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
Probes, Exploration and Application
Students examine the benefits of the space program to our life on earth. In this space exploration instructional activity students participate in a lab, answer questions and study radar mapping.
Curated OER
Experiments with Photovoltaic Cells
Students explain how sunlight is converted to electricity. In this series of physics lesson, students study how varying the characteristics of the light source affect photovoltaic cells. They research their different uses in other...
Curated OER
Up and Down We Go
Students explore physics concepts such as velocity, acceleration and speed to create a model of a safe roller coaster. They design and conduct a lab to demonstrate the properties of an object fired horizontally and at an angle.
Curated OER
Why Opposites Attract: Observing Magnetic Fields
Students brainstorm background knowledge and any questions they may have about magnetic fields. They investigate the role that William Gilbert had in laying the groundwork for modern experimental science. Students observe magnetic fields...
Curated OER
Plate Tectonics Boundaries
Students discover how to create a model of tectonic plates and study the interactions of these plates as they slowly move on the asthenosphere. They see and experience what happens at each type of plate boundary and why there are certain...
Curated OER
Ants In Motion
Students brainstorm ants and their characteristics in a class discussion. They observe the ants and answer question pertaining to their behavior; then they apply the scientific method in creating and investigating a problem.
Curated OER
Simulation of Gene Splicing
Students simulate gene splicing by examining bacteria. They create a bacterial DNA into which they insert the human DNA (gene) that codes for growth hormone. They cut the sites of the enzyme to study how the human DNA can be joined to...
Curated OER
Viewing Viruses
Students view the characteristics of viruses following the 5-E learning model. By participating in discrepant events Students observe the impact of viruses over humans. By participating in discussion students examine the characteristics...
Curated OER
Reflection and Absorption of Light
Students use a microcomputer connected to a light sensor and temperature probe to explore the reflection and absorption of radiation for different surfaces. Students follow instructions in this guided inquiry based lab and are then asked...
Curated OER
Projectile Motion
Twelfth graders experiment with a projectile that is launched horizontally after a demonstration and small discussion about two pennies, one dropping from a table top and the other being slide off the top and hitting the ground at about...
Curated OER
Momentum and Energy
Middle schoolers study how to calculate momentum, kinetic, and potential energy. They apply each form of energy to real world situations including demonstrations, watching videos, and designing a Power Point presentation. They...
Curated OER
Genetics Mendelian
Students explore genetic terms, the Law of Dominance and the contributions of Gregor Mendel. After discussing Mendel's lab and his pea plants students observe examples of a phenotype chart. Afterward, they conduct their own lab to...
Curated OER
Chemquest: Physical Changes or Chemical Reactions
Learners study the differences between physical and chemical changes. In this chemical reactions lesson plan students participate in an indoor and outdoor lab activity.
Curated OER
Antacid Lesson Plan
Eleventh graders use titration methods to study properties of antacids. They look at the strength, effectiveness, PH, and effect of supplements taken at the same time. They make observations after the different mixtures are combined and...
Curated OER
Butterfly Life Cycles
Students study the butterfly life cycle. In this interdisciplinary life cycles lesson, students study the life cycle of a butterfly, their migration habits, and the culture of the region in Mexico where butterflies migrate to in the winter.
Curated OER
BIoluminescence
High schoolers investigate the concept of bioluminescence. They use dinoflagellates in a lab situation to study photosynthesis. They conduct research into the concept using a variety of resources. Also the class is taken on a field trip...
Curated OER
From Polymers to Bioplastics: Looking Toward Finding Renewable Resources
Students investigate the properties of polymers. For this chemistry lesson, students explain the importance of energy sources. They produce a bioplastic from the lab and evaluate its structural integrity.
Curated OER
Form and Function in the Marine Environment
Students study the relationship of form and function in the marine environment.
Curated OER
Genetics: Who are you?
Study, manipulate, and research genetic traits. Discuss how genetic traits are passed from one generation to another. Classmates explore how they look like their parents and debate whether or not they can do anything about it? They...
Curated OER
Model Mania
Eighth graders study the conservation of matter. In this chemical reaction lesson students examine what happens during a chemical reaction and complete a lab activity.
Curated OER
The Earth's Energy Budget
Students study the Earth's energy budget. In this investigative lesson students observe a lab that shows all aspects of heat transfer and light processes.
Curated OER
Field Trip - Marine Science Institute
Students discover the ocean life of the San Francisco Bay. In this ocean instructional activity, students take a Discovery Voyage of the Bay ecosystem through the Marine Science Institute. Also available are inland voyages, ocean labs,...
Curated OER
Paper Gliders
Sixth graders study friction and drag. In this science lesson plan, 6th graders use different models of gliders and test to see which of the gliders fly the farthest. Students analyze their data and construct a graph.