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Elements and Compounds
Middle schoolers explain how radioactive decay occurs. In this physical science lesson plan, students simulate radioactive half-life through an experiment. They graph their data and share their results in class.
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Radiation vs. Shielding
For this radiation worksheet, students compare the effects of shielding on radiation on known isotopes. This worksheet has 2 problems to solve.
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Growing Barley for Use in Biosynthesis Experiments
Young scholars attempt to determine the optimum growing conditions for barley. They assess the effects of a number of substances such as ammonium chloride and urea on the plants
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The Nucleus / Nuclear Reactions and Elementary Particles
Students describe how radioactivity relates to alpha and beta particles. Using their properties, they write a descriptive paper about the gamma rays and alpha and beta particles. They calculate q-values and the half-life of a given...
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Exponential Decay
Students study exponential decay and its application to radiocarbon dating. In this exponential decay lesson, students use candy to model the time it takes for something to decay. Students also graph the data they collect and...
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Enhancing Students' Problem-Solving Abilities
Students analyze the results of a hypothetical cloning experiment using a restriction endonuclease map obtained from an on-line data source. They answer the question, "How can I tell if the DNA I have obtained from this hypothetical...
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The Periodic Table
In this science worksheet, learners use a periodic table to complete the first four rows of a chart. Students use the Internet or research books to complete the last column.
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Absolute Ages of Rocks
In this age of rocks worksheet, students answer five matching questions about terms related to the decay of atoms. They use a strip of paper to simulate half life of atoms and determine the total amount of time it took to deplete the paper.
Virginia Department of Education
Elements and Electron Configuration
It's electronic! Pupils uncover elements and their electron configurations as they explore mass, groupings, correct charges, and sliding theory. Young scientists learn creative ways to remember various elements and correctly...
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Climate Patterns across the United States
Pupils articulate differences between climate and weather using examples in a written statement. Using climate data from across the country, they describe climate patterns for various parts of the United States on a map. Students explain...
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Acid Rain
High schoolers use real-time weather maps to determine the likelihood of acid rainfall in a region. Students apply their understanding of interaction between weather systems, land and air pollution, to address acid rain and the effects...
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Tanker Spills
Students predict the flow of an oil spill and depict it on a map. They explain the predicted route of the oil spill using knowledge of ocean currents in a short presentation to their peers.
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Rain Shadows and Sea Breezes
Students plot the average rainfall for a variety of cities in the United States. Using the map, they work together to determine patterns on which toxicants are transported through the air. They determine the impacts of various weather...
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Absolute Ages of Rocks
In this rocks activity, students review the process of absolute dating of rocks and compare it to the relative dating process. This activity has 16 fill in the blank questions.
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Ice Core Clues
Students create a PowerPoint presentation on the information they research about the ice cores and what they tell us about Earth's past. In this ice core lesson plan, students research radioactivity, air pollution, sodium, snowfall...
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Our Future - Nuclear Power?
Students comprehend that there are risks involved with using nuclear power. They write persuasive paragraphs for and against nuclear power. Students analyze the environmental issues and risks with nuclear power.
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Atomic Theory
In this atomic theory worksheet, students use Planck's constant, Rydberg constant, and Avogadro's number to complete 20 multiple choice questions.
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To Renew, or Not to Renew
Students explore the various types of renewable energy. After reading articles, they discover the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy. They also explore the challenges to switch over to using more and more renewable energy...
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Air Pollution Over Where?
Students predict the movement of an air borne pollutant using their understanding of air currents. They determine which governments and/or communities should be contacted to be forewarned. They also explore the properties of their...
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Polishing the Petoskey
Students polish a Petoskey stone to show how to make an attractive rock display. In this polishing rocks lesson plan, students use sand paper and polishing materials to polish a rock and remove the rock dust. This is to display a nice...
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Plate Tectonics
Students research separate elements of the theory of Plate Tectonics, then share that information with each other, drawing conclusions from the culminated information.
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Nuclear Power
Students take on the role of members of a concerned citizens group and discuss the transportation of spent-fuel rods from a local nuclear power plant and the safety issues that surround the power plant. Students work in groups to write...
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NUMB3RS Activity: A Matter of Half-Life and Death
Students investigate exponential decay. Students explore the biological half-life of Cesium-137. Students investigate the Goiania Accident of 1987 which is considered one of the worst incidents in the history of the Atomic...
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Help Wanted: A Lighting Engineer For Popular Rock Group
Middle schoolers are assigned to groups, and determine each member's role in the group. They will design an experiment to determine a way to produce the three primary and five secondary colors. Students discuss color and mood. They...