Classroom Resources: Chemistry Basics

1 – 25 of 60 Classroom Resources

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  Physical Properties, Observations | Elementary School

  Activity: Magnets and Metals

  In this activity, students will investigate magnets and see that they attract some metals but not others. Students will also get a chance to make a magnet “wand” to move a “skater” on a pretend frozen lake.

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  Observations, Mixtures, Physical Properties, Molecular Structure | Elementary School, Middle School

  Demonstration: Investigating Hand Sanitizer and Soap

  In this demonstration, students will consider the purpose of using both hand sanitizer and soap to wash their hands. They will observe a model of the interaction between hand sanitizer particles and virus particles, as well as between soap particles and virus particles to gain a better understanding of how soaps and sanitizers work.

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  Solubility, Observations | Elementary School, Middle School

  Activity: Paper Flower Blossoms

  In this activity, students will investigate solubility by using a combination of washable markers and permanent ink to color a paper flower. The petals of the flower will be folded, and then placed in a shallow dish of water. Students will be intrigued by the outcome as they observe several changes occur. Using their knowledge of several fundamental chemistry topics, student will explain their observations using evidence and modeling.

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  Density, Observations, Inferences | Elementary School, Middle School, High School

  Activity: Animation Activity: Density

  In this activity, students will view an animation that explores density on the particulate level. There are opportunities to make qualitative and quantitative comparisons between substances.

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  Physical Change, Chemical Change, Observations | Elementary School, Middle School

  Lab: Comparing Physical and Chemical Changes

  In this lab, students will analyze different scenarios in order to determine if a physical or chemical change has occurred. This lab experience will provide students with the opportunity to record observations, as well as improve their ability to differentiate between physical and chemical changes.

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  Physical Properties, Observations, Matter | Elementary School

  Lab: Investigating the Physical Properties of Everyday Items

  In this lab, students will collect and analyze ordinary, everyday items in order to learn more about physical properties. Students will record data about each item, and then classify their items according to their properties.

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  Scientific Method, Observations, Experimental Design, Physical Properties | Elementary School

  Lab: Stains, Stains, Go Away

  In this lab, students will become more familiar with the scientific method as they investigate what type of cleaning product is best. Students will identify variables as they carry out a controlled test to compare the ability of different products to remove a ketchup stain.

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  Scientific Method, Observations, Experimental Design | Elementary School, Middle School

  Lab: Introducing the Scientific Method

  In this lab, students will be introduced to and become familiar with the scientific method. They will apply their understanding by following the steps of the scientific method while investigating the amount of fat in potato chips.

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  Observations, Mixtures, Chemical Change, Physical Change, Chemical Change, pH | Elementary School

  Demonstration: The Chemistry of Cheese

  In this demonstration, students will observe the chemical process that occurs when making cheese. Students will be become more familiar with fundamental chemistry terms while making important observations.

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  Molecular Motion, Temperature, Observations, Inferences | Elementary School

  Demonstration: How Does Temperature Affect Water Molecules?

  In this demonstration, students will observe models to better understand that temperature affects molecular movements.

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  Density, Observations, Physical Properties | Elementary School

  Lab: Under the Sea: A Density Aquarium!

  In this lab, students will create a density aquarium. They will develop a written response comparing and contrasting the densities of the various objects within the aquarium. This lab is designed for students to work in groups after they have an understanding of density and other physical properties.

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  Observations, Physical Properties, Chemical Properties | Elementary School

  Activity: Junior Technologist of Floor Care

  In this activity students will take the role of the Junior Technologist of Floor Care, whereby students have the opportunity to study the properties of a chemical used for finishing floor tile. They will examine the tiles appearance to discover which chemical provides the best sheen and durability.

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  Matter, Physical Properties, Observations | Elementary School

  Activity: Is Air Matter?

  In this activity, students will conduct an investigation to discover whether or not air is a form of matter. Students will first gather data, and then make a claim. They will communicate their claim in writing, using their data to support their claim.

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  Physical Properties, Observations, Matter | Elementary School

  Activity: Describing Physical Properties

  In this activity, students will use their five senses to describe the physical properties of a variety of items. Students will also determine what state of matter the item is, and categorize it accordingly. Students will practice using vocabulary words as they record their observations in a data table.

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  Chemical Change, Chemical Change, Observations | Elementary School, Middle School

  Lab: It's Alive

  In this lab, students will practice making and recording observations, analyzing data, and identifying chemical change. They will transfer dirt, germs, and bacteria from their hands onto a piece of white bread and observe the changes that occur during the following days. Students will analyze the results, make comparisons between clean and dirty samples of bread and learn about the importance of hand-cleaning.

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  History, Physical Properties, Matter, Observations | Elementary School, Middle School, High School

  Activity: Ancient Chemistry Video Questions

  In this activity, students will watch a video about the history of chemistry. They will answer questions while learning about the history of chemistry, starting with the discovery of fire, progressing through the various metal ages, and be introduced to the great philosophers.

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  Chemical Change, Chemical Change, Physical Change, Observations, Indicators | Elementary School

  Lesson Plan: Explorations of Baking Soda and Vinegar

  In this lesson, students complete a series of simple lab experiments to better understand chemical reactions as well as differentiate between chemical change and physical change. Students will also be introduced to the pH scale, and have the opportunity to understand how chemical reactions can be used in real-world scenarios.

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  Physical Properties, Physical Change, Observations, Polymers | Elementary School, Middle School

  Lab: Paper or Plastic?

  In this lab students will research and compare the physical properties of various types of plastic bags. The recorded data will be analyzed by students, and they will use the results to design a plastic bag to meet a given set of criteria.

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  Physical Change, Physical Properties, Observations | Elementary School

  Lab: Changing Shape

  In this lab students will analyze the physical properties of different materials in order to investigate their elasticity. They will learn how to differentiate between objects that can easily change shape and those that cannot. Also they will see that some objects can change shape, but can also return to their original shape. As the students learn about material properties, they will also determine what materials can be recycled.

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  Separating Mixtures, Observations, Physical Properties, Conservation of Matter | Elementary School

  Activity: How is Chemistry Used in Your Everyday Life?

  In this lesson the students will become familiar with some ways that chemistry is present in their everyday lives. The teacher will read a book and show a short video about how a plastic bottle is made. Following these activities, students will interact with a variety of materials made of plastic, ultimately organizing them according to the recycling code printed on the bottom of each or by physical properties. Finally students will collect data and have an opportunity to construct a graph based on their data.

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  Physical Properties, Observations, Mixtures | Elementary School

  Lab: Ferromagnetic Fluid

  In this lab students will investigate the properties of ferromagnetic fluid and magnetism. Students will also have the opportunity to complete research about magnetic properties to help answer analysis questions.

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  Mixtures, Polarity, Observations, Physical Properties | Elementary School

  Demonstration: Colorful Milk

  In this demonstration, students will observe as the teacher creates several colorful mixtures. Using food coloring, water and milk, students will watch the colors swirl and mix. Students will have the opportunity to make a prediction about what will happen to the colors when a sample of soap is introduced to the mixture.

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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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  Separating Mixtures, Observations | Elementary School

  Lab: Settle that Soil

  In this lab, students will learn about what properties constitute soil and how it is different than “dirt.” Students will also be able to distinguish the difference between sand, silt, and clay.