn the factors that affect the activity of some enzymes using the third activity of an informative 12-part biology series. A three-part laboratory activity asks teams to investigate how...
Curated OER
Cell Phone Radiation
Should people be more worried about cell phone radiation? Scholars read extensive background information about the issue to prepare for a class discussion or debate. As they explore the website, they learn the main arguments for and...
Curated OER
Ladders of Life
Students explore the field of genetics. They examine four basic traits. Students demonstrate their knowledge of phenotype and genotype by charting their personal traits. Students compelte a Meiosis chart. From the chart results,...
Curated OER
Amino Acids
Students explore what amino acids are, their history and how they are used in technology. In this protein lesson students identify the properties of proteins and amino acids.
Curated OER
The Wonderful World of Polymers
Seventh graders investigate the concept of polymers. They discover unique properties and how polymers are natural. The lesson contains sufficient background information for the teacher. Students examine different types of materials and...
Curated OER
Fun Polymer Activity
Students add borax to a latex polymer and play with it to see the characteristics it now contains. In this polymer lesson plan, students see if it stretches, if it's durable, if the molecules break easily, and more.
Curated OER
Oxygen
Students explore oxygen and its physical and chemical propeties. In this investigative lesson students complete several experiments using oxygen.
Curated OER
Wondrous Water
Learners explore the different properties of water. They experimenting with different activities, each one explaining a different property of water. Students read an article "Small, Ues, But Might: The Molecule Called Water." and then...
Curated OER
Animals of the Fire Ice
Students study ice worms and describe how they interact with other species. In this methane hydrate lesson plan students study ice worms and hydrate shrimp to learn their behavior and can participate in an optional activity.
Curated OER
Introduction to Biomolecules
Young scholars are introduced to biomolecules and their roles in livin systems. They are introduced to the "Elements of Life." Students write down and define the "Elements of Life." They are asked why they think those elements are...
Curated OER
Polymerization Experiments
Students explain the process of polymerization. For this chemistry lesson, students produce carboxylesterase in the lab. They test its effectiveness in removing the by-product odor.