Classroom Resources: Chemistry Basics

51 – 75 of 125 Classroom Resources

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  Interdisciplinary, Elements | High School

  Activity: Investigating the Chemistry under Your School

  In this activity, students investigate the earth chemistry under their school by examining what rocks or other materials are found there use geological maps. Students determine how the rocks are affected by surface conditions, like the weather.

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  Electromagnetic Spectrum, Interdisciplinary | Elementary School, Middle School, High School

  Activity: Animation Activity: Electromagnetic Spectrum

  In this activity, students will view an animation that explores the electromagnetic spectrum, with a focus on the visible spectrum. The animation addresses the relationship between color, wavelength, frequency, and energy of light waves, as well as how an object absorbs and reflects certain wavelengths of light to contribute to the color we perceive.

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  Electromagnetic Spectrum, Interdisciplinary | Middle School, High School, Elementary School

  Animation: The Electromagnetic Spectrum Animation

  This animation explores the electromagnetic spectrum, with a focus on the visible spectrum. It addresses the relationship between color, wavelength, frequency, and energy of light waves, as well as how an object absorbs and reflects certain wavelengths of light to contribute to the color we perceive. This animation was featured in the May 2020 issue of Chemistry Solutions. **This video has no spoken audio**

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  Percent Composition, Intermolecular Forces, Interdisciplinary, Elements | High School

  Activity: Investigating how the Chemistry of Plate Tectonics Affects Volcanoes

  In this activity, students will learn about the impact chemistry has on plate tectonics and volcanoes. Students will analyze graphs and charts in order to better understand these topics during this investigation.

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  Introduction, Culminating Project, Review, Interdisciplinary | High School

  Activity: Chemists in the Real World

  In this activity, students will research a variety of chemistry careers to learn about job options in the field of chemistry. Students who often ask “when am I ever going to use this?!” can find some real-world examples of people who use chemistry in their jobs.

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  Photosynthesis, Interdisciplinary | Elementary School

  Activity: Sunshine for Life

  In this activity, students will become familiar with the chemistry components of photosynthesis. They will use role-play and/or demonstrations to describe the purpose of photosynthesis in this activity.

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  Density, Interdisciplinary, Elements | High School

  Activity: Applying Density to Earth

  In this activity, students will analyze data related to elevation and rock composition, in order to better understand the impact that density has on earth chemistry.

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  Introduction, Interdisciplinary, History, Heat, Renewable Energy, Polymers, Molecular Structure | Middle School, High School

  Video: Frontiers of Chemistry

  This video explores new scientific developments that were made possible by the application of fundamental chemistry concepts. Students will learn about exciting advances in science and technology focused on three main topics: Solar Cells, 3D Printing and Micro Machines.

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  Radiation, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Heat, Temperature, Experimental Design, Graphing, Interdisciplinary | Middle School, High School

  Lesson Plan: The Ozone Layer

  In this lesson, students will develop an explanation for the consequences of ozone depletion on Earth by planning and carrying out an investigation. Students will use analysis and interpretation of data to develop a model to explain the cause and effect of Ozone depletion on the planet Earth.

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  Interdisciplinary, Elements, Molecular Structure, Molecular Formula | High School

  Activity: Discovering Minerals as Naturally Occurring Compounds

  In this activity, students will learn about the basics of earth chemistry. Students will investigate and analyze the composition of various minerals, while drawing connections to their chemistry content knowledge. Additionally, students will examine the chemical make-up of the earth’s crust and interpret associated data.

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  Photosynthesis, Interdisciplinary | Elementary School, Middle School

  Lesson Plan: Investigating Photosynthesis

  In this lesson, students will build knowledge through reading an assigned passage, as well as analyze evidence produced from a teacher led demonstration to better understand the process of photosynthesis.

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  Molecular Structure, Intermolecular Forces, Ionic Bonding, Covalent Bonding, Metallic Bonding, Polarity, Intramolecular Forces, Chemical Properties, Physical Properties, Interdisciplinary, Culminating Project | High School

  Project: Problem-Solving with Materials

  In this project, students will develop a presentation to explain how and why a specific material can solve a problem. The explanation will involve researching the properties of the material and how its properties are suited for solving a specific problem.

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  Review, Interdisciplinary, History | Middle School, High School

  Project: Create a Chemistry App

  In this project, students will use Google accounts to create chemistry-themed apps, with no programming required. They will create a Google Drive spreadsheet containing scientific information, and link it to a free account on Glideapps.com. They will personalize the app on the Glideapps website. The resulting app will be available to view on devices that have the correct link.

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  Polymers, Interdisciplinary, Culminating Project | Middle School, High School

  Lesson Plan: Cleaning-up the Plastic Island

  In this lesson, students will develop an understanding of the chemistry of plastics and apply their knowledge in order to engineer a cost effective and environmentally friendly method to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

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  Introduction, Interdisciplinary, History, Heat, Renewable Energy, Polymers, Molecular Structure | Middle School, High School

  Activity: The Frontiers of Chemistry: Video Questions

  In this activity, students will answer questions while watching a video about several exciting scientific developments, including solar cells, 3D printing and micro machines. This video will help students understand that fundamental chemistry concepts are essential to the advancement of science and technology.

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  Indicators, Interdisciplinary | Middle School, High School

  Lab: Exhaling Acid

  In this lab students will observe how increased carbon dioxide levels lead to a build-up of acidic conditions.

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  Physical Properties, Observations, Interdisciplinary | Elementary School

  Lab: Soil Permeability

  In this lab, students will learn about the draining properties of different types of soil and how it affects the type of plants that can grow in those soils.

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  Observations, Interdisciplinary | Elementary School

  Lab: The pH of Soil

  In this lab, students will determine and compare the pH of different types of soil from their school, homes, or neighborhoods. Students will then decide what types of plants can grow in acidic or alkaline soils.

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  Conservation of Matter, Matter, Interdisciplinary, Renewable Energy, Conservation of Matter | Elementary School

  Lab: Reuse, Reduce and Recycle!

  In this lab students will explore ways to conserve natural resources. They will then have the opportunity to create their own recycled paper that can be used in the classroom.

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  Physical Properties, Matter, Physical Change, Interdisciplinary, Separating Mixtures, Mixtures | Elementary School

  Activity: Creating Finger-Paint from Rocks

  In this activity, the students will explore the physical properties of different rocks. Students will have the opportunity to physically change the rocks, and make them part of a mixture in order to create finger paint.

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  Physical Properties, Density, Separating Mixtures, Matter, Culminating Project, Interdisciplinary, Phase Changes | Elementary School, Middle School

  Activity: The Castaway!

  In this activity, students use their knowledge of the properties of matter to create and/or design items needed for survival on a deserted island.

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  Physical Properties, Density, Chemical Properties, Matter, Interdisciplinary | Middle School, Elementary School

  Activity: Astronaut on a Mission

  In this activity students will take on the role as a NASA employee on a mission to discover what resources humans need in order to survive on a planet outside of our solar system. Students will come up with a plan including a list of materials and resources needed to sustain life on another planet. They will need to compare each planet and determine which is most ready to support life.

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  Concentration, Mixtures, Interdisciplinary, Scientific Method, Measurements | Middle School, High School

  Lab: Effect of Salt Concentration on Plants

  In this lab, students will observe how salt concentration can affect the structure of a potato tuber.

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  Molecular Structure , Molecular Structure, Molecular Formula, Naming Compounds, Chemical Bond, Interdisciplinary, Introduction | Middle School, High School

  Activity: Modeling Carbohydrates

  In this activity, students will identify that organic compounds contain carbon and other elements such as hydrogen and oxygen. They will investigate the structure of different organic and inorganic compounds and model several molecules, including a carbohydrate molecule. They will use their models to help understand how larger molecules are broken down into smaller molecules.

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  Conservation of Mass, Chemical Change, Interdisciplinary, Culminating Project, Phase Changes, Chemical Change | Middle School, High School

  Project: Law of Conservation of Mass Comic Strip

  In this project, students will work in groups to create a comic strip that illustrates understanding of the law of conservation of mass.