Curated OER
Heat and Color
Sixth graders conduct a simple experiment to explore the ways that color can affect heat transfer. They review the three ways that heat can transfer: conduction, convection and radiation.
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Temperature
In this temperature learning exercise, students conduct an experiment including water, measuring cups, a funnel, and more, to see how temperature affects ocean currents. Students read 5 directions and answer 7 questions.
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Water
Students conduct a series of investigations on the unique properties of water. In this general science lesson, students explain what causes water's surface tension. They explain the different stages in the water cycle.
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Make a thermometer
For this thermometer worksheet, students make a thermometer out of a straw, juice bottle, food coloring and more. Students also answer 3 questions about it.
Curated OER
Exploring Rocks
Students recognize differences in the size, shape, texture, and color of different rocks. In this rocks lesson plan, students also learn and repeat back how a volcano erupts and make one out of a toilet paper tube.
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Phytoplankton and Ocean Color
Fifth graders identify function of phytoplankton in the biospere by conducting experiments and simulations and reading for information. They detect the presence of phytoplankton in bodies of water by examining ocean in satellite images...
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Phytoplankton in the Gulf of Maine
Learners use satellite data to see the correlation between sea temperature and sunlight in the Gulf of Maine. For this phytoplankton lesson students use Excel to analyze data.
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The Motion of Molecules in Water
Students observe the motion of water molecules using food coloring. For this molecule movement lesson plan, students observe motion in hot, cold and room temperature colored water and record observation data on record sheets. Then write...
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Colored Drops
Students examine the properties of a liquid that contains water and food coloring and a liquid that contains water, food coloring and a liquid detergent. They interpret their data, describe properties, and make reasonable explanations...
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Water and Ice
Learners examine how water changes state, from a liquid to a solid. In this water lesson students study the water cycle and how temperature and pressure effect it.
DiscoverE
Creepy Putty
Mold your learners into materials engineers. Using glue, Borax, and water, scholars create a viscoelastic material. But your class might know it by another name—Silly Putty.
American Chemical Society
Investigating the Line
Note that this instructional activity is best paired with the preceding instructional activity in the unit. In that instructional activity, elementary physical scientists observed that the color coating of M&Ms® candies do not mix...
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What's the Difference Between Concentration and Solubility?
High schoolers discuss the difference between concentration and solubility as well as examine the difference in a hands-on activity. Using water and table salt, they experiment with solubility. They create different concentrations using...
NOAA
Ocean Zones
How can organisms light up in water? Bioluminescence is light produced in a chemical reaction that can occur in an organism's body. First, learners determine what happens to light/color as you move into the deep ocean. In groups, they...
Curated OER
The Effects of Light and Temperature on the Growth and Development of Plants
Students investigate the effects of light and temperature on plant growth and development. For this plant growth lesson plan, students use radish plants and cover them with different shades of green and red transparencies and observe...
Curated OER
Who Lives with Mallard?
Students color a picture of the habitat featuring mallard and other creatures, some of whom might be camouflaged or half-hidden. They discuss other forms of animal adaptation.
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Water Quality Monitoring
Students comprehend the four parameters of water quality. They perform tests for salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and clarity or turbidity. Students comprehend why scientists and environmental managers monitor water uality and aquatic...
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Water Density Boundaries
Students create observable layers in water that represent a separation based upon density differences. They model density boundaries using differences in temperature and salinity. They, in groups, perform a meaningful experiment...
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Mixing Primary Colors
Students demonstrate ways to mix primary colors. In this visual arts instructional activity, students use gelatin and food coloring to create various color mixtures. Students also use tempra paint to mix colors together.
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Concentration vs. Solubility
Students investigate the concentrations of solutions and solubility. In this concentrations and solubility lesson plan, students compare solutions of talcum powder in water and salt in water to have a visual of solubility. They perform...
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I See a Rainbow
Students identify the different colors in a rainbow. They experiment with dropping food coloring into a water and then making ice cubes. They discuss what happens to the water in the freezer
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Activity Plan 3-4: Freezing Paper
Students discover how paper reacts to temperature changes in order to cultivate their science prediction skills. In this frozen paper investigation, students paint pieces of newsprint with water and then freeze them overnight,...
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Diffusion
Students investigate diffusion using different solutions of chemicals placed in agar dishes. In this diffusion lesson plan, students observe 3 demonstrations of diffusion using perfume, food coloring in water and sugar cubes in water....
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Bubbles
Students observe the characteristics of bubbles. In this scientific inquiry lesson, students use a bubble solution and a wand to make bubbles and observe their characteristics. Students identify the shape and the color of the bubbles.