Lesson Plan
Curated OER

As a Matter of Fact

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Elementary-aged scientists discover that all matter has mass. They are shown the difference between mass and weight, and learn how to calculate mass using the appropriate tools and methods. The scientific method is used while estimating...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Liquid Rainbow

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students develop their own techniques for drawing a small sample of solutions into a straw. They hypothesize ways to increase the density of water, and discuss how salt-free rainwater tends to float on top of salty seawater.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cents-ible Chemistry-Analysis of the Metal in a Penny

For Teachers 9th - 11th
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,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Does It Matter?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students define matter, the chemical properties of matter, and the physical properties of matter. They name physical and chemical properties of matter (by classifying using a Tree Map). Students determine the mass, volume, and density of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Properties of Matter in the Preschool

For Teachers Pre-K
Students study the properties of the physical and natural world. In this properties of the physical and natural world lesson, preschool students work at discovery tables to see how simple machines work, what happens when items are put...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Are The Properties of Sea Water?

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders conduct research on the subject of sea water. They use a variety of resources to obtain information. There are helpful resource links listed in the lesson. In conjunction with the research students make inquiry of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Heat and Matter

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students explore liquids and solids by conducting in class experiments. In this matter activity, students define the properties of matter and how heat can change those properties. Students experiment with heating objects such as butter...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemical Composition of American Coins

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the chemical composition of pennies dated 1983 or later. In 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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science: The States of Matter

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders conduct experiments in matter to create chemical changes resulting in gases. By mixing solids and liquids, they create a chemical reaction and capture the gas in balloons. After observing the balloons fill with carbon...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physical or Chemical- That is the Question!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners observe the differences between physical and chemical changes in properties. Through the use of an interactive presentation, the students compare and contrast the changes and provide supporting examples of each type of change.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science- Unit on Matter- Solids

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders identify and describe properties of matter. They identify three forms of matter- solids, liquids, and gases with 100% accuracy. The student describes the properties of solid objects.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Experimenting with Physical Changes

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore physical changes. They discuss that physical change is a change in size, shape, or state of matter of a substance. Students explore what change takes place when two substances can dissolve each other. They observe...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physical Changes of Matter

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students solve a mystery using evidence gathered during a science investigation.  In this physical changes instructional activity, students analyze a note written in marker to determine the physical changes the ink from the pen...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Learners participate in various air experiments to understand that air is all around us. In this states of matter lesson, students focus on the role of air in the water cycle. Learners understand that air is densest near the ground....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter, Matter, Everywhere!

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders make inquiry about the existence of matter. A definition of the word is needed before students can engage in various activities. The application of knowing about matter is done in the working of experiments.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changes In Matter, "The Big Chill"

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders investigate why ice cream does not go through any chemical changes when it is exposed to physical changes. They describe the three states of matter in either written or verbal form. Then students experiment with ice cream...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classifying Matter

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders conduct investigations to explore matter. In this states of matter lesson, 2nd graders complete four activities to analyze the three states of matter. Students analyze the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changing States of Matter - Making Ice Cream

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students make ice cream as a result of viewing changes of states of matter. In this matter lesson plan, students learn how heating and cooling can effect a state of matter to change.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physical/Chemical Properties of a Burning Candle

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners investigate the physical and chemical properties of a candle before and after it is lit. They conduct a burning candle experiment, and complete a KWL chart and worksheet, recording the results of the investigation.
Lesson Plan
STEM for Teachers

Temperature and Bounce

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Take part in a fun experiment and hold an impromptu bouncing contest with your class. Young scientists heat and cool balls before bouncing them to determine whether temperature changes affect how they bounce. The set of...
Lesson Plan
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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Don't Mess with Mercury (Lesson C)

For Students 6th - 8th Standards
The health effects of mercury exposure if the focus of the first of three activities about the properties of metals. Pairs research mercury to write, prepare, and share posters, articles, or PSAs with the class. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changing Sugar

For Teachers 6th - 9th
In this chemical and physical change worksheet, students use a sugar cube and observe its physical properties both when it is whole and after it is crushed. They heat the sugar cube and record 5 properties of the matter while being...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ooblek

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students demonstrate the three states of matter. For this matter lesson, students read Bartholomew and the Ooblek. Students create "ooblek" and discuss what state of matter it is.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science- Unit on Matter- Liquids-

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders discover that everything is made of matter. they determine the properties of liquids and that like solids, liquids can be grouped or classified according to properties or qualities. they assess that solids have a definite...