National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Synthesis and Characterization of CdSe Quantum Dots
Does the size of a sample change the physical properties of that substance? It turns out it can! Young scientists combine physics and chemistry to synthesize CdSe quantum dots and record their color properties. Learners should...
Chymist
Empirical Formula of a Compound
Because of the work of John Dalton, we are able to write formulas for compounds. The hands-on experiment has scholars prepare a compound from its elements. Using mass data, individuals write the empirical formula for the compound.
Museum of Science
The Atom's Family: Mighty Molecules
In this activity, students construct models of molecules using marshmallows and gum drops.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Is All Ice Created Equal? A Density Lab
A lab experiment that shows students that different molecules melt in different ways. This lab also allows students to practice calculating and finding density, mass, and volume. Lesson plan includes lab handout for students.
Bill Nye
Bill Nye: Hole Y Water
This tutorial from Bill Nye uses an experiment with water and sugar to show how matter is mostly empty space.
Bill Nye
Bill Nye: Sock It to Me
This tutorial by Bill Nye explains how evaporating water (or sweat!) can cool you down.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Bottle Fountain Experiment
Demonstrate how heating expands air molecules by constructing a bottle fountain powered by air pressure.
Other
Science Alive: Pure Substances, Mixtures, and Separations
One way scientists talk about matter or substance-that is, the stuff in the world-is in terms of pure substances and mixtures. Pure substances are substances that contain only one kind of molecule. Water with nothing else in it is a pure...