Worchester Polytechnic Institute
Interactive Laboratory Activities for Secondary Education
Do you think the lab smells like rotten eggs? Sorry to hear about your sulfering. A set of five experiments covers many different topics including seasons, gravity, food, precipitation, and photosynthesis. Though not presented as a...
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"Stick to It!" Properties of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes
Students investigate the strength of different adhesives. In this physical science lesson, students compare the force needed to peel adhesive tapes from a surface. They analyze collected data and make a generalization.
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Science:Effects of Weathering
Seventh graders take an outdoor observation walk around the campus and take soil samples. Working in groups , they conduct experiments with rocks and soil that demonstrate the effects of different types of erosion.
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Using Photovoltaic Cells and Systems
This interesting document suggests nine different activities for shedding light on photovoltaic cells. A bit of background information is furnished for you, as well as many, many resource links. Listed for each activity are a learning...
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Glurch II
Students make glurch using materials provided. In this chemistry lesson, students identify the physical properties of glurch. They compare its properties to commercially prepared ones.
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Pumpkin Fallacies
Students complete circumference activities using a pumpkin and explore treating people fairly in regards to their physical characteristics. In this math and character lesson, students view images of pumpkins and describe them. Students...
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Simple Machines, Engines and the Environment
Fourth graders calculate the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane. In this physics instructional activity, 4th graders identify the different types of simple machines and their uses. They give examples of compound machines.
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Earth's Magnetic Field and Magnetosphere
Students investigate the magnitude of Earth's magnetic field using PASCO. In this physics lesson, students describe the features of the magnetosphere. They explain how atmosphere layers protect the Earth.
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Trajectory and Range of a Projectile
Students investigate the factors affecting projectile trajectory. In this physics lesson, students calculate the range, time and speed of projectiles using mathematical equations.
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Compact Fluorescent Lamp Experiments
Students conduct a series of experiment on incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. In this physics lesson plan, students explain how they operate. They compare the efficiency and power rating of both bulbs.
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Disposable Diaper Comparison and Mystery Powder Identification
Students investigate which diaper is the most absorbent. In this chemistry lesson, students calculate how much water is absorbed by diapers. They identify an unknown powder based on physical and chemical properties.
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The Space Cadet's Laboratory: Using Electromagnetic Energy to Study Astronomy
Students build their own spectrophotometer to study light. In this physics lesson, students explain the dual nature of light. They calculate the angle of incidence and refraction using Snell's law equation.
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Ionocraft Lifter
Students explore the different types of lifters through a series of activities. In this physics lesson, students explain the mechanics involved in the lifter designs. They compare aluminum versus zinc lifters.
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Fossil Fuels (Part II), The Geology of Oil
More of a mini-unit than a lesson, these activities lead inquisitors through a survey of oil deposits. In the first part, they read about and view diagrams of sedimentary rock layers that trap oil. Next, they test porosity and...
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Plan a Mission to Recently Discovered Planet
Students plan a mission to a recently discovered planet. In this science lesson plan, students research spacecraft design, distances in space, long-term missions in space, and life-sustaining planets. Students work in groups to research...
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Resources and Economic Development
Identify natural resources in the world and how they translate into economic development. In this global economy instructional activity, your class will utilize the Internet to view an Oregon Time Web which they research to examine the...
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Addressing Community Problems
Students discuss how to solve problems in the community. For this character education lesson, students brainstorm major problems in their neighborhoods and list them on the board. Students are divided into groups and focus on one topic...
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Interdisciplinary Approach to Investigating Popcorn
Students conduct a lab experiment using the scientific method. In this interdisciplinary lesson plan, students will test the difference in popping white and yellow corn. Students will write their lab report in their science, math,...
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Mirrors and How They Reflect
Young scholars experiment with mirrors. In this Mirrors and How They reflect instructional activity, students read how mirrors reflect light. Then young scholars perform over ten experiments and record their conclusions about mirrors and...
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Fossil Fuels (Part II), The Geology of Oil: Topographic Mapping, Crustal Deformation, Rock Porosity, and Environmental Pollution
Students review an interpretation of geologic history and relate it to the formation of oil deposits. They explore and explain factors controlling the porosity and permeability of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Pupils also interpret...
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Media Coverage
Young scholars research news coverage to examine how a local issue does not receive fair attention in the news. In this new coverage lesson, students discuss where they get their information and why some issues are ignored. Young...
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Simple Machines, Engines and the Environment
Students examine and describe the six main simple machines. In groups, they work with an inclined plane to calculate the ideal and actual mechanical advantages of the plane. Using their results, they must determine the efficiency of the...
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Back to School (Elementary)
Students discover the vocabulary of the Six Pillars of Character and their relation to the school environment. In this character education lesson plan, students discuss the character pillars and brainstorm about their use in the...
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My Life 24-7 Video
Students utilize the short film genre to illustrate ethical themes and identify good character. In this ethics and technology lesson, students discuss their favorite viral videos and select an ethically themed topic to create their own...