Curated OER
Properties of Matter
Ninth graders explore the molecular structure of matter and how it can affect the physical characteristics of a specific material. They demonstrate that isotopes of an element have different masses. Students demonstrate that the rates of...
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Radiation Crossword Puzzle
In this radiation activity, students complete a crossword puzzle by figuring out the vocabulary terms associated with the 25 clues given.
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Atomic Structure and Quantum Theory
Students are introduced to the structure of an atom and Dalton's atomic theory through a short video and mini-lecture. They also take a look at the weight of mass and become familiar with the idea of quantum theory
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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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Chemical Formulas
Here is an interesting lesson which invites learners to focus on understanding and interpreting the symbols used in writing and communicating information about chemical elements, compounds, and equations. The hope is that this knowledge...
Science Geek
Nuclear Chemistry
Which bichemicals wash up on shore? Nucleotides! Presentation covers alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Includes a comparison of fission versus fusion. Presentation is the second in a five-part series.
It's About Time
What Determines and Limits an Atom's Mass?
Provide learners with the tools to further understand nuclear energy and isotopes. Young chemists investigate the components of an atom's nucleus, use symbols to represent various isotope forms, and use the percent abundance of an atom's...
NASA
MASS, MASS – Who Has the MASS? Analyzing Tiny Samples
What is it worth to you? A hands-on instructional activity asks groups to collect weights of different combinations of coins and calculate weighted averages. They use the analysis to understand the concept of an isotope to finish the...
Curated OER
Earth System Science
Students investigate the age of the earth by using accepted scientific methods. They conduct research about the use of radioactive dating and there is a simulation activity of the process. Finally, students measure the radioactive decay...
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Nuclear Decay
In this nuclear decay worksheet, students read about alpha and beta decay and the isotopes formed by the reactions. Students solve nine problems including writing the equations for the decay of radioactive isotopes, identifying the...
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Absolute Ages of Rocks
In this rocks worksheet, students review the process of absolute dating of rocks and compare it to the relative dating process. This worksheet has 16 fill in the blank questions.
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Color Coding the Periodic Table
In this periodic table instructional activity, students color code the periodic table to show groups of elements, the states of elements, if they are man-made or synthetic elements, if they are radioactive and the number of electrons in...
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Isotopes of Pennies
Students demonstrate that isotopes of an element have different masses. They illustrate atomic mass and neutrons. The periodic table is examined in length. Display of a collection of atoms is surveyed.
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How Does Probability Relate to Radon?
Middle schoolers read an article about probability and radon. They practice using a hand held geiger counter to understand the properties of radiation and radioactivity. They identify the harmful and helpful effects of radiation as well.
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What is Radon?
Students read an article about radon and its properties. They examine a periodic table and identify the numbers surrounding an element. They discuss the harmful and helpful effects of radiation.
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Watershed Investigations
Students find maps of the region to show rock formations and soil types and use GIS to compare radon levels. They describe three types of radioactive decay, interpret graphs, and follow steps to develop a nuclear bomb or energy.
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Periodic Table Families
In this periodic table worksheet, students complete a graphic organizer by listing the elements in each of the periodic table families.
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Ecological Impact of River Dams
Students investigate their environment by completing an in-class experiment. In this ecological lesson, students define the roles of dams and how electricity is created by them. Students utilize plastic jugs, sand and tap water to...
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Origins: Earth Is Born
Students develop a timeline of all the major events involved in the formation of the Earth and the emergence of humans. In groups, they focus on a specific topic by watching a PBS program and taking notes. After the video, they list...
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Nuclear Chemistry Project
Radiation has numerous real-world applications, some of which are relatively safe while others can be extremely hazardous. In this nuclear chemistry project, young scientists choose a practical use of nuclear reactions to research in...
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How Do We Measure Absolute Time?-Geologic Clocks
In this absolute time worksheet, students define radiometric dating, tree rings and varves as means to measure absolute time. They are given information about each of these methods of dating.
Curated OER
Get a Half Life!
Eighth graders use M&M's to experiment with data. They use a graphing calculator to determine the best equation for their data; linear, quadratic or exponential. They analyze the data to find the half-life of their M&M's.
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The Energy of the Sun
Students study energy generation by the Sun, which involves atoms and nuclei.
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Taking Apart Electrical Appliances
Young scholars discover that electrical appliances are made up of individual components that work together. They, with partners, demonstrate to others how their piece of equipment or appliance works by taking it apart and examining the...