Cornell University
Thin Films
Combine mathematics and science to calculate measurements of unmeasurable materials. Individuals use knowledge of density and volume to determine the thickness of the film used in production. They also apply stoichiometry to determine...
Cornell University
Spectral Analysis with DVDs and CDs
Build a spectrometer to analyze properties of light. Scholars examine the spectrum from CDs and DVDs from two different light sources. Using the spectrum, they work to identify different elements.
Cornell University
Optical Simulation of a Transmission Electron Microscope
Don't have an electron microscope? Have your classes build the next best thing! A hands-on instructional activity asks scholars to build a model of Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). They then use their models to identify the...
Cornell University
Building a Compound Light Microscope
What better way to learn how to use a microscope than building your own? A lab investigation has scholars use lenses from magnifying glasses and sheets of cork to design their own compound microscopes. They calculate focal length and the...
Cornell University
Mechanical Properties of Gummy Worms
Learners won't have to squirm when asked the facts after completing an intriguing lab investigation! Hook young scholars on science by challenging them to verify Hooke's Law using a gummy worm. Measuring the length of the worm as they...
Cornell University
Splitting Water with Electricity
Explore how electricity splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Learners begin by calculating the voltage necessary to separate the water. They then perform the experiment and measure the ratio of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles.
Cornell University
Resolution—Not Just for the New Year
Experiment with optical resolution using an inquiry-based instructional activity. Young researchers calculate fellow classmates' optical resolutions. They apply the information to understand the inner workings of optical instruments.
Mathematics Assessment Project
Representing Quadratic Functions Graphically
Sometimes being different is an advantage. An engaging activity has scholars match cards with quadratic functions in various forms. Along the way, they learn about how each form highlights key features of quadratic functions.
Beyond Benign
Daphnia Bioassay LD50
De-icing materials may have a harmful effect on our environment; have your class perform an experiment to test the nature of these effects. Scholars monitor the survival rate of a sample of daphnia as the concentration of a de-icing...
Beyond Benign
Green"er" Precipitation Reaction
All sodium carbonate may not have the same amount of carbonate, but it should have the same percent. Learners write and balance an equation to predict the chemical reaction between sodium carbonate and zinc acetate. Through the lab...
Cornell University
The Physics of Bridges
Stability is key when building a bridge. Scholars explore the forces acting upon bridges through an analysis of Newton's Laws and Hooke's Law. The activity asks individuals to apply their learning by building a bridge of their own.
Cornell University
Nano What?
The size of a nanoparticle is difficult for pupils to grasp. A hands-on experiment is designed to give your classes perspective. Learners analyze different sports drinks for the content of electrolytes as an introduction to nanoscale....
Concord Consortium
Electric Potential Energy and Type of Charge
Scholars are sure to get a charge out of an electric lesson! They examine the potential energy of charged particles while they make changes to the electrical field. The simulation allows them to change the position of particles and the...
Concord Consortium
Electric Potential Energy and Charge Intensity
Does the charge on a particle affect its energy? Scholars first explore how the strength of a charge affect the potential energy. They observe the change in the electric fields as this potential energy changes.
Concord Consortium
Target Game—Distance/Force Relationship
Explore the relationship between the distance and the force of charged particles. Scholars adjust the location of charged particles to change the path of a launched particle. By displaying the electric field, they can make a connection...
Concord Consortium
Target Game—Charge Magnitude/Force Relationship
Build an electric field to direct a charged particle to a target. Scholars determine how location and strength of charge affect the electric field that surrounds the object. They complete two challenges to strengthen their understanding.
Concord Consortium
Target Game—Free Play
Challenge your classes to use electric fields to hit a target. Scholars place positively and negatively charged particles on a game board to direct a charged particle to a target. They can choose to view the electric field and force on...
Concord Consortium
Intermolecular Attractions and Boiling Point
Why do different substances have different boiling points? Through an interactive lesson, learners explore how intermolecular attractions affect boiling points. They interact with molecules through an animation and make conclusions about...
CK-12 Foundation
Stratified Random Sampling: An Extracurricular Study
Learning isn't a random process. A well-designed interactive lesson helps classes make key conclusions about stratified random sampling. They calculate group percentages and use those percentages to decide on sampling totals.
CK-12 Foundation
Simple Random Sampling: How Many Samples Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb?
Teach the concept of simple random sampling through an interactive lesson. Learners explore the concept by considering the strength of sampling methods. Size of the samples varies also as individuals determine which methods lead to the...
CK-12 Foundation
Stem-and-Leaf Plots and Histograms: Digital Photography
Cameras use histograms to communicate the exposure of a photograph. An interesting lesson uses this idea to help learners deepen their understanding of histograms. It highlights the skew of the graphs by showing under- and overexposed...
CK-12 Foundation
Evaluate Relations with Scatter Plots: Regression and Correlation
Introduce the concept of a correlation coefficient using an interactive lesson. Learners begin by manipulating a correlation coefficient and watching a graph change to represent the new value. Questions help strengthen their...
CK-12 Foundation
Multiple Line Graphs: Jack's Jumpshot
What are the advantages to seeing multiple data sets on the same graph? Scholars explore this question as they manipulate the animation within the lesson. Questions within the interactive ask individuals to make comparisons across the...
CK-12 Foundation
Broken-Line Graphs: Heating Curve of Water
Examine the unique graphs coined broken-line graphs. Using the phase change of water for data, learners answer questions related to the temperature and energy at different times in the cycle of the phase change. Questions focus on the...