Curated OER
Elements and Compounds
Eighth graders explore the chemical and physical properties of a variety of elements in a lab setting. They organize the data they collect onto a spreadsheet and then choose one element from the periodic table to research. They...
Curated OER
Animal Classification Unit
Third graders study how to group animals by their physical characteristics. They examine how animals have adapted to have their needs met by the environment.
Curated OER
Chemical Composition of American Coins
Students investigate the chemical composition of pennies dated 1983 or later. For this chemical composition of American coins lesson plan, students scratch the surface of the penny to expose the zinc core. They put the penny in...
Curated OER
Periodicity (The Periodic Table)
Learners investigate the properties of elements and periodicity. In this periodicity lesson plan, students observe a bag of 'elements' which are different fruits and classify them in groups and periods, show the periodic relationships...
Curated OER
In the Mix
Students construct a water filter. In this engineering lesson, students discover how to construct a water filtration system. Students work in groups to sort tools by their properties. Students analyze and construct a water filtration...
Curated OER
What's the Reaction?
Students combine baking soda and vinegar and observe the chemical and physical changes that this mixture can produce.
Curated OER
Glurch II
Students make glurch using materials provided. In this chemistry lesson, students identify the physical properties of glurch. They compare its properties to commercially prepared ones.
National Institute of Open Schooling
General Characteristics of the p-Block Elements
The 20th installment in a series of 36 focuses on the characteristics of the p-block elements. Learners discuss, read about, and answer questions pertaining to the occurrence of these elements in nature, their electron configurations,...
Science Friday
Ugh, a Bug!
Young entomologists familiarize themselves with the physical characteristics of insects. Composed of two activities, each lesson involves your scientists tapping into their prior knowledge of bugs and making observations of real live...
Curated OER
Chemical and Physical Changes Lab
For this chemical and physical change worksheet, students conduct a variety of experiments with unknown solutions and make observations. Students determine if the properties of the solutions have changed and if there is a chemical or...
Curated OER
Physical and Chemical Change of Six White Substances
Students investigate chemical and physical changes in reactions. For this chemical and physical change lesson plan, students mix 6 different white substances with water, vinegar and iodine. They make hypotheses about each substance and...
Curated OER
Activity #1 Reactions: Chemical or Physical?
Students distinguish between physical changes and chemical changes. They comprehend that chemical reactions produce new substances with compositions and properites which are different than those of the starting materials. Pupils also...
Curated OER
Solar Kit Lesson #9 - Properties of Solar Radiation: Reflection, Transmission, and Absorption
Middle school science stars observe and record data on the solar radiation reflected off or transmitted through various materials. They predict properties for various materials, and test their predictions by touch. This instructional...
Curated OER
Qualitative Physical Properties of Matter
In this matter worksheet, students complete a data table by comparing the physical properties of 7 different samples of matter. This worksheet is a graphic organizer.
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Students explore water as it changes states of matter. In this physical property activity, students use observation, measurement, and communication skills to describe changes in water as it goes from a solid to a liquid and back again.
Curated OER
LEAGUE: Into the Desert: Lesson 1
Students discover the human and physical characteristics of desert regions. For this regions lesson, students describe deserts around the world, discuss animals, vegetation, water conservation, and how humans can care for the land.
Curated OER
Observing Properties of Matter
Third graders explore matter. In this physical science lesson, 3rd graders observe several items and use their five senses to describe their properties. Students record their observations and share with the class.
Curated OER
Wipe Out
Learners examine the flow of water. They observe and test the properties of water by using sticks in flowing water. The lesson has streaming video, resource links to access, and a good hands-on activity that is clearly described in the...
Centers for Ocean Sciences
Ocean and Great Lakes Literacy: Principle 1
Is your current lesson plan for salt and freshwater literacy leaving you high and dry? If so, dive into part one of a seven-part series that explores the physical features of Earth's salt and freshwater sources. Junior hydrologists...
Curated OER
Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter
Learners identify the physical and chemical properties of matter. They review the types of matter. Students list the four states of matter (Solid, Liquid, Gas and Plasma). They recognize and describe the different types of matter.
It's About Time
Metals and Nonmetals
Did you know you can melt the metal gallium with just the heat of your hand? Pupils observe and test materials in order to classify them as metal or non-metal. A reading passage and analysis questions wrap up the lesson.
Curated OER
Cents-ible Chemistry-Analysis of the Metal in a Penny
Students determine the base metals and surface metals in a penny. In this analysis of metals lesson plan, students determine the density of five pennies minted in different years. They use different chemicals such as hydrochloric acid,...
CK-12 Foundation
Stow Lake
Does the depth of a pond matter to the waves created when rain is falling? Many people assume the answer is no, but interestingly, it does matter. Pupils explore this concept and other variables related to wave behavior through a...
Curated OER
Invertebrate Diversity
Comparative anatomy prevails in the lesson exploring diversity among invertebrates. Biologists examine physical characteristics of an earthworm from phylum annelida and a meal worm from phylum insecta. They also inspect a cricket and a...