NASA
Exploration of a Problem: Making Sense of the Elements
When given too much data to simply memorize, it helps to sort it into manageable groups. The second activity in the six-part series of Cosmic Chemistry challenges groups of pupils to take a large amount of data and figure out how to best...
NASA
Melting Ice: Designing an Experiment
Sometimes, despite the best laid plans, the unexpected will occur. Learners witness this firsthand as they carefully design an experiment to determine the time needed for ice to melt in salt water or pure water. They uncover facts not...
NASA
Modeling the Periodic Table
Imagine a race to complete a puzzle where each person has the same 50 pieces, knows they are missing other pieces, and must figure out how everything fits together. The winner gets fame, listed in books for years to come, and a financial...
University of New Orleans
Rock Cycle and Rocks Lab
Science rocks! Explore three types of rocks and the rock cycle with an igneous rocks experiment. Pupils discuss textures, composition, and learn how melts are formed from the Earth's crust. They weigh materials using a scientific scale...
Curated OER
Anatomy of an Element
Learners discuss matter and atoms using this resource. First, they look at a website describing atoms. Then, they learn about the periodic table and discuss how it is organized. Finally, they create a comic strip to display their...
Curated OER
Acids and Alkalis
This PowerPoint progresses slide-by-slide through all the facts you would want to deliver about acids, alkalis, salts, and the related lab tests. Each slide has one or two facts about a physical or chemical property or behavior. The...
Curated OER
Aluminum and Titanium
Comparing aluminum and titanium, this PowerPoint gives the physical and chemical properties of each. Illustrations are used to assist in understanding. The notes are succinct, making this information a great model for chemistry or earth...
Cornell University
Polymers: Instant Snow
Is it easy to make snow? Scholars use critical thinking skills as they investigate the concept of polymers by making snow. The class tests several different variables and takes measurements over the course of several days. They then...
Curated OER
It's the Law: Periodically
Ninth graders examine the Periodic Table. In this element lesson, 9th graders observe the chemical reactivity of elements. They graph the properties and discuss the trend in the group and period of elements. The students use math to...
Curated OER
The Basics of Biochemistry
Science teachers can introduce basic chemical concepts to biology students.
Curated OER
Identification of Different Compounds and Substances
Learners conduct a series of tests to identify unknown compounds. In this chemistry instructional activity, students compare the physical and chemical properties of substances. They collect data and formulate a conclusion.
Curated OER
Changes in Nature
Fifth graders identify the chemical and physical changes in the water cycle, carbon cycle, and the effects of weathering. They analyze the periodic table, and observe how vinegar reacts with limestone in a chemical reaction that causes...
Curated OER
The Solar System
Third graders investigate Newton's law of Motion. In this chemical reaction lesson, 3rd graders participate in an experiment with rockets to study Newton's law. Students observe the effects of a chemical reaction made by combining...
Curated OER
The Tell-Tale Plume
Young scholars examine hydrothermal vents. For this ocean lesson, students identify changes in physical and chemical properties of sea water caused by hydrothermal vents.
Curated OER
States of Matter
Student explore states of matter. For this science lesson plan, students define matter, identify the states of matter, tell about the properties of each state of matter, and demonstrate an understanding of the difference between a...
Curated OER
Isn't It Ionic?
Students research the properties and health risks of organic chemical solvents. They create a Safety with Solvents newsletter to share with others in their school and community.
Curated OER
Wetland Water Testing
Students examine the different properties that affect water quality. For this pollution lesson students play a game, complete a hands on activity and computer lab.
Curated OER
Let's Take a Rock Apart!
Students examine a crushed rock and sort the minerals they find in that rock by color and other properties.
Curated OER
Cosmetic Products Evaluation
Students evaluate different cosmetic products. In this chemistry lesson, students determine the physical and chemical components of their samples. They perform various test such as pH, viscosity, conductivity and formulate a conclusion...
Curated OER
Somethin' Sweet
Learners make their own candy. In this science lesson plan, students observe how molecules interact with each other in physical changes and observe how the addition of heat can cause molecules to interact and form new molecules in...
Curated OER
Funny Putty
Young scholars are introduced to the properties of solids, liquids and gases. They see that colloids are mixtures which display the properties of more than one of these states. They engage in an excellent experiment which demonstrates...
Curated OER
Aqua-Thrusters!
Young scholars construct their own rocket-powered boat called an "aqua-thruster." These aqua-thrusters will be made from a film canister and will use carbon dioxide gas - produced from a chemical reaction between an antacid tablet and...
Curated OER
Introduction to the Periodic Table of Elements
High schoolers explain how the elements are arranged in the periodic table. In this chemistry lesson plan, students determine the subatomic particles for certain elements. They research the physical and chemical properties of an element...
Curated OER
Physical Science Project-Atom
Fifth graders investigate atoms. For this atom lesson, 5th graders investigate the parts of an atom. Students explore atom numbers and determine the number of electrons is in each atom.