National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Biomass: Biogas Generator
It's a gas. Middle schoolers build a biogas generator following the directions in this resource. After a few days of observation, they demonstrate that the gas given off by the decomposing manure is flammable. The activity concludes as...
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Investigating Motion, Forces, and Energy Lab Book
Eighth graders create their own experiements using toy trucks, cars or balls to measure the time it takes two of them to travel 5 meters, as well as at each 1 meter interval. They make use computers to make a time/distance graph and...
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Authentic Assessment/ Lab Practicum (Video format)
Young scholars are given this authentic assessment format after the study of any laboratory activity (or group of labs). It's purpose is to replace the lab practicum when it is not possible to do a real set-up and /or to serve as a...
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Weather Instrument Use and Application
Eighth graders measure temperature, wind speed and pressure using Skymaster SM-28. In this earth science instructional activity, 8th graders collect data and record observations taken from outdoors. They explain why numerical values are...
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Using Magnetotactic Bacteria to Study Natural Selection
Students demonstrate that living organisms may possess incredible adaptations which enable them to survive. They observe bacteria that are able to orient themselves using the Earth's magnetic field and formulate a hypothesis as to how...
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SEPARATION OF A STARCH-GLUCOSE MIXTURE USING GEL FILTRATION
Learners make a starch-glucose solution and pour it through gel in order to separate the starch from the glucose. They examine how starch is a larger molecule than glucose and test for the presence of these substances using other...
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Separating a Starch-Glucose Mixture Using Gel Filtration
Students experiment using the basic principles of gel filtration. They use the gel filtration technique for testing for the presence of specific substances. Students discover that starch is a larger molecule than glucose.
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Promoting Inquiry Throught Computer-Based Labs
Student Teachers are given the opportunity to examine how to use a computer-based laboratory for inquiry. The practice is done to teach future teachers how to use these tools so they can be ready for use in the classroom environment.
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Are You a Trend Setter?
Students are introduced to the periodic table of elements. They devise and perform and experiment in which they determine the density of specific elements. They use their results to predict the density of other elements in the same group.
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A Visit To The Station
Learners discuss the role of the firefighter. In this firefighter lesson, students visit a fire station and see the equipment that firefighters use. They complete a math page on numbers and write a journal entry describing their fire...
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Gravimetric Determination of the Nonvolatile Content of Paint
Here are the instructions for leading your advanced chemists though the process of measuring the nonvolatile components in a sample of paint. No student handout is provided, so you may want to create one based on the procedure explained....
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Vive Le Quebec Libre!
Students use video, the Internet and CD-ROM's to investigate the cultural and linguistic traditions of Quebec, Canada. They identify the reasons behind the secession from Canada movement.
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Pendulums
First-time physicists experiment with pendulums in this physics activity. They vary the weight of the bob, record how long each takes to complete ten period swings, and then calculate the time for one period. They repeat the procedure,...
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Comparing Roots After Rotation of Ninety Degrees
Students conduct an experiment and use different measurements of a single root to illustrate the mechanism of plant movement.
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Observing the Growth of a Maize Root
Students conduct an experiment in order to observe the typical downward growth of a maize root. They become familiar with the root's growth patterns to use as a control for comparison in other experiments.
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WATER QUALITY FOR FRESHWATER ORGANISMS
Students use determination of dissolved oxygen and water temperature changes to determine the environmental impact from thermal pollution.
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Series or Parallel?
Physics classes that are studying electricity connect photovoltaic cells into both series and parallel circuits. Inquiry and critical thinking come into play as learners try to determine which circuit is more productive. They associate...
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Heat of an Unknown Metal
Eighth graders complete labs to find the specific heat of many different types of substances, and use characteristic property to identify an unknown metal. CBL be used to determine energy lost or gained, and students complete a...
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Simple Machines - Graphics, Experiments, Animation
Twelfth graders display simple machines through the use of graphics, experiments, and animation. They apply problem solving and design and skills.
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Student - Designed Density Experiment and Poster
In this student-designed experiment worksheet, middle schoolers decide on an experimental problem to solve. Students use the scientific method to perform an experiment and record the data. Middle schoolers calculate the density of liquid...
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What Influences Reaction Rate?
Middle schoolers study reaction rates, what determines how fast a reaction happens and how the chemical changes occur. In this reactions lesson students complete a lab where they use Alka-Seltzer to observe reaction rate and create...
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Group Rotation
Ninth graders review lab equipment safety procedures and utilize safe and behavior while there. They then edit and combine digital photographs to create realistic images using Adobe Photoshop.
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Scientific Method "Lab Writeup"
High schoolers analyze and experience the scientific method. They discuss the various steps of the method, conduct various experiments, and write a three-paragraph essay regarding their conclusion.
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Using Excel to Draw a Best Fit Line
Middle schoolers create line graphs for given data in Microsoft Excel. Students follow step by step instructions on how to create their graph, including how to create a trend line. Middle schoolers print graphs without trend lines and...