Kinetic Molecular Theory of Matter
Kinetic Molecular Theory of Matter Matter is made up of particles which are in constant, random motion. It can be defined as anything which has mass or occupies space. Matter is classified by its state and type, of which there are three main types – solid, liquid and gas. These lead us to the Kinetic […]
Periodic Table of Elements
The History of the Periodic Table of Elements Many of the elements from the periodic table we know today were originally discovered by the early chemists who worked to purify ores. In doing this, they realized that certain elements showed similarities in their properties and were, therefore, able to be grouped together. For example lithium […]
Properties of Water
Why is Water Necessary? Water is found everywhere on Earth; it covers around 70% of the Earth's surface in the form of rivers, lakes, oceans and underground water. Of these, the oceans represent approximately 97% of the total water present on the planet. Everywhere that water is found on Earth; life is also found. Therefore, […]
Macromolecules Biology Activity
Macromolecules and the Role Carbon in Living Things Recall that the six main elements found in living things are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorous. These six atoms bond together in a variety of combinations to form the molecules which make up the structures found in the cells of living things. These molecules then […]
Chemistry of Life
The Chemistry of Life: An organism can be broken down into smaller levels of organization. These levels are pictured below. The Chemical Level The smallest level of organization is called the chemical level and includes atoms and molecules. Atoms are the smallest units which make up matter – this is the case in both living […]
Technological Design Process: How to Teach it!
All equipment, irrespective of the field that they are used in will undergo changes over time. These changes come about as scientists learn about and develop materials that are safer or more user-friendly, more durable, or more cost-effective than the ones which were previously used. The process which oversees these new developments in equipment is […]
Hypotheses Theories and Scientific Law
Today we will be comparing and contrasting Hypotheses, Theories, and Scientific Law. Science is a way of making sense of the world around us. The theories and principles found in science as a discipline have been established through repeated and careful experimentation and observation. Scientific research is peer-reviewed by other specialists in the field to […]
Nature of Science and Scientific Method
Science is a broad subject encompassing the living world, the material world, physical phenomena, planet earth and space. The word science comes from the Latin word “scientia” or “sciens” which means “to know”. What is Science? Science is the systematic study of the nature and manner of an object. It uses key skills, such as: […]
Valentine's Day Biology Activity: Making Valentine’s Day Biotine’s Day
Launching the Valentine's Day Biology Lesson Valentine's Day Biology Activity Options: When I think about Valentine’s Day the first two things that pop into my head, are hearts and chocolate. This is not a surprise since Valentine’s Day is largely centered around our hearts, sharing love, and sharing chocolate! The American Heart Association has even […]
Black History Month Scientists in the Classroom
Here are 3 Black History Month Scientists your Students Should Know: Dr. Mae Jemison James Andrew Harris Dr. Warren M. Washington Celebrate black history month in your chemistry class this February by teaching your students about the trailblazing African American scientists below. 1. Black History Month Scientists Spotlight: Dr. Mae Jemison and Bottle Rockets Dr. […]
Types of Radiation in Chemistry Activity
Nuclear Equation Role-play Types of Radiation in Chemistry Background: Knowledge of what happens when a radioactive nucleus undergoes decay is the key to understanding how to balance nuclear equations. This activity uses role-play to build on and develop an understanding of the atom and radioactive decay, as well as explaining the concept of nuclear equations. […]
The Iodine Clock Reaction Lab
Measuring Reaction Rates - The Iodine Clock Reaction Lab Sheets Download and print the following to use with your Iodine Clock Reaction Lab Activity 6-3 The Iodine Clock Reaction - Lab Answers (Doc) 6-3 The Iodine Clock Reaction - Lab Answers (PDF) 6-3 The Iodine Clock Reaction - Lab (Doc) 6-3 The Iodine Clock Reaction - Lab (PDF) 6-3 […]
Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions Lab
Exothermic or Endothermic? Background Information and Theory: Bond Energy and the Types of Reactions Endothermic and Exothermic: During a chemical reaction, energy is either transferred to or from its surroundings. Reactions which involve heat energy being released into the surrounding environment are called exothermic reactions. By contrast, endothermic reactions draw heat energy from their surroundings. This […]
Mole Conversion Worksheet and Activity
Chemistry Magic Triangles Background Theory: In Chemistry, the measure the amount of a substance in a unit is called a ‘mole’. It is a convenient way of counting atoms and allows chemists to make predictions about the masses of different substances that are involved in reactions. Regardless of the element in question, one mole of […]
Chemical and Physical Changes Lab
Physical and Chemical Changes Lab Worksheets Download and print the following to use with your Chemical and Physical Changes Lab Activity 3-1 Chemical and Physical Change - Student Lab Sheet (PDF) 3-1 Chemical and Physical Change - Student Lab Sheet (Doc) 3-1 Chemical and Physical Change - Lab (PDF) 3-1 Chemical and Physical Change - […]
Molecular Geometry Worksheet & Lab Activity
VSEPR Molecular Geometry Candy Molecules This Chemistry Lab is meant for high school chemistry students. Be sure to download the lab sheet below before you begin. Molecular Shape and the VSEPR Theory Lab Sheets Download and print the following to use with your Molecular Shape and the VSEPR Theory Lab Activity 2-6 Candy Molecules - […]
Atomic Structure Lab - Identifying Positive Ions
Flame Tests – Identifying Metal Ions Atomic Structure Lab Activity Background and Theory Chemists are often required to test samples to find out if they contain specific ions or compounds. This lab allows students to practice these techniques and identify the different metal ions. When atoms are heated they become excited causing the electrons to jump into higher […]
Human Body Systems Project
The Human Body Systems – Where to Start? Students seem to be pretty clued up about their bodies these days, and so it makes total sense to use this to our advantage in the classroom when teaching the human body systems. As is the case with any new unit, extracting prior knowledge is good practice, […]
Monohybrid Cross - Veggie Babies Lab
Veggie Babies is a fun group activity you can use to model monohybrid cross inheritance. Students can construct offspring for Ma Potato and Pa Onion and then create their offspring to see firsthand the random selection of alleles. This activity amplifies the use of those tricky genetics words and gets students thinking about why some […]
Modeling DNA and RNA Structure with Gummy Bears
This activity uses candy to allow students to assemble and then compare and contrast the DNA and RNA Structure. Students often find the structure of these tiny molecules hard to visualize, let alone remembering what constitutes an individual nucleotide! Allowing them to construct a physical model is an excellent way for your kinesthetic and visual […]
Mechanisms of Microevolution - M&M Lab
A great way to demonstrate how different mechanisms of microevolution affect a gene pool is to use this M&Ms Evolution Lab. It allows students to actively learn about the concepts of microevolution in a memorable way (by eating them at the end of the activity). There are many different effects that you can simulate with […]
Species Interactions - Relationships Between Organisms
As is the case with many topics in Biology, species interactions contain a lot of new vocabulary which students don’t typically use as part of their everyday talk. So how do you familiarize them with the vocabulary so that they can proficiently discuss the interactions without them getting lost or disengaged in the process? One […]
Cellular Respiration
The phrase “cellular respiration” can make even the most experienced Biology teacher shudder. When it comes to teaching this all-important topic, there is one question that every Biology teacher asks themselves – “how can I make aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration enjoyable, while still making sure that students understand these tricky processes?” In short, animations, […]
Classifying Organisms - Classify It App
In a digital age where almost every teenager has a smart phone, tablet or both, incorporating “apps” into your biology lessons where appropriate seems to make sense. There is a great app to help you teach Carolus Linnaeus’ System for Classifying Organisms. The app Classify It! is a great little add-on to use when teaching […]
Cellular Transport - Role Playing
Before your students even sit down in your very first Biology class, they are already experts in play (they have after all been doing it for 15-16 years by the time they reach high school). So why not channel that energy and expertise into acting out some biological concepts like Passive Cellular Transport? Role-playing abstract […]
Macromolecules - BIG MACromolecules
An excellent way to engage your students when teaching them about macromolecules is to look at the different food groups and relate it to what they eat. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats take on a whole new level of interest when you bring food into the mix...especially when it involves a Big Mac. If you haven’t […]
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