NGSS Science Curriculum for Science Teachers
Modeling the Seasons Earth’s seasons — the annual climate changes that different locations experience — result from a combination of Earth’s orbit around the Sun and the tilt of Earth’s axis. Understanding why the Earth has seasons is one of the most difficult concepts to understand. However, creating models that could demonstrate how different seasons […]
The Planets of Our Solar System Project - Solar System Beads Our Solar System consists of the Sun, the planets and their moons, and other celestial bodies like comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. It is a star system that is immense in size and is held together by a strong gravitational force. The Solar System is […]
Investigating Effervescent Tablets Humans are innately curious. This curiosity allows us to observe, explore, question, and experiment to understand our environment. This curiosity begins when you start “why” and “how” questions which shows the systematic process of thought and investigation referred to as the scientific method. In this simple activity, you will learn the steps […]
Mary Goes to Market – Lab Equipment Names Doing hands-on activities like experiments is one of the best ways to learn science. Conducting experiments help you understand important concepts through direct investigation of a certain chemical reaction and manipulation of various materials. In order to successfully achieve accurate results in experiments, it is necessary to […]
Observing Heat Transfer by Conduction The conduction of heat energy occurs mostly in solids and liquids where the atoms of a substance are touching one another. Heat transfer always occurs from a hot end of an object to the cooler end. When heat transfer occurs by conduction, the particles increase their rate of vibration which […]
PART 1: Corrosion – Investigating Rusting When metals are exposed to the environment, they can deteriorate or break down. This process is called corrosion and is very costly to industry, if not prevented. Rust is a type of corrosion in which iron reacts with its environment to produce hydrated iron oxide, a powdery reddish-orange solid […]
Antacids When an acid and a base cancel each other out, this is known as neutralization. It follows the reaction pattern: Acid + Base -> Water + Salt Neutralization is the concept used to treat indigestion, a common and uncomfortable digestive condition. Antacids can be found as powder or tablets and contain a base of […]
But Which Flame is Hotter? The Bunsen burner has two types of flames – the yellow safety flame and the blue heating flame. This lab activity compares the two flames and tests which will allow 50ml of water to reach 80oC in the shortest time. The airhole at the base of the barrel controls the […]
Who Goes There? Friend or Foe? Symbiosis refers to the interactions between organisms. There are 3 types of symbiosis: parasitism (one organism is helped, the other is harmed), mutualism (both organisms are helped) and commensalism (one organism is helped, the other is unaffected either way) Note: Predation and parasitism are similar, however, in parasitism one […]
The Lung Model Project Background Information The respiratory system is an organ system in the body primarily used for gas exchange. In most four-legged animals, the respiratory system generally includes tubes, called the bronchi, which carry air to the lungs, where gas is exchanged. A diaphragm pulls air in and pushes it out. In humans […]
Breeding Dogs Artificial Selection Lab Activity Background Information: We know that all animals have adaptations that help them survive in their specific environment. In the case of Charles Darwin’s research on the finches in Galapagos, these birds have evolved different beaks to be able to obtain available food. Other species adapt to survive in the […]
Investigating the Relationship between Light Intensity and the Rate of Photosynthesis Lab Activity Aquatic plants can be used to demonstrate oxygen evolution in the process of photosynthesis. In theory, when an aquatic plant is placed in a solution containing a source of carbon dioxide (CO2), in the presence of light of appropriate intensity, the plant […]
This lab activity on genetics is an engaging and informative way for students to discover how our traits are a result of both nature and nurture. An Introduction to Genetics lab activity inventory allows students to explore the genetic components of their life, in alignment with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), helping them gain a […]
Before we start the Plant and Animal Cells Lab Activity we must discuss the history. Robert Hooke’s discovery of cells left a huge impact on both science and society. The cell theory states that cells are the basic structural, functional, and organizational unit of all living organisms. They can be classified by the presence of […]
Exploring the hidden world of life science is an exciting way to engage students in learning about the universe around them. Through the use of simple microscope lab activities focused on microscopes, students can gain a unique and valuable insight into new perspectives and stimulating revelations. Introduce lessons with microscopic images. Before diving into a […]
Teaching your students about Bunsen Burners through a Bunsen Burner lab activity can be fun and informative for everyone involved. With the right materials and safety protocols, you can provide your students with an engaging experience that will help them build understanding of proper laboratory use. Prepare the Lab Area and Materials Before your students […]
Resource Extraction Simulation Mining is a process of extracting natural resources from the Earth’s crust. Modern mining consists of utilizing machinery to dig for resources which are identified by geologists and geophysicists. Engineers, contractors, governments, and companies then determine the best strategies for extracting these resources. Mining operations often consist of extraction, storage, and transportation […]
Refraction Definition and Background Refraction is another behavior that light exhibits as it interacts with different media. It is simply defined as the bending of light due to its change in speed as it strikes on different materials with various densities. The extent of refraction of light is dependent on the medium’s refractive index. Every […]
Bending Water Electric Charge Lab Activity Introduction Investigating Static Electricity Static electricity is the build-up and transfer of charge from one object to another. It usually occurs when objects are rubbed together and generate friction. This lab activity will allow you to investigate the effects of static electricity in everyday objects. There will be several […]
Friction Lab Racing Wings Activity Background A race team is looking to change the design of the wing on the back of their formula 1 car to reduce the amount of drag created by the wing on the rear of the car. Drag occurs as air moves past a solid surface limiting the cars ability […]
The Products of Combustion When fuels react with oxygen in the air, they burn and release large amounts of energy in the form of heat and light. The amount oxygen available affects whether a fuel will undergo complete or incomplete combustion. For a fuel to undergo complete combustion, plenty of oxygen must be present in […]
Today we will be making metal hydroxides. Some metals are more reactive than others and can react violently with water. These metals are usually found in group 1 of the periodic table and are usually kept under oil to stop them from reacting. This lab demonstrates and explores some of the more reactive metals on […]
Energy Conservation Although we cannot see it, energy can make things work. Many, everyday objects take energy in as one form and then transform it into one or more other forms allowing it to perform a task. Many simple toys that you can find at home, are based on this principle, and are considered converters […]
Halloween Slime Pumpkin Volcano Experiment Background Information: Pumpkins with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candies are a sure sign of the Halloween season. The practice of decorating jack-o’-lantern originated in Ireland, where large turnips and potatoes served as early canvasses. In fact, the name jack-0’lantern, comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy […]
In this Candy Pumpkin Pong halloween science experiment your students will be competing against each other. Competition always brings out the best thought in activities like this. Your students will absolutely love this STEM game! They will be designing, building, and launching candy pumpkin catapults. This competition is all about accuracy. Before this activity you […]
Meteorite Impact – Creating Craters Meteorites are space rocks that can survive and fall onto the Earth’s surface. Asteroids and other bodies can hit with immense force that can create craters, sometimes even huge craters. The size and depth of the craters created by an impact vary. The moon for one has millions of craters […]
Cloud in a Bottle Experiment Background Information: Cloud formation is a visually stunning reminder of the complex energy systems at work in the atmosphere. Understanding cloud formation first requires us to remember that air, though primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, is also made up of water vapor. The main energy input in this atmospheric […]
How to Make Your Own Volcano! A volcano is a mountain or a hill with an opening where magma is pushed out into the Earth’s surface with immense force. As soon as magma reaches the Earth’s surface, it is called lava. Types of volcanoes can be classified according to the composition and shape of the […]
The Hydrosphere: Our Edible Earth Lab Activity The Subsystems of Earth Earth is the third of eight planets in our solar system, the third planet from the sun, and the only place in the universe known to support life. Our planet earth is a complex, dynamic system comprised of a merger of interacting, interdependent parts […]
Demonstrating Chemical Weathering Rocks are not only changed by water, wind, and ice but can also be changed by chemicals. Chemical weathering is the process by which the actual minerals that rocks are made of are changed. Chemical weathering can cause minerals to decompose and even dissolved. Examples of chemical weathering include how acid rain […]
How Much Weight Can an Egg Support? Easter Science Activity! Eggs are uniquely constructed. The outer shell is created hard enough to protect a developing chick, while the inner shell nourishes the chick during its development. As the chick develops, the calcium from the inner shell dissolves in a chemical reaction and is used for […]
Acid and Base pH Indicators Lab Activity 1 Indicators give scientists a quick way to determine if a solution is an acid or a base without having to taste them or performing time-consuming chemical tests. The most common of these indicators are litmus and universal indicator. Litmus paper comes in both red and blue colors. […]
Investigating Evidence for Mass Extinctions Lab Animals and plants disappear all the time as extinction is a natural part of life. About 98% of all the organisms that have ever existed on our planet our now extinct. When a species goes extinct, its role in the ecosystem is usually filled by new species, or other […]
Moon Impact Craters Lab Activity - Part 1 In this activity, you will create impact craters in plaster of Paris. Moon Impact Craters Lab Supplies Needed per student or group: Prepared plaster of Paris OR dry plaster, water and a container Projectiles Tempura paint and sifter (your teacher may substitute a different powdered medium) Meter […]
The Sun Wants Us Closer Lab - The Sun's Gravitational Pull In everyday language, gravity is defined as the force that pulls everything down toward the surface of the Earth. It proves the old saying that “what goes up, must come down.” It can be felt and experienced on a daily basis. For instance, people […]
Best Stain Remover Lab - Writing Up an Investigation Many brands of liquid detergent are sold in the groceries. Each brand claims that it is the best when it comes to stain removal. But which one is really the best? You will find out in this laboratory activity which involves planning, conducting, and writing up […]
Properties of Acids and Bases Lab The objective of this lab is to engage students in an interactive activity to learn about the properties of acids and bases within the pH scale. Due to the exploratory nature of the activity each student’s charts and conclusions will be different. The goal is to have the students […]
Neutralization Reactions Lab: Reactions of Acids and Bases Reactions of Acids and Bases: We have already stated that a neutralization reaction will take place when an acid reacts with a base to form a salt and water. The reason that it's called a neutralization reaction is because you are starting with a base (pH>7) and […]
Balancing Chemical Equations Digital Lab Activity Chemical reactions involve the changing of reactants into products. In every reaction the number of reactants and the number of products will always be equal. This is known as the ‘Law of Conservation of Mass”. This law is shown in a chemical reaction by balancing the reactants and products […]
Chemical and Physical Change Lab Before you begin your Chemical and Physical Change Lab make sure your students understand the following. Physical changes usually involve a change to a substances state of matter where heat energy is added or removed. The molecular structure of the substance remains the same. For this reason, physical changes can […]
When I introduce the Chemistry of Gases I always start with these 3 mini-labs. They get my students engaged and wondering before we ever go into the meat of the lesson. Let's get started... Lab Activity 1 - Making Hydrogen Hydrogen is a colorless gas which is at least 15 times lighter than any other […]
Elements and the Periodic Table Lab There are about 110 elements and 91 of them are found in nature. The rest have been created in laboratories. The elements are organized into metals and nonmetals. Most of the elements on the periodic are metals. The staircase is the dividing line between the metals and nonmetals. Any […]
Atoms and Molecules Lab Activity Introduction Before you start the building Atoms and Molecules lab activity you will need to introduce the following key vocabulary words. Atoms are the smallest units of matter. They consist of a central region called the nucleus and an area surrounding the nucleus called the electron cloud. Atoms contain three […]
Kool-Aid Solubility Lab This Kool-Aid Solubility Lab activity demonstrates the relationship between the temperature of a solvent affects (water) and the amount of solute (Kool-Aid) that can be dissolved using a real-world/familiar context. It is most appropriately carried out as pairs or groups of 3 students. Tang or other powdered drink can be substituted for […]
Nature of Matter Lab Activity Matter is defined as anything that has mass and takes up space. In this lab, students will explore the nature of matter through a simple neutralization reaction between acetic acid (vinegar) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) which generates carbon dioxide gas and inflates the balloon. The experiment may be done […]
Best Bouncer Lab Introduction This lab involves planning, conducting, and writing up a scientific investigation and will examine the skills covered in lessons 1-7 Planning an Investigation and 1-8 Writing Up an Investigation. You will need to give your students time to carry out all 3 parts of this lab activity. The activity can be […]
Physical Science Lab Safety Activity #1 Wearing the proper personal protective equipment is important. The focus of this lab is on physical science lab safety procedures and following directions more so than the outcome of the experiment. Here, students will learn how goggles, a lab apron, and gloves can protect them from chemicals by performing […]
This lesson includes an Electron Configuration Worksheet, Guided Notes, Power Point Presentation, Exit Quiz, Vocabulary Activity, and much more! Start your lesson with this... The Atomic Number Revisited: The atomic number tells us the number of protons an atom possesses. In a neutral atom, the number of protons and electrons are equal. Therefore, the atomic […]
Isotopes are different forms of the same element which have the same number of protons but differ in their number of neutrons. A variation in the number of neutrons in the nucleus causes the atom’s mass to change. Many elements on the periodic table have naturally occurring isotopes. What are Isotopes? Isotope Names: In most […]
The Basic Structure of the Atom: Atomic Structure Atomic Structure: All atoms consist of a nucleus which contains two types of subatomic particles - protons and neutrons. The nucleus is surrounded by a cloud of electrons at varying energy levels. These subatomic particles are composed of even smaller particles known as quarks which came together […]