Curated OER
Polymers-Greaaaaaat Biiiiiig Molecuuuuuules
Learners explore polymer properties. In this lesson about polymers, students perform an experiment to understand polymers, their properties, and that they are formed from small molecules. Learners role play pretending they are polymer...
Agriculture in the Classroom
Design 'Y'er Genes
How do changes in DNA affect an organism? Scholars explore chromosomes, genes, DNA, and mutations by modeling the DNA of a strawberry. They build a DNA model, then manipulate it to show how changing the genes transforms the strawberry...
Center for Learning in Action
Introduction to the States of Matter
Liquids, gases, and solids are the states of matter in which scholars investigate in a lesson plan that offers in-depth information and engaging activities that look into the three states and the changes their properties make when mixed...
Center for Learning in Action
Water—Changing States (Part 1)
Here is part one of a two-part lesson in which scholars investigate the changing states of water—liquid, solid, and gas. With grand conversation and up to three demonstrations, learners make predictions about what they think will happen...
Curated OER
The Coding of Protein Molecules by DNA
Students investigate the production of proteins by the DNA. In this protein synthesis lesson plan, students use paper models to explore transcription and translation to make proteins using DNA. Students answer 10 questions to demonstrate...
Curated OER
Designing Scientific Models
In this scientific models worksheet, students will use a model to represent matter in its various states. Students can use a computer graphics program, drawing on paper, or three-dimensional creation. Then students will complete 3 short...
PhET
Reactants, Products and Leftovers
Did you know when you mix the reactants sulfur, tungsten, and silver, you get the products SWAg? The simulation begins with making sandwiches, to show pupils reactants and products of something familiar. They then can make water,...
Curated OER
Atoms, Elements, Molecules, and Compounds
In this elements learning exercise, students review the Bohr model and define negative and positive subatomic particles. Students compare molecules and compounds. This learning exercise has 11 short answer questions and 4 problems to solve.
Serendip
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
How does energy from the sun make plants grow? Scholars move step by step through the processes that promote plant propagation during a detailed lesson. The resource illustrates ADP production and hydrolysis, then allows learners to...
Colorado State University
What Causes Pressure?
Are you feeling the pressure? Let loose a little with a kinesthetic activity that models molecular motion in a closed space! The activity varies conditions such as volume and temperature and examines the effects on molecules.
NOAA
Animals of the Fire Ice
When the sun's rays can't reach the producers in a food web, where does all the energy come from? Extreme environments call for extreme food sources. Young scientists investigate creatures that appear to get their energy from methane...
Center for Learning in Action
Introduction to Matter
Begin your states of matter lessons with a demonstration designed to introduce the concept that all matter has properties. Reinforce this concept through vocabulary exploration, and the creation of atom models; salt, water, and carbon...
Curated OER
Drops on a Penny
Young scientists explore the concept of surface tension at is applies to water. In this activity, learners use a dropper to place drops of water on a penny. Each group guesses how many drops a heads-up penny will hold, then conducts the...
Science Geek
Stoichiometry
Watch your class react when you tell them they're going to study stoichiometry! The lesson demonstrates four examples. Scholars must write and balance the chemical equation and then make the conversion to find the correct mass or volume....
American Chemical Society
Why Does Water Dissolve Sugar?
Did you know that if you wait long enough, the M on the outside of an M and M will float to the surface when submerged in water? Learners observe the sugar coating of an M and M while it is dissolving in water. They explain how this...
Curated OER
Chemical Formulas
Young scholars examine the structure of molecules, their formula, and percentage composition of each element in the compound. They construct an organic compound with different functional groups using a modeling kit, and draw a 3-D...
Curated OER
Activity #5 Environmental Effects
Students explain the implications of particle theory of The Law of Conservation of Matter for problems of pollution and waste disposal. They describe, in terms of atoms and molecules, what happens to materials when they are dissolved or...
Curated OER
The Causes of Differences in Density
Students explore how density changes. Students read an article on density. They observe a ball and ring demonstration and discuss the outcome. Students draw models of the demonstration and explain what happened.
Curated OER
Seashore Explorers
There are three separate lessons within this resource that can be used together, or that can each stand alone. In the first, five simple activities allow junior scientists to examine the amazing properties of water. In the second, they...
Curated OER
Atomic Structure
In this atom worksheet, students define the atomic theory, compare an atom and a molecule, determine atomic number and number of protons for elements, and draw Bohr models for given elements. This worksheet has 4 graphic organizer, 8...
Curated OER
Molecular Models
In this molecular formula activity students fill in a table describing elements and chemical formulas. They identify, elements by type and how they bond. The student analyze molecular formulas to identify the number of atoms and if the...
Curated OER
Visual Models of Solutions and Concentrations
Learners model solutions with beakers of colored glass or plastic spheres. In this solutions lesson, students use beakers of colored spheres to represent pure substances. They mix the spheres to demosntrate solutions. They discuss...
Space Awareness
Let's Break the Particles
Build learning by breaking atoms! Young scientists study the way energy changes with a hands-on activity. As they roll steel marbles down a ramp, learners test the hypothesis that kinetic energy does not go away with friction or...
Curated OER
Staying Young with Vitamin E
Investigate how Vitamin E is used to prevent cell aging. Young scientists coat the surface of apples and bananas with oil, Vitamin E, and water. They place each in a petri dish and cover them to observe oxidation over time. They answer 8...