Curated OER
Changing the Freezing Point of Water with Salt
First graders explore freezing points. In this science lesson plan, 1st graders determine the temperature at which water freezes, understand why salt water freezes at a lower temperature than plain water, and understand why the string...
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Sedimentary Rocks
In this sedimentary rocks activity, students conduct an experiment where they observe a shallow dish of water and table salt. Then they determine what causes the salt to leave deposits in the pan. Students also describe sedimentary rock...
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Biodegradability
Young scholars test a variety of plastic bags to test its biodegradability. They record their observations and discuss them once the experiment is complete. They identify materials best suited to be placed in a landfill.
Curated OER
Water Issues on Puerto Rico and Oahu: A Comparison of Two Islands
Fifth graders explore how the tow islands receive and use fresh water. They also address some of the threats to the fresh water supply on each island. Students explore the instructional activity objectives through water cycle models...
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Day Six: Floater What Ifs
Young scholars observe earth science by examining results from an experiment. In this buoyancy lesson, students practice floating different items in two different liquids and identify why certain objects will float and others sink. Young...
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Investigating Convection Currents
Students examine how differences in the temperature and salinity of the water help create ocean currents. They perform an experiment which shows how temperature affects the circulation of ocean water.
Curated OER
Did a Chemical Reaction "Really" Occur?
Learners perform several different experiments to observe signs of chemical reactions and determine if reaction has occurred, use search engine to find Internet sites pertaining to chemical reactions, and write up brief summary of site.
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Rain Machine (Solar Still)
Students experiment with a solar still. In this distillation lesson, students find a simple way to use evaporation to make salty water drinkable.
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As a Matter of Fact
Young scholars rotate through various hands-on experiment stations to explore the concept and properties of different types of matter. They compare some properties of solids, liquids and gases and describe how matter changes from one...
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Storm Drain Dumping
Students conduct an experiment to show how water gets contaminated through neighborhood runoffs.
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Photosynthesis: Intake of Carbon Dioxide - Production of Oxygen
Learners, after a long-term observation of photosynthesis with aquatic plants, assess the benefits of photosynthesis towards all living organisms. They explain in their own words the two cycles within photosynthesis. Guided discussion...
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science: Light Up the Ocean
pupils investigate light levels under the ocean by conducting several simulations. After creating solutions representing seawater, they shine a light sensor on it to discover how light diffuses and is absorbed by the impurities in the...
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Ice Energy
Young scholars explore how chemicals change water. In this chemical change lesson, students participate in an experiment to observe how salt effects ice and how ice cream freezes.
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Water Quality and Temperature
Students evaluate the effects of temperature changes on the metabolic rate of a clam. Conclusion questions are addressed which help students to process and articulate their experiences.
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It's Too Salty!
Students examine water shortage and the process of changing salt water to fresh water. They examine a world map, define key vocabulary terms, conduct experiments involving seeds and salt water and creating distilled water, and illustrate...
Michigan Sea Grant
Water Quantity
It may be tricky for a young mind to conceptualize that less than 1% of all water on earth is useable for humans to drink. Simulating the amount of fresh water available on earth by removing measured amounts of water from a five-gallon...
Curated OER
What is an Estuary?
Students define the terms estuary and watershed. They conduct an experiment to determine the density differences between fresh and saltwater. They examine the salinity distribution of the Peconic Bay Estuary.
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The Intertidal Zone: Tides and How Creatures Survive
Students study the properties of ocean water and tides and learn about animals that live in intertidal zones. In this intertidal zone lesson plan, students participate in classroom stations to learn about fresh water and salt water, cold...
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Water Density Boundaries
Young scholars create observable layers in water that represent a separation based upon density differences. They model density boundaries using differences in temperature and salinity. They, in groups, perform a meaningful experiment...
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Current Interactions
Students design an experiment to see how wind, temperature, and salinity work together to influence ocean currents and present it in a report format. They explain to their classmates how experiment findings relate to ocean currents.
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We All Scream for Ice Cream
Students make ice cream while experimenting with the freezing point of water. They experiment with different amounts of salt.
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Bouncing Popcorn
Third graders meet a teacher challenge to work like chemists. They investigate with baking soda, water, salt, sugar, vinegar, and sprite to move a popcorn kernel from the bottom of a cup to the top. They experiment with different...
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Storm Drain Dumping
Students develop an awareness of what happens to water contaminated through neighborhood runoffs. Students perform an experiment that shows what happens to runoff when it's diverted to different places.
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Aquatic Communities
Students watch a video about aquatic communities. They conduct an experiment that shows how movement of rivers change the landscape. They compare fresh and salt water communities and its wildlife.