Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Particulate Matter

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders examine the different types of pollutants. In this environmental science lesson, 7th graders observe particulate matter under a microscope. They explain how these can affect once health when breathed in large quantities...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Colors of Chemistry

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Learners investigate the acidity and alkalinity of common household products in an experiment. They use red cabbage juice and litmus paper to show the difference between strong acids and bases as they work with vinegar, dish washing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Properties of Magnetic Forces

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students explore what a magnetic force is and what kinds of objects are attracted to a magnet. They use a magnet to sort objects taht are and are not attracted to a magnet. Students then explain why the objects were or were not...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Photoelectric Effect

For Teachers 9th - 12th
After some online instruction, chemistry aces use their creative abilities to produce a poster describing the photoelectric effect and one type of imaging technology that uses electromagnetic radiation. This simple, straightforward...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

To See or Not to See: The Colors of Light

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders describe and conduct an experiment that identifies the physical properties of light. They explore sources of visible light and an electromagnetic spectrum. Students explain the conversion of one form of energy to another.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Carbon: Structure Matters

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the molecular structure of matter and how it can affect the physical characteristics of a specific material. They investigate the role carbon plays in the chemistry of life.
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
Curated OER

HOW SMALL AM I? THE SCIENCE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers study nanotechnology and investigate the dimensions of a nanoscale.  In this nanometer study lesson students will see how truly small a nanometer is by measuring things such as a piece of hair.
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Density

For Students 6th - 8th
Certain things just do not mix, including liquids of varying densities. Learners collect data to determine the densities of several liquids. They then use the density information to predict the type of liquid.
Lesson Plan
University of Georgia

Splat!

For Students 9th - 12th
What does viscosity have to do with splatter? An activity shows that the viscosity of a substance is inversely proportional to the distance of its splatter. Learners conduct the experiment by collecting data, graphing, and analyzing...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Atomic Bonding

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Explore the connection of surface area to bonding within atoms. Learners complete lab investigations to model changing surface area with different sizes and concentrations of atoms. A flour fireball demonstration follows the labs to...
Lesson Plan
Science Friday

Microorganisms on the Move

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
You can't b. cereus until you see this lesson! Young microbiologists learn to prepare deep well slides, observe two types of microorganisms, and compare and contrast their physical characteristics in this interactive and lively activity.
Lesson Plan
NEED Project

Calibrating Thermometers

For Teachers 4th - 8th Standards
Engage young scientists in the upper-elementary and middle school grades with this collection of simple experiments. Whether you're teaching about heat transfer, density, or potential energy this resource has a lab for you.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classifying Matter Game

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Pupils identify the different states of matter. In this chemistry lesson, students differentiate the physical properties of the three states. They apply what they learned by playing a team game at the end of the lesson.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spectroscope

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine how to apply conservation of energy and properties of matter to a spectroscope.  In this energy lesson students build their own spectroscope and observe three kinds of spectra.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Science of Weather: Hurricanes

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students use this USA today activity to learn about hurricane season. For this hurricane lesson, students study the map of the earth and hurricane science. Students complete discuss questions. Students draw a map of the United States and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Activity #7 Special Properties: A Discussion

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify special properties of matter (absorbency, hardness, brittleness, malleability, and elasticity). They define the term matter. Pupils investigate some of the special properties of matter to aid in classifying matter.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Phases of Matter

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students describe the motion of solids, liquids and gases. In this chemistry lesson, students describe how temperature affect motion of the particles. They determine the physical properties of each phase.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Net "Working"

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Upper elementary and middle schoolers explore the properties of various polygons. They use video, resource links, and engage in hands-on activities in order to construct geometric nets. This fine plan should lead to increased...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ice Cream

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Open this instructional activity by giving a brief history of ice cream. Using liquid nitrogen to lower the temperature, preteens make their own confection. The accompanying activity sheet queries learners about freezing point, the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What State Are You?

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students identify three states of matter and recognize plasma as fourth state. They provide examples of matter that are classified in particular state and identify properties of each state of matter.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solids, Liquids and Gases

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students are introduced to the various states of matter. After watching a video, they discover how to compare the three states using its shape and volume. In groups, they participate in an experiment with solids, liquids and gases and...
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Soap, Slime, and Creative Chromatography

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Do you think chromatography paper suffers from separation anxiety? Young chemists make soap, slime, silly putty, and experiment with chromatography in this lesson. The material includes clear instructions for each experiment along with...
Lesson Plan
Messenger Education

Cooling with Sunshades

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Messenger's sun shade measures 8 ft x 6 ft and will have temperatures reaching 700 degree Fahrenheit on the outside while maintaining a cool 70 degrees underneath. In the third activity of four, groups discuss the basic properties of...