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Unknown Element Project
Students work with a partner to determine the identity of an unknown element based on given descriptions. Groups use classroom textbooks, encyclopedias, and science internet sites to identify their unknown element then write a report as...
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Elements and Compounds
Eighth graders explore the chemical and physical properties of a variety of elements in a lab setting. They organize the data they collect onto a spreadsheet and then choose one element from the periodic table to research. They...
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Magnifiers
Students describe how several different objects magnify a provided sentence and decide if they are good magnifiers or not. They then write a sentence describing two properties an object must have in order to be a good magnifier.
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Project Geode
Young scholars predict the appearance of a geode's internal structure based on its mass and density. They form a hypothesis based on the data they collect. They also identify common minerals found in Illinois.
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Our Solar System
Students study the Earth and Solar System through a variety of activities. They compile a coloring book show the characteristics of the Sun and nine planets.
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Bubble, Bubble, Soil and Fun!
Fifth graders experiment to find the physical properties and commercial uses of the mineral talc. They create a soapstone sculpture and a rubric for the creation.
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Animal Classification Unit
Third graders study how to group animals by their physical characteristics. They examine how animals have adapted to have their needs met by the environment.
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What Does It Matter?
Students match definitions with vocabulary words and learn basic facts about matter. Then, they see how to determine the physical characteristics of matter. They determine the mass, volume, and density of objects using appropriate tools...
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Mystery Powders
Pupils describe the physical properties of polymers. In this chemistry lesson, students experiment on different polymer powders and identify each one of them. They record their observations and share them to class.
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Weathering Experiments: sugar cubes, steel wool and gravel!!
Middle schoolers study the chemical and physical weathering of "rocks". In this weathering experiments lesson plan students complete a lab that demonstrates how rocks weather.
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The Structure of Matter
In this matter learning exercise, students compare and contrast chemical and physical properties and explain the relationship between a pure substance and a mixture. Students review the properties of metals and nonmetals. This learning...
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Resources - A Reading Guide
In this resources instructional activity, students compare and contrast physical and chemical properties and changes. Students review the periodic table, pattern of atomic numbers and chemical reactivity. This instructional activity has...
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How Can Materials Be Identified?
In this identifying materials worksheet, students will complete a graphic organizer by writing in 3 details about how physical properties help to identify different materials.
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One for the Money
Eighth graders sort items as they are shown one at a time by the teacher. They attempt to identify the one physical trait the teacher is looking for (metal and not metal). After several objects have been shown and placed in groups, the...
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Down To Earth
Fifth graders study the physical properties of minerals in order to identify them. They examine how minerals are used before taking part in a activity in which they market toothpaste made from specific minerals.
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Density of Glass Fragments
Young scholars explore how the density of an object is determined and determine what a "physical property" is. They demonstrate how science can be applied to police work.
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Maintaining Body Heat
Students observe and compare heat loss in different objects with surface-to-volume ratios. They transfer this comparison to the physical characteristics of animals in their environment. They focus on how whales maintain their body heat.