High schoolers are able to discuss the difference between a proton, a neutron and an electron. They also can explain the difference between an ionic and a covalent bond. Students know the main structure of atoms and molecules. Student...

Fifth graders explore static electricity. They listen to and discuss the book, 'All About Electricity,' participate in two experiments, and design and present a static electricity demonstration.

Fourth graders study the charges on ions and familiarize themselves with a quick way to remember charges based on location of elements on the periodic table. They complete a worksheet and share their answers with the class.

Students participate in an Electron Square Dance in which they act the part of atoms. They follow the structure of different atoms suggested by the teacher.

Students observe the behavior of different charged objects. In this science lesson plan, students perform a series of static electricity experiments. They discuss their observations in class.

Students study magnetism. In this science lesson, students participate in an activity to discover how electrons in a magnet move. Students identify items around the classroom that are magnetic.

Students study atoms and their protons and neutrons.  In this physical setting lesson students work together to complete a lab activity. 

"Up and Atom" is a mini-unit introducing middle-schoolers to the wonders of elements. Participants draw atom models, examine the periodic table, compare samples of metals to nonmetals, identify unknown elements, and more! The beginning...

Young scholars explain that the Standard Model of the atom includes particles beyond protons, neutrons, and electrons. They describe the nucleus as conglomeration of quarks that manifest themselves as protons and neutrons.

Students identify the periodic table trends and predict material properties. They also design and conduct simple experiments and test material properties. Finally, students compare and contrast material properties and that chemical...

Students explore electricity. For this Physics lesson, students investigate the origin of static electricity. Students compare static electricity to current electricity.

Students are introduced to electricity. In this electricity activity, students listen to the book Switch on, Switch off  by Melvin Berger and discuss the use of electricity in light switches. They create a picture of an atom using...

Fifth graders conduct an investigation using glass, metal ,fur, latex balloon, plastic bag and hair to generate static electricity of varying amounts. They predict, observe, make comparisons, and draw conclusions about static electricity...

Students are introduced to the periodic table. They find the common trends among the electron configurations and the names of certain groups of the table. Students explore the atomic mass, atomic number, mass number, mass and charge...

Students explore ionic bonding. They draw examples of ionic bonding and explain the activities of the electrons of the elements. Students use paper plates and candy to draw electron configurations of given atoms.

Students study the significance of the quantum model and how scientific theories adapt over time.  In this investigative lesson students describe the contributions that scientists have helped develop the atomic theory and identify...

Seventh graders divide into small groups to construct several models. Each group builds with an accompanying chart showing the colors of gumdrops used for the protons, electrons, and neutrons.)

Students use X-ray data to identify an object as a rotating neutron star, and determine its period of rotation. They use XTE observations of the Crab Pulsar to determine the period of the light intensity, interpret this period as the...

Students investigate the structure of the atom and its composition. In this atom structure lesson, students find the area of cut out circles and drop pens into the circles. They count the number of marks in the circles and relate their...

Students study the difference between types of ionizing radiation and how elements are transmuted. They determine that radiation is normal and surrounds us. They calculate the amounts of alpha, beta and gamma radiation emitted from a...

Students examine the concept that static electricity is a phenomenon that involves positive and negative charges. They explore the Static Electricity section of the Science, Technology and Engineering website to learn more about the...

Young scholars study concepts related to static electricity, based on a single example: lightning. They explain how static electricity, lightning, and sparks are all related phenomena. They draw a diagram illustrating the negative and...

Students are introduced to the concept of static electricity and its causes. After viewing video segments, they observe its effect on various objects. In groups, they discover how static electricity is produced and how objects with...

Students watch instructor present demonstrations of the basic principles of static electricity, and then conduct some of their own experiments. In small groups, students build simple circuits, using batteries, to try to light up a light...