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...
Curated OER
Making a Surface Coating
Students prepare a nonaqueous surface coating by first making a polymeric resin and then adding an organic solvent. There product is a basic varnish that hardens by loss of organic solvent to the air. Students make a simple paint by...
Curated OER
Plastics by the Numbers
Young scholars investigate plastic resins and their uses. In this plastics lesson plan, students describe major plastic resins and what they are used for, they compare and contrast the properties of plastic resins and they list products...
Curated OER
Plastic Identification Lab
In this plastics worksheet, learners experiment with an unknown plastic and determine the polymer name and resin code by using a flow chart of various tests. They answer five questions after they collect their data.
Curated OER
WS 10.9 Plastic Recycling
In this recycling worksheet, students search for as many types of plastics categorized with the resin identification codes and fill in a chart for each plastic type. They identify the product name, the category the plastic is in, the...
It's About Time
The Fossil Record
What do you call a plated dinosaur when he is asleep? A stego-snorus! Through four hands-on activities, young paleontologists rotate through stattions to learn about preservation in rock, resin, ice, and conservation of animal...
Curated OER
Fossils
In this earth science worksheet, students use the clues given at the bottom of the sheet to solve the crossword puzzle on fossils. They identify specific names of fossils and how to make a mold of one.
Curated OER
#24 How Much Air Is In Foamed Polystyrene Products?
Students are challenged to come up with a good estimate of the amount of air in foamed polystyrene products. They use this gas evolution experiment and as such have students measure the gas generated when foamed polystyrene is degassed...
Curated OER
Animals of the Lost City
Begin with a demonstration of exothermic reactions and discussion of chemosynthesis. Your aspiring oceanographers research vent communities and then craft a mural of a vent community. This is a terrific method of introducing learners to...
Curated OER
# 18 Determination of the Set Time for Epoxy Adhesive
Students recognize epoxy glue formation as two part polymerization (usually the curing agents act as co-monomers). They monitor the reaction by the changes in viscosity of the reacting mass, the temperature rise and fall, and the...
Chymist
Testing the Waters
Should you trust the water you drink every day? The hands-on activity has scholars test water from different sources for contaminants. Pupils perform chemical testing and make conclusions about pH, hardness, iron, chlorine, lead,...
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...
Curated OER
Fossil Formation Fun
Students compare the three types of fossils: preserved organisms, mineral replacement fossils, and impression fossils. They create a model of amber,
sponge fossil, and make traces of fossil.
Curated OER
What is Plastic?
Students experiment with plastics. In this what is plastic lesson, students make a simple polymer and discuss recycling. Students identify various types of plastics.
Curated OER
Wildlife Around the World
Students examine how plants are able to adapt to their ecosystem and the role that fire plays in changes through the years. In this ecosystem lesson students complete several exercises focussing on plants and their adaptations to.
Curated OER
How To Make a Mummy
Students explore the process of mummification through a British website. They read about why the process began and how it is done. They can follow along in the process in how to make a mummy as well.
Curated OER
Mineral Identification
In this mineral identification lesson plan, young scholars analyze 14 minerals and test their physical properties. They test the color, luster, streak, hardness and breakage of each mineral. Students answer 5 questions about the physical...
Curated OER
Thermoset Polymers
Students complete a lab activity with polymers to allow them to better understand how to make "observations". In this science lesson students make measurements and collect data.
Curated OER
Lesson Five: Identifying Christmas Trees
Stuudents distinguish between pines, spruces and firs they may see in their homes, by recognizing key characteristics such as shape, arrangement of needles and colouring. They recognize these same characteristics in trees growing outside.
Curated OER
Chromatography
Students research types of chromatography and complete chromatography experiments.
Curated OER
Forest Management Dilemmas
Students discuss forest management dilemmas and make uninformed decisions as to whether they are appropriate management techniques. They draw bar graphs of the class opinion for each dilemma. They use media sources to become more...
Curated OER
Making Paint
Students discover how paint is made, then create their own paint which they will use to create a picture. After witnessing the processes of emulsion and suspension, students work in groups to create their own paint, and then create...
Curated OER
Bigger Better Bubbles
Students research different types of bubble gum and identify the variables in them. In this bubble gum lesson students design an investigation to test their hypothesis and graph their data.
Curated OER
Writing As Criminal Evidence
Students research 2 famous forgery cases. In this forensics lesson, students are introduced to the methods of handwriting and paper analysis. They then use the Internet to study the cases of the Lindbergh baby and Howard Hughes'...