Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's Wrong With Nuclear Power, Anyway?

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students see that the production and use of nuclear energy has been both praised and condemned as a source of electrical power for our daily living. They examine the reasons for the conflict of opinions in our society.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nanoscience and Sunscreen

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students use the topic of sunscreen to explore the "issues related to size and scale" as energy and matter interact. They compare the visible opacity of different substances to their ability to block ultraviolet radiation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ionic Chemical Formulas Days 1 & 2

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study polyatomic ions and write binary and ternary ionic chemical formulas. They explore putting together different monatomic ions and coming up with as many chemical formulas as possible. They play a game similar to memory...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Effects of Temperature on Chemical Mixtures

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore chemical cahnges and the effect of temperature on chemical mixturees, They make observations of the behavior and appearance of certain chemical mixtures and reactions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Radioactivity Experiments

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the difference between types of ionizing radiation and how elements are transmuted. They determine that radiation is normal and surrounds us. They calculate the amounts of alpha, beta and gamma radiation emitted from a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to the Periodic Table

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate the different elements of the Periodic Table. In this chemistry lesson, 8th graders pick an element to research, then present to the class using a powerpoint presentation or a poster.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Acids and Bases: Together again!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify principles behind acid-base reactions. They predict factors that may affect an acid-base reaction. Students identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemistry & The Community

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students complete a Webquest which investigates the chemistry in items such as shampoo. They research the Internet, perform a lab experiment, and write a scientific lab report with their findings. Upon completion of the activities, the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Periodic Table Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils describe how elements are arranged on the periodic table. They compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their properties and on their locations in the periodic table. Students describe the differences between a period...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Periodic Table

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the periodic table and how it was developed.  In this chemistry instructional activity students identify common properties and uses of elements within a family. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnetic Spectrum/Spectroscopy

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine the electromagnetic spectrum and demonstrate the elements within.  In this investigative lesson students complete a demonstration and calculate the energy of a photon. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cell physiology and chemistry

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students design an experiment to discriminate between chemical diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion and active transport through a membrane. Be specific about predictions and interpretations!
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Poster Assignment: Sports Chemistry

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders distinguish between chemical and physical properties and changes in matter when given specific examples. They view a video of sports activities. Students chose their favorite sport and design an experiment to improve sports...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Radiation

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students distinguish between natural and man-made radiation. They measure radiation using a Geiger counter and investigate footprints of radiation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mighty Minerals

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals. They make a list of the uses of minerals found in Illinois. They write a report individually based on their observations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Limiting Reagent

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students work in small groups with a small set of 8 nuts and 5 bolts to assemble into combinations of 1 nut: 1 bolt, and 2 nuts: 1 bolt. They explore the outcome and discuss. Then a student mixes two clear, colorless solutions together...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Physical Setting

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners study atoms and their protons and neutrons.  For this physical setting lesson students work together to complete a lab activity. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nuclear Power

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students take on the role of members of a concerned citizens group and discuss the transportation of spent-fuel rods from a local nuclear power plant and the safety issues that surround the power plant. Students work in groups to write...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Periodic Trends

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the rationale behind the arrangement of the elements on the Periodic Table. Using internet and traditional research, students compare and contrast the properties of elements on the periodic table to determine a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Carbon Cycle

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine the carbon cycle, periodic table, and photosynthesis and respiration. They analyze the periodic table and how it is organized, then complete the "Elementary, Dear Watson" worksheet. Students then examine a carbon...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter and Energy

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students participate in a small group read aloud of the short story, "Cerium" by Primo Levi. They answer several questions about the story and then relate the reading to a lecture on Kinetic theory. After the lecture they apply the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

States of Matter Mini-Unit

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers identify he phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas), and why they take place. They comprehend what a physical change is and what a chemical change is. Students know the difference between a Mixture and a Solution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oxygen

For Teachers K - 12th
Students explore oxygen and its physical and chemical propeties.  In this investigative activity students complete several experiments using oxygen.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Periodic Table

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the metallic and nonmetallic elements on the Periodic Table. They identify the characteristics of these elements.