University of Minnesota
Dendritic Spines Lab
This is your brain on drugs ... literally! Your neuroscientists-in-training examine the evidence of drug use on the human brain and how neurons change their connectivity when altered by drugs. They then work together to create testing...
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Exploring the Scientific Method: Separation of a Complex Mixture
Students work in teams to use the scientific method to separate complex mixtures into pure components.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Viral Lysis and Budding
How do some viruses spread so quickly, and why do they make us feel terrible? Answer these (and many more) questions through a simple yet impactful lessons. Pupils observe demonstrations that show the two methods viruses use to escape...
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Investigating the Method by Which the Body Defends Against Pathogens
Students explore disease caused by bacteria and viruses, how they are transmitted, and how they exert their effects on their hosts. They explain how diseases, such as AIDS, are spread by exponential growth.
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Slingshot Characterization Experiment
Students set up and conduct a scientific experiment to demonstrate data collection. In this scientific process lesson plan, students complete an activity with the specific objective of using a slingshot to fire a t-shirt into the crowd...
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Asexual Reproduction
Presented clearly and accurately, this PowerPoint introduces biology learners to asexual reproduction in plants. It begins by comparing asexual to sexual reproduction by definition and by the pros and cons of each. The remaining slides...
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Filter-Feeding in Reef Sponges
Students make observations and describe the filter-feeding in sponges as it relates to the ecological role of sponges on coral reefs. In this filter-feeding in reef sponges lesson, students are introduced to the feeding methods of...
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Gel Electrophoresis
Young scholars conduct a variety of experiments to explore gel electrophoresis. In this biology lesson, explain how this process separate DNA and RNA. They discuss the practical applications of this method.
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Separation of a Complex Mixture
Students develop a method to separate different types of mixtures. In this chemistry lesson, students model the steps in the scientific method. They perform the experiment and analyze data.
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Tree I.D.
Students explore various tree species. In this tree species lesson, students collect leaves on nature walks and use Internet sources to identify the trees that the leaves belong to. Students graph their data as well.
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Physical Pendulum Lab
Students calculate the moment of inertia of a disc. In this physics instructional activity, students differentiate the two methods used in finding the inertia. They construct their own pendulum for the lab.
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What Kind of Insect is That?
Fifth graders characterize insects and classify insects according to the Linnaean system. They use hand lenses or microscopes to examine insect body parts.
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Silent Spring
Students read background information about Rachel Carson found on the listed website links. They analyze and answer questions about her work and how it is linked to science then they research pesticide usage and alternative methods.
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A Green Patina Finish
High schoolers create a blue-green patina that serves as a protective coating on copper jewelry or other artwork. Using four different experimental methods, students apply patina to copper pieces and compare the results of the different...
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What Wavelength Was That?
A combination of informative text, photos, and graphics comprise this sharp show on electromagnetic radiation. Some slides mention hands-on activities for demonstrating concepts, so if you want to include them you will need to figure out...
Teach Engineering
Biological Processes: Putting Microbes to Work
Is there such a thing as useful microbes? Get ready to perform experiments on applying microbes for wastewater treatment. The first installment of the three-part unit provides background information to prepare young engineers for two...
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The Identification of Bacteria
Young scholars are given a two week period to put to use the knowledge they have gained while studying bacteria. As a culminating activity, students each receive three unknown bacteria to identify.
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Super Stream Keeper's
Students are introduced to Delaware's waterways as precious resources used for drinking water, water for agricultural and industrial uses, recreational areas, and as habitats for wildlife. They are introduced to wastewater discharges,...
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Mighty Microbes
In this mighty microbes worksheet, students read for comprehension assessment. In this fill-in-the-blank and true and false worksheet, students answer ten questions.
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Filter Feeding in Reef Sponges
Students investigate the role of sponges in our oceans. In this biology lesson, students create a diagram visualizing how sponges bring food into their bodies through a filtering process. Students discuss the connections between...
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Archaeology
Students compare and contrast the role of scientists with that of archaeologists. They also describe the roles of observations and evidence in science.
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The Case Of The Sour Employee
Ninth graders are presented with a problem that has to be solved. The scenario is a mystery that is purely hypothetical. This does draw on the knowledge of previous lessons. The lesson plan contains background knowledge explaining the...
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Vaccines--How and Why?
Twelfth graders study the history, progression and current uses for vaccines in the prevention of disease. They simulate an epidemic and experiment with pathogens.