University of Tennessee
Potential Energy
Did you know a tennis ball has potential? Collaborative groups analyze the potential energy of a tennis ball based on its height. They measure its starting height and the height after its first bounce. Using a graphical analysis, they...
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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...
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Transition Metals (III)
Students discuss transition metals, where they are located on the periodic table, some of the element in the group, and some characteristics of the group. They work in groups to conduct an experiment in which they mix transition metals...
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What's In Your Stream?
Learners conduct hands-on fieldwork in order to investigate water quality of a nearby stream. They discuss watersheds and how it affects water quality as well as identify any causes of changes or pollution in the area water before...
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Water Reflections:
Students analyze data from monitoring activities . They summarize, post, and present the data from activities. They tell others in the community what they've learned about local water quality.
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Jeopardy 8th Grade (Science)
There are so many topics touched upon in this Jeopardy-style science game, that it is difficult to classify! The categories include electricity, matter, ecology, earth and space, and scientific investigation. This would best be used at...
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Science: Suddenly Snow
Students engage in snow-related activities during the first winter snowfall. After explaining the elements needed for it to snow, they preserve snowflakes on frozen slides and observe them under a microscope. Then, they write diamante...
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Classifying Living Things
Young scholars identify how to classify living things. They classify various concepts including family members, kinds of clothing, numbers, shapes, and vocabulary words. They discuss how to classify various concepts and classify...
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Mighty Minerals
Students investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals. They make a list of the uses of minerals found in Illinois. They write a report individually based on their observations.
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Tree Identification
Students list four ways to identify trees. In this tree identification instructional activity, students use tree identification techniques such as leafs, bark, wood grain, soil type, and climate to create tables and graphs.
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Galloping Who?
Third graders do an Internet search to find out about Galloping Gertie and what caused the bridge to fail.
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Mussel Identification Activity
Students participate in an activity in which they identify mussels by choosing a set of characteristics. They review the parts of a mussel before and after the activity. They complete a worksheet to finish the activity.
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Solubility and Chemical Changes in Groundwater
Young scholars test pH of water before and after it travels through different substrates (igneous pebbles and limestone) to detemine how soluble materials can affect groundwater. They answer questions such as: What happended to the pH of...
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Yo-Yos, Tow-Yos and pH, Oh My!
Students explore how hydrothermal vents are formed and where they are located on the ocean floor. They study how scientists use CTDs to locate hydrothermal vents.
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Underwater Picture of the Hudson River Estuary
Students identify important aspects of water quality such as slainity and turbidity. They test two of the water quality parameters and determine the quality of the water. In addition, they construct two sets of graphs based on data...