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A Model of a Scanning Tunneling Microscope

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explain how a scanning tunneling microscope works. In this chemistry lesson plan, 9th graders construct atomic models and simulate how their images appear under the STM. They discuss the limitations of their atomic model.
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"Why Is the Sky Blue?"

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers investigate why the sky is blue and the sunset is red. They are asked why do you think that we see the sky as blue? Students write a hypothesis on their "Blue Sky Lab Sheet". They explain why they think that the sky...
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Let Us Bond Together

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders paricipate in a demonstration about bond strengths and bond types.
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Pyrotechnics for Pyromaniacs

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore how chemistry is associated with the annual celebration of America's independence. They learn what gunpowder is made of, the anatomy of a firework, how noise is made in fireworks and the safety issues.
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Comparing Light Bulbs

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders compare filaments in different light bulbs. In this science lesson, 5th graders view the filaments of light bulbs under a microscope.
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Water Ph

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders study the concepts of acids, bases, salts and neutralization. They discuss steam adoption program, acid rain and other ecological implications. They use indicators to obtain pH values of household chemicals and to...
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Learning Lesson: Heavy Air

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students complete an experiment in which they discover air has weight. They use the same size balloons to explain this concept. They also examine thunderstorm safety.
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Oh - The Bonds of Matter!

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders identify the types of bonds elements form. In this chemistry activity, 8th graders represent valence electrons with dot structures. They draw and label different atoms.
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What is pH?

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Learners describe pH and the importance of it in the natural world.  In this Biology lesson students compare the pH of different mixtures.
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Stellar Fingerprints: the Spectra of Stars

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explain how an element can be identified using emission spectra. They relate the emission spectrum of hydrogen to its absorption spectrum and identify hydrogen absorption lines in the spectrum of stars.
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The Air Up There!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students create a model of a column of air and discover one of the reasons why low and high pressure systems exist and why low pressure is often associated with bad weather.
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The Structure of Materials

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students brainstorm what matter is and how they define it. They construct a water molecule with marshmallows and toothpicks. In addition, they watch videos to explore the use the idea of nanoscience to investigate the properties of...
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Amino Acids

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore what amino acids are, their history and how they are used in technology.  In this protein lesson students identify the properties of proteins and amino acids.
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Now You See It, Now You Don't

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study the process of evaporation.
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DNA

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the basics of DNA and its history.  In this DNA lesson students extract DNA from fruits and understand how it is used in forensics.
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Oxygen

For Teachers K - 12th
Students explore oxygen and its physical and chemical propeties.  In this investigative lesson students complete several experiments using oxygen.
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Simple Chemical Equations

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders interpret the chemical symbols and shorthand used for molecules and equations. Through guided practice, 8th graders work to decipher and interpret the symbols for chemical equations. An opportunity for independent...
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Carbon Cycle

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students study the carbon cycle and how it cycles through our environment.  In this carbon cycle lesson students play a game that allows them to discover that carbon can take many forms and that there is not a set path.
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How Are The Properties of Covalent Compounds Influenced By Chemical Bonding?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students work together to observe the bond lengths of single, double and triple bonds. They make their own predictions about the strength of the bonds and chemical reactions. They answer discussion questions to complete the lesson.
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EGG-cellent POLYMER PACKAGING DESIGN

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students investigate the concept of a polymer using an experimental design of protecting an egg in a bookbag. They test the properties of polymers and form an educated solution to the proposed problem. Then they describe the steps used...
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Gravity - The Glue of the Universe

For Teachers 2nd - 7th
Students explore physics by conducting a class experiment. In this gravitational force lesson, students define several scientific terms associated with force. Students utilize a styrofoam cup and marbles to simulate a satellite crashing...
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Stoichiometry

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students research chemical formulas and balance chemical equations.  For this chemical equations lesson students complete a class activity on chemical equations and answer questions.
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How Does a Liquid Become a Solid?

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students explore the energy changes from a liquid to a solid. They model the arrangement of a solid and the change in states due to changes in energy using desks and chairs. Assessment questions are provided in lesson plan.
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Basic Chemistry Review

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students experiment to show their knowledge of molecules and atomic structures.  In this chemistry review lesson students participate in an activity and then fill out a worksheet.