NASA
Analyzing Tiny Samples Using a Search for the Beginning Mass Spectrometry
Teach the basics of mass spectrometry with a hands-on activity. The fourth in a series of six lessons explores how mass spectrometry measures the ionic composition of an element. Learners then compare and contrast relative abundance and...
Curated OER
History's Thermometers
Students explain the concept of paleoclimatological proxies. In this oxygen isotope lesson, students interpret data and make inferences about climate changes in the geologic past.
Curated OER
Radioactive Decay and Half-Life
Young scholars describe how the mass of a radioactive isotope changes with time and the factors that affect the rate of radioactive decay. They write nuclear decay equations to represent natural transmutation. This activity is...
Curated OER
Earth System Science
Students investigate the age of the earth by using accepted scientific methods. They conduct research about the use of radioactive dating and there is a simulation activity of the process. Finally, students measure the radioactive decay...
Curated OER
Periodic Table of Elements
Beginning chemists examine a collection of elements and compounds as they are introduced to the periodic table. The lesson plan is not cohesive and does not provide detailed instructions on how to teach it. However, it does includes a...
Virginia Department of Education
Determining Absolute Age
How can radioactive decay help date old objects? Learners explore half-life and radioactive decay by conducting an experiment using pennies to represent atoms. Young scientists graph data from the experiment to identify radioactive decay...
Virginia Department of Education
Elements and Electron Configuration
It's electronic! Pupils uncover elements and their electron configurations as they explore mass, groupings, correct charges, and sliding theory. Young scientists learn creative ways to remember various elements and correctly classify...
Royal Society of Chemistry
Moles Equations (14-16)
In chemistry, the mole is a unit of measurement, much like a millimeter or liter. After learning about moles, scholars learn various equations relating to mass, volume, and concentration. They review each of these equations in a few...
Royal Society of Chemistry
Sub-shells
Is your class in a quandary over quantum numbers? Change things up by adding games to the mix! Science scholars discover the shape, number of electrons, and number of orbitals in the s, p, and d sub-shells using an interactive.
Royal Society of Chemistry
State Symbols
When water is a solvent in a chemical equation, we consider it an aqueous solution. Scholars match the name of four states of matter to their proper symbol in a chemical equation. Four puzzles provide repetition to help pupils remember...
Curated OER
Radioactivity Experiments
Students study the difference between types of ionizing radiation and how elements are transmuted. They determine that radiation is normal and surrounds us. They calculate the amounts of alpha, beta and gamma radiation emitted from a...
Curated OER
Atomic Structure - Part A
Students describe the structure of atoms, including the particles that make them up. They recognize that key scientists and experiments have contributed to the changes
in the Atomic Theory.
Curated OER
What is Radioactivity?
Students use a geiger counter to record changes in the amount of radioactivity produced by different objects. They research articles which mention radiation and discuss them. They work together to complete an activity and worksheet.
Curated OER
The Nucleus / Nuclear Reactions and Elementary Particles
Students describe how radioactivity relates to alpha and beta particles. Using their properties, they write a descriptive paper about the gamma rays and alpha and beta particles. They calculate q-values and the half-life of a given...
Curated OER
Climate, Corals, and Change
Students examine oxygen isotope ratios and how they are related to water temperature. They also identify three forcing factor changes for climate change.
Curated OER
Chemical Element Interview
Students interview the chemical elements. They research information about their element, such as: stable isotopes, valence electrons, number of subatomic particles. They create a yearbook page for their element, and a format to present it.
Curated OER
Reading Comprehension-Space
In this comprehension worksheet, students read 5 short paragraphs about space, then complete a set of 4 related questions. Worksheet contains a link to additional activities.
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Alphas, Betas and Gammas Oh, My!
Referring to the periodic table of elements, nuclear physics learners determine the resulting elements of alpha and beta decay. Answers are given in atomic notation, showing the atomic symbol, mass, atomic number, and emission particles....
Curated OER
Teaching Radioactive Decay: Radioactive Half-life And Dating Techniques
Learners generate a radioactive decay table for an imaginary element using a box filled with pinto beans and M&M's. They use their data to plot a decay graph, develop the concept of half-life, and use the graph to "age" several samples.
Curated OER
Exponential Decay
Students study exponential decay and its application to radiocarbon dating. In this exponential decay lesson, students use candy to model the time it takes for something to decay. Students also graph the data they collect and describe...
Curated OER
Atoms and Molecules
Students become familiar with the relationship between atoms and matter. In this atoms, elements molecules and compounds lesson plan, students create a replica of an atom and a molecule. Students research scientist who contributed to...
Curated OER
Geologic Time Scale II
Students research the geologic time scales and the appearance of animals and plants during these eras. They complete a chart indicating the era, period and major events.
Curated OER
Finding the Ages of Rocks and Fossils
Students practice dating fossils. They learn the concept of "deep time"--that earth was formed billions of years ago. They experience excellent hand-outs and virtual age tutorial links.
Curated OER
Enhancing Students' Problem-Solving Abilities
Students analyze the results of a hypothetical cloning experiment using a restriction endonuclease map obtained from an on-line data source. They answer the question, "How can I tell if the DNA I have obtained from this hypothetical...