American Chemical Society
Solubility Test
Make sure to consult the teacher's handbook, Inquiry in Action - Investigating Matter Through Inquiry, for two demonstrations that can be done to introduce solubility and measuring crystal mass before having the class conduct this...
Curated OER
Matter
Pupils complete a unit of activities to learn about states of matter and how to measure matter. In this matter lesson, students complete 8 lessons to learn about matter, its states, and how to measure matter.
Curated OER
Mystery Powders
Fifth graders evaluate the physical properties of 5 powders. Each powder is subject to different conditions. They describe each observation as with a chemical change or a physical change.
Curated OER
Stomach Chemistry
Fifth graders compare physical and chemical changes. They perform a simulation experiment/activity that replicates what happens in the stomach as food is digested by stomach acids.
Curated OER
Introduction to Materials Science - Part B
Students are able to give specific examples of what to do and what not to do during given safety situations, and classify materials as metals, polymers, ceramics/glass, or composites. They are able to distinguish between chemical and...
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It's a Gas!
Students investigate gases and their properties by completing 4 activities. In this gases lesson plan, students perform activities to show that gases take up space, they diffuse, and that odors and vibrations pass through gases. They...
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Change It
Fourth graders expand their knowledge about how the physical properties of a substances can be changed. They are given multiple opportunities, using first-hand experiences and familiar objects in different contexts, to identify...
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One Plus One Makes New
Young scholars identify the different properties of matter. In this chemistry lesson, students design an experiment on a property of matter they would like to investigate. They report their findings in class.
Cornell University
Glued into Science—Classifying Polymers
Explore the unique characteristics of polymers. A complete lesson begins with a presentation introducing polymers. Following the presentation, young scientists develop a laboratory plan for creating substances using polymers. They...
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Properties of Materials - Part B
Students describe the history of materials. They use the kinetic (particle) theory to explain changes of state in matter and trace the flow of heat during changes of state and chemical changes.
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Classifying Matter Game
Students identify the different states of matter. In this chemistry lesson plan, students differentiate the physical properties of the three states. They apply what they learned by playing a team game at the end of the lesson plan.
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Chemistry: Balancing Chemical Equations
Eighth graders practice balancing chemical equations. In this chemistry lesson, 8th graders explain why it is necessary to balance equations. They complete practice worksheets individually.
Curated OER
Natural Indicators: How Do They Work?
Young scholars describe characteristics and common uses of acids and bases. They describe the role of natural indicators in the chemistry of acids and bases after testing and making observations on a variety of plant extracts. Students...
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What Are The Properties of Sea Water?
Ninth graders conduct research on the subject of sea water. They use a variety of resources to obtain information. There are helpful resource links listed in the lesson. In conjunction with the research students make inquiry of the...
American Chemical Society
Crushing Test
Solidify understanding of the properties of crystals by crushing them to compare hardness. After some class discussion, a procedure is planned, and then small groups go about making observations as they crush five different crystal...
Curated OER
Identifying Acids and Bases
Sixth graders observe the physical and chemical change that can occur in an acid and a base. In this acids and bases lesson plan, 6th graders use cabbage juice to identify, compare, and contrast acids and bases.
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Chemical Families
Ninth graders describe that matter is made of minute particles called atoms, explain structure and properties of atoms, classify chemicals, locate chemicals on the periodic table, and play Jeopardy.
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
Solutions and Suspensions
Students explore matter by conducting an in class demonstration. In this liquid mixture lesson, students identify the difference between a solution in which a solid dissolves into liquid, and a suspension where the solid doesn't dissolve...
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Ice Ice Baby! The Design and Preparation of A Reusable Ice Pack
Students explore polymers by designing and preparing an inexpensive and effective reusable ice pack. They develop and test a design for a reusable ice pack in the science lab. Students apply chemical and physical properties of polymers...
Curated OER
Paper Chromatography
Students use this design the illustrate how ink can be separated into its component chemicals using paper chromatography. They use five unknown samples of ink on pre-labeled chromatography strips are provided to students. Students use...
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Hot Gas Or Cold Gas Lab
Students engage in a lab project to study chemical reactions. They use guided questions to help facilitate the lab experience and come to the correct outcomes. The lesson plan does not contain a true understandable objective. The lesson...
Curated OER
No Creation-No Destruction--All in a Baggie
Students investigate the concepts of conservation of mass and simple chemical reactions. Students complete lab experiments and record all observations as well as conduct experiments on their own to determine which reactions created...
Curated OER
Up and Atom
"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...