Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Indicator Indi Gator
In this activity the students use critical thinking skills to see how liquids will change the color of an indicator.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Molar Relationships: Observing a Single Displacement Reaction
In this chemistry lab, students will investigate a single replacement reaction while also using knowledge of molar ratios to determine percent yields.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Isotopes: Using M&m's as a Model for Calculating Atomic Mass
This activity allows students to gain an understanding of the relationship between the mass and relative abundance of an isotope and its effect on the average atomic mass of the element. Students will be given a random sample of the...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Using Egg Drop Activity to Promote Critical Thinking and Analysis Skills
For this multi-lesson hands-on inquiry activity, students will develop their critical thinking skills by designing and constructing an apparatus that will permit an egg to survive a nine foot fall. Given limited materials, they will...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Alternative Energy Resources
Society is beginning to recognize the limited supply of fossil fuels. In this project, students will investigate alternative energy sources. Conservation of resources is discussed and while conservation is an important step, at some...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Electron Energy Levels of Atoms and Ions
In this lab, students investigate basic electron structure by making a model using pennies and different sized filter papers.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Observations & Interpretations: Engaging Students in Classroom Experiments
Use this method to emphasize and clarify for students the importance of differentiating between observations and interpretations, and qualitative and quantitative observations. Students will learn how a hypothesis may change as new...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Diffusion Demonstration
An interactive demonstration where students make observations of the process of diffusion. Students draw and record observations, make predictions, and make comparisons between what they're observing and how a cell membrane works.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: Statistical Analysis of Lincoln
For this activity, students first work in groups to collect information about a set of pennies. They measure and record the mass for each one in a table using a spreadsheet program if possible. They also record its year and, for 1982...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc:let's Do Some Bonding! Writing Balanced Formulas and Naming Ionic Compounds
Let's do some bonding! In this activity, students gain practice balancing ionic formulas and naming ionic compounds. They also have the opportunity to meet and 'bond with' students and staff outside the chemistry classroom.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Rainbow Challenge Lab
In this inquiry lab activity, students will attempt to layer 6 different kinds of soda pops in a large test tube using their knowledge of density and other physical properties of liquids.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Characteristics of Light: Light Travels in a Straight Line
In this lab experience, the students will be asked questions about characteristics of light and sound and whether these energy sources travel in straight lines. The teacher briefly demonstrates light and sound travel. Students will...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Boiling Water With Ice: Effect of Pressure on the Boiling Point of Water
In this activity, which is a discrepant event with guided inquiry, the teacher will go through the steps of boiling water with ice. Through the students telling and recording WHAT is happening, the teacher is showing the students what...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: How to Grow the Tallest Plant
In this lab activity students design an experiment controlling one variable with the goal of growing a plant taller than a control plant.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Introducing Ionic Bonds: How Does the String Hold Together?
This inquiry activity introduces chemical and ionic bonds and allows learners to investigate an unknown situation, make hypotheses, and share data.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Testing for Electrical Conductivity Using Materials
In this activity, students will understand that electricity moves through different circuits and discover what types of materials are conductors and insulators.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: The Reflection of Light
In this science lab, students work with a partner and complete four investigation activities that experiment with reflection using plane mirrors.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Alternative Energy Debate
With a learning team, learners choose an alternative energy source such as solar, wind, biofuel, geothermal or other form and research the pros and cons of that energy type. The team then splits into debate teams and draws straws to...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating an Inquiry Approach to Germination Growth in Plants
In this lab, students investigate the effects of a variable on the germination of a small plant. They will compare the growth of their variable to a control then write a lab report to report their findings.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Promoting Environmental Awareness Through Culture and Exploration
For this lesson, the story of Turtle Island is told to the learners. Each student will collect leaves and bring one to school, every day, for about a month. Discuss as a class where they come from and why they are all different. Every...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Discovering Nature in Our Neighborhood: Investigating Natural Communities
Students examine the natural surroundings around the school and identify micro-communities of plants, insects, and other animals through walks and nature journaling.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: English Language Learners Create a Botanic Field Guide
Students gather information and create a botanic field guide which includes the common and scientific names for plants (trees, shrubs, wildflowers, plants) typically found in their surroundings.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Magnets: What "Sticks"
While working in small groups, learners will learn about magnetism by exploring what does and does not "stick" to a manget. Students will learn that only objects made of metal stick to magnets but not all objects made of metal stick.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Forces: Pop Bottle Rockets
In this lab, young scholars will work on scientific inquiry skills: observation, developing questions, conducting an experiment, and collecting data. They will investigate forces using pop bottle rockets that they have designed.