Use Bubbles—Observe Wind Speed and Direction: Ask a Question and Plan an Experiment
A CAROLINA ACTIVITY Total Time Prep Time: 10 min Class Time: 45 min Earth and Space Science Students: Groups of 2 Grade Level K-5 Elementary School Asking Questions and Defining Problems Planning and Carrying Out Investigations Varies by grade. See Performance Expectations below. · Cause and Effect · Energy and Matter Introduction In this […]
Forces at Work in a Lava Lamp
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45-65 mins Prep: 15-20 mins | Activity: 30-45 mins Physical Science 6-12 Middle | High School Total Time: 45-65 minutes [ Prep: 15-20 mins | Activity: 30-45 mins ] Subject: Physical Science Grade: Middle and High School Overview In this activity, students gather evidence of molecular interactions and reactions […]
Sense of Smell and Olfactory Fatigue
A Carolina EssentialsTM Investigation Total Time: 5 days, 95 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 5 days, 95 mins Life Science 9-12 High School Overview This quantitative investigation provides students with an introductory sensation and perception activity. The activity can be used as a unit introduction for human senses or as a stand-alone olfactory sensation […]
Carbon-Carbon Multiple Bonds: Structure and Function
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45-60 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 30-45 mins | Research: 120 min Physical Science | Chemistry 9-12 High School Overview This is a modeling activity designed for pairs of students where students use molecular models to construct a simple 2-carbon alkane, then convert it to a 2-carbon alkene […]
Carbon Snake
A Carolina EssentialsTM Demonstration Total Time: 15 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 10-15 mins Life Science 8-12 Middle/High School Overview During this teacher-directed demonstration of an exothermic reaction, students observe the dehydration of a carbohydrate using concentrated sulfuric acid. Use the demonstration to illustrate topics such as reaction kinetics, organic reaction types, and energy […]
Calorimetry: Measuring the Energy in Foods
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 65-90 mins Prep: 20-30 mins | Activity: 45-60 mins Life Science 9-12 High School Overview During this investigation, students will determine the calories—or heat content—of 3 different foods. From the experiment setup and data collected, students will have the evidence necessary to construct a model of heat transferred through […]
Constructing and Testing a Dichotomous Key Model for Fruit
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 30 mins Activity: 30-45 mins Life Science Grade Level 6-10 Middle/High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Overview Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Overview Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Overview This investigation requires students to create and test a model for […]
Observing Plant Cells
CAROLINA LABSHEETS Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Overview Materials Procedures & Prep Kit Overview Materials Procedures & Prep Kit Overview In this lab students observe Elodea leaves under magnification. They will see cell walls and chloroplasts. From the movement of chloroplasts they will infer that cyclosis, or protoplasmic streaming, is occurring. They also will […]
Introduction to Photosynthesis Using Coleus Plants
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview The simple exercises that students perform in this lab demonstrate that plants produce glucose through photosynthesis, that plants convert at least some of the glucose to starch, and that sunlight is a critical factor in photosynthesis. Students expose Coleus leaves to varying amounts of light. These sample leaves are then subjected to an iodine […]
Ocular Dominance
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 15-30 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 15-30 mins Life Science 8-12 Middle/High School Overview This short, individual engagement activity introduces the senses, sensation and perception, and evolutionary differences in predator-prey relationships. Students differentiate binocular vison and panoramic vision, determine their own ocular dominance, calculate class data percentages, and […]