1 – 25 of 167 Classroom Resources

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  Observations, Interdisciplinary | Middle School

  Lab: Jello Lenses Mark as Favorite (1 Favorite)

  In this lab activity students will explore and compare how different lenses made from Jello can magnify text. Student lab groups will make Jello lenses using different sized measuring spoons, small bowls, and cookie dough scoops. They will then observe if the size of the lens changes magnification.

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  Chemical Change, Observations, Redox Reaction, Electron Transfer, Oxidation Number, Chemical Change, Activation Energy | High School

  Lesson Plan: Cyanotypes: Taking Pictures with the Sun Mark as Favorite (7 Favorites)

  In this lesson, students will read about the chemistry behind two photographic methods, including cyanotypes, and then prepare their own sun-sensitive cyanotype paper from two different types of paper. They will place items of their choosing on the prepared papers, place them in the sunlight, and develop and compare the images. Finally, students will be asked to think about different variables they could test with adjustments to the original procedures.

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  Identifying an Unknown, Solutions, Solubility, States of Matter, Melting Point, Phase Changes, Acids & Bases, pH, Strong vs Weak, Observations, Molecular Motion | High School

  Activity: Simulation Activity: Identifying Unknowns with Safety Data Sheets Mark as Favorite (6 Favorites)

  In this activity, students will use a simulation to learn about some of the sections of a safety data sheet (SDS) and how the information on SDSs can be used not only for safety purposes but also for identifying unknowns. Specifically, students will use “Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties” to distinguish between two or three substances with similar appearances in a variety of lab-based scenarios. Particle diagrams are also included to help students visualize the substances’ behavior on a particulate level.

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  Physical Properties, Observations | Elementary School

  Activity: Magnets and Metals Mark as Favorite (0 Favorites)

  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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  Physical Properties, Physical Change, Observations, Identifying an Unknown, Lab Safety, Covalent Bonding, Ionic Bonding, Intermolecular Forces, Molecular Motion | High School

  Animation: Physical Properties and Particle Interaction Animation Mark as Favorite (16 Favorites)

  This animation explores the relationship between physical properties and particle-level interactions. Particle diagrams of common household substances are used to illustrate that forces of attraction influence melting points. Similarly, particle diagrams of the same substances dissolved in water are used to compare their conductivity in solution. This animation was featured in the November 2023 issue of Chemistry Solutions. **This video has no audio**

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  Physical Properties, Physical Change, Observations, Identifying an Unknown, Lab Safety, Molecules & Bonding, Covalent Bonding, Ionic Bonding, Intermolecular Forces, Molecular Motion, Solutions, Conductivity, States of Matter, Melting Point, Intermolecular Forces, Molecular Motion | High School

  Activity: Animation Activity: Physical Properties and Particle Interaction Mark as Favorite (10 Favorites)

  In this activity, students will view an animation that explores the relationship between physical properties and particle-level interactions. Particle diagrams of common household substances are used to illustrate that forces of attraction influence melting points. Similarly, particle diagrams of the same substances dissolved in water are used to compare their conductivity in solution.

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  Electromagnetic Spectrum, Observations, Scientific Method, Experimental Design, Error Analysis, Accuracy, Chemical Properties | High School

  Lesson Plan: Screen Your Sunscreen! Mark as Favorite (4 Favorites)

  In this lesson, students will learn more about UV radiation, its effect on skin, and the different ways in which sunscreen protects skin. After exploring this, students will develop an investigation to assess the claims made by different sun protection products. Students will compare the effectiveness of a variety of sunscreens and/or clothing that claim to offer sun protection. The lab will be wrapped up with a CER-style report.

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

  Demonstration: Investigating Hand Sanitizer and Soap Mark as Favorite (5 Favorites)

  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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  Physical Change, Chemical Change, Observations, Chemical Change, Radioactive Isotopes | High School

  Activity: Physical, Chemical and Nuclear Changes Mark as Favorite (55 Favorites)

  In this activity, students will analyze the representation of physical, chemical, and nuclear changes in four ways: submicroscopic (particle diagrams), symbolic (equations), macroscopic (observations), and linguistic (vocabulary words). This self-guided activity is designed to ensure that students internalize fundamental chemistry concepts that will serve as a meaningful basis for future learning about matter and its changes.

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  History, Observations, Identifying an Unknown, Molecular Structure , Functional Groups | High School

  Lesson Plan: Introduction to Flavor Chemistry Mark as Favorite (13 Favorites)

  In this lesson, students will read an article about flavor chemistry to learn about the science of tasting. There are a series of activities to help promote literacy in the science classroom related to the reading and help students experience what they’ve read about. One part, the Job Interview, could be used as plans for a substitute teacher since the activity is self-guided.

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  Solubility, Observations | Elementary School, Middle School

  Activity: Paper Flower Blossoms Mark as Favorite (3 Favorites)

  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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  Observations, Physical Properties, Solubility, Ionic Bonding | High School, Middle School

  Lab: Microscopic Wonder Mark as Favorite (19 Favorites)

  In this lab, students observe and describe the shape, size, and arrangement of salt crystals at various magnifications under a microscope and then compare the properties of each microscopically.

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  Quantitative Chemistry, Percent Composition, Measurements, Observations | High School

  Lab: Dehydration of Hydrated Salt Mark as Favorite (6 Favorites)

  In this lab, students are introduced to chemical measurement in a hands-on investigation using a heat source and a hydrated compound. Students will determine the percentage water lost, by mass, from a hydrated compound during the heating process. Additionally, students will analyze and interpret their results in a claim, evidence, reasoning format.

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  Observations, Physical Properties, Interdisciplinary | Middle School

  Lesson Plan: Fashionable Chemistry Mark as Favorite (0 Favorites)

  In this lesson, students will explore the characteristics of different types of natural and synthetic fabrics. Students will learn how synthetic fabrics are made and review the chemical formulas for various fabrics. Finally, students will demonstrate their knowledge by holding a chemistry fashion show.

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  Measurements, SI Units, Physical Properties, Observations | High School

  Lesson Plan: Setting the Standards of Excellence Mark as Favorite (10 Favorites)

  In this lesson, students will learn about standards through a reading about the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is the U.S. body that defines standards. There are a series of activities to help promote literacy in the science classroom related to the reading. This lesson could be easily used as plans for a substitute teacher, as most of the activities are self-guided.

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  Heat, Temperature, Specific Heat, Law of Conservation of Energy, Enthalpy, Calorimetry, Exothermic & Endothermic, Balancing Equations, Chemical Change, Measurements, Mole Concept, Dimensional Analysis, Culminating Project, Interdisciplinary, Review, Graphing, Observations, Chemical Properties, Physical Properties | High School

  Project: Handwarmer Design Challenge Mark as Favorite (35 Favorites)

  In this project, students will use their knowledge of thermodynamics to design a handwarmer for a manufacturing company that can maintain a temperature of 30-40°C for at least 5 minutes and is designed for the average human hand. Students will create a final product after rounds of testing and an advertising poster that summarizes the results of their testing and promotes their design.

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

  Activity: Animation Activity: Density Mark as Favorite (2 Favorites)

  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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  Combustion, Chemical Change, Balancing Equations, Reaction Rate, Conservation of Mass, Conservation of Matter, Stoichiometry, Limiting Reactant, Chemical Change, Conservation of Matter, Conservation of Mass, Graphing, Error Analysis, Accuracy, Observations, Inferences, Interdisciplinary, Reaction Rate, Catalysts, Measurements, Mole Concept | High School

  Lesson Plan: Clean Air Chemistry Mark as Favorite (19 Favorites)

  In this lesson, students will learn about air pollution and some steps toward mitigating it. First, they will burn a candle and measure its mass and the concentration of CO2 over time. Students will discuss which data set they have more confidence in and why and then use stoichiometry to predict outcomes. Next, students explore incomplete combustion in a model-based worksheet that shows how a lack of O2 in the burning of fuels can produce air pollution. Students work together to interpret the models, define terms, and draw conclusions. Lastly, students work in groups using Lego models to illustrate how a catalytic converter works. They race “Nature” against catalysts “Palladium,” “Platinum,” and “Rhodium” to see what breaks down air pollution molecules fastest.

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  Electron Transfer, Electrons, Electricity, Model of the Atom, Atoms, Subatomic Particles, Electrons, Observations | Middle School, High School

  Lesson Plan: Understanding Static Electricity Mark as Favorite (5 Favorites)

  In this lesson, students will complete a series of activities to explore how the imbalance of charges in materials creates static electricity and how those materials interact with others around them. They will describe the relationship between atomic structure, specifically the role of protons and electrons, and static electricity.

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  Identifying an Unknown, Observations, Physical Change, Physical Properties, Chemical Change, Chemical Properties, Solubility, Precipitate, Indicators | High School

  Lab: Using Qualitative Analysis to Identify Household Compounds Mark as Favorite (56 Favorites)

  In this lab, students will be introduced to common laboratory techniques, safety procedures, lab reagents, and terminology, all while identifying unknown household substances. Students will learn how to use qualitative analysis techniques as a systematic way to identify unknown materials. As part of this process, they will practice careful observation and documentation, as well as identifying relevant physical and chemical properties and changes, including solubility, color change, gas formation, and precipitation of solids.

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  Identifying an Unknown, Experimental Design, Chemical Properties, Physical Properties, Observations, Polyatomic Ions, Chemical Change, Ionic Bonding, Covalent Bonding, Solubility | High School

  Lab: Determining the Composition of Bridge Straw Stalactites Mark as Favorite (8 Favorites)

  In this lab, students will investigate “straws” that hang from a local bridge, and then determine various tests that can help to determine their chemical composition. Evaluating both the test results, as well as given information students will then make a claim about the composition, while providing evidence and supporting it with reasoning.

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  Physical Properties, Chemical Properties, Physical Change, Chemical Change, Observations | High School

  Lab: Determining Physical and Chemical Properties Mark as Favorite (42 Favorites)

  In this lab, students will determine the physical and chemical properties of several different substances through testing and observation. Additionally, they will further their understanding of chemical and physical changes, and their ability to recognize each type of change.

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

  Lab: Comparing Physical and Chemical Changes Mark as Favorite (13 Favorites)

  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 Mark as Favorite (1 Favorite)

  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, Experimental Design, Observations, Introduction, Graphing | Middle School, High School

  Lab: Applying the Scientific Method to Stain Removal Mark as Favorite (57 Favorites)

  In this lab, students will explore the real scientific process by designing an experiment to solve a problem. Students will learn about basic lab equipment, safety, and the scientific process of trial and error while solving a common problem: What color of food coloring requires the most bleach to remove?