Virginia Department of Education
The Particle Theory of Matter
Demonstrate the particle theory of matter to high school scientists with an engaging experiment that allows them to visually see the results as substances change from one state to another. The class concludes with a discussion about how...
NOAA
Come on Down!
What do we do when a dive is too dangerous for humans to accomplish? Send in the robots! Middle school scientists get acquainted with several different models of submersible robots in the second instructional activity of six from NOAA....
Virginia Department of Education
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Provide high schoolers with their own indoor gardens! Emerging scientists discuss the process of photosynthesis and germinate seeds before growing plants in multiple lighting conditions. The hands-on application allows pupils to see...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Determine Volume of Solids Using Water Displacement
Students explore math functions by completing math equation worksheets. In this inequality instructional activity, students define a list of math terms and discuss the difference between an equation and inequality. Students utilize a...
Curated OER
Comparing Densities of Different Liquids
Students experiment with a variety of liquids to calculate density. In this integrated science and math lesson, students listen to a story in which the characters must prove and explain why 5 "mystery" liquids react in a certain manner....
Curated OER
Introduction to the Scientific Method
Students participate in an experiment and learn to record it using the scientific method. In this biodegradable plastics lesson plan, students follow the scientific method to complete an inquiry. Students complete an experiment with a...
Curated OER
Major Organic Acids in Fruits
Students investigate the organic acids present in a variety of juices. In this organic acids lesson plan, students read about the effects of organic acids in juices. They use paper chromatography to separate out the acids present in a...
Curated OER
Soil Properties
Students explore the porosity of soil. In this soil lesson, students conduct an experiment which shows the porosity of different types of soil. They use sand, silt, and clay to see how soil particles are more or less aerated and thus...
Curated OER
Sig Fig/Measuring Lab
In this significant figure worksheet, students read six diagrams of a graduated cylinder to the proper number of significant figures. They then go to twelve lab stations and record the proper measurement to the appropriate number of...
Curated OER
The Frigid Gourmet
Students make a " science surprise" or ice cream in the lab. In this melting point depression lesson plan, students use various substances with ice to determine the effects on the melting point of ice and the ability to make ice cream....
Curated OER
Enzyme Grabbers
Young scholars perform two experiments to show the properties of enzymes. They use pectinase to produce apple juice from applesauce to show enzyme action and then taste the difference between raw and boiled papaya seeds as evidence of...
Curated OER
Filling the Glass (Water, Air, and Fractions)
Learners predict which of two glasses is 1/2 full using visual estimation, height measurement, and liquid measurement methods. Mathematical equations to accurately solve the problem are determined and verified.
Curated OER
Measurement
Young scholars explore the necessity for standards of measurement and measure length, volume, mass and angles. In this measurement lesson plan, students use their hand and foot to measure objects in the room. They compare their...
Curated OER
Pesticides
Students investigate the uses of pesticides and the pros and cons of their use. In this pesticides lesson, students observe simulations of the three classes of pesticides and the effects or actions each has. Students answer 3 follow up...
Curated OER
Investigating DNA
Students engage in a variety of activities designed to facilitate the understanding of DNA. Activities include preparing human chromosome spreads, separating a mixture of dyes using gel electrophoresis and extracting DNA from onion cells,
Curated OER
DNA Extraction Lab
Students extract DNA and test for its presence from unroasted (raw) wheat germ using a prescribed procedure. They modify the procedure to provide a less expensive, easier method. They also extract DNA from different available plant,...
Curated OER
Taking Estimation and Measurement Outside
Eighth graders gain a better understanding of visual distances and estimation. They actively practice using metric measurement and conversion. Students practice cooperative exploring and team building.
Curated OER
Density as a Unique Physical Property
Students find the density of objects by finding their mass and their volume. In this density lesson plan, students determine the mass of objects, the find the volume by using formulas or by water displacement and they calculate the...
Curated OER
Density
Students find the mass, volume, and density of various objects. For this density measurement lesson, students observe how same-sized objects can have different masses, then use water displacement to find the density of each object and...
Curated OER
Death On Board La Belle: Finding Clues from Old Bones
Students practice analyzing skeletal remains for clues by using the Internet. In this scientific investigation lesson, students research the La Belle shipwreck using the Internet and written materials, later completing a Skeletal Report...
Curated OER
A Comparison of Polymeric Liquids with Newtonian Liquids
Students concretely illustrate and define a macromolecule, observe the unique behavior of polymers and relate to their knowledge of molecules, and use the scientific process to determine the difference between Newtonian and non-Newtonian...
Curated OER
Slimy Cells
Students create three-dimensional cell models. They may choose to make either a plant or animal cell but must use a Ziploc bag as the cell membrane, slime for the cytoplasm, and strawberry baskets for the cell wall if making a plant...
Curated OER
Animal Skin
Students investigate the skin surface to body area ratios for different animals. In this seventh/eighth grade mathematics/science lesson plan, students explore heat transfer between an animal’s body and the environment. Using...
Curated OER
Deep Lights
Young scholars investigate materials that emit light. In this deep ocean lesson, students compare and contrast materials that emit light under certain conditions and infer the light-producing process. They explain three ways this...