Make the Invisible Visible
Detecting IR Light with a Smart Phone The sun actually sends out more light than the part we see. Just past visible violet light is ultraviolet (UV) light, and just past visible red light is infrared (IR) light. Neither is visible to the human eye. Infrared light does not depend on visible light–IR light can […]
Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular System Introduce Cardiovascular System You’ve been to great parties: the host or hostess always circulates, chats with everyone, delivers tasty treats and drinks, and is happy to relieve you of your trash. You may have referred to an exceptional host as warm-hearted or big-hearted. Have you ever thought about how your heart is like […]
Respiratory System
Respiratory System Introduce Respiratory System Here’s a structure and function question for your students to think about: how can a sponge soak up so much water? The anatomy and physiology answer: the same way your lungs can exchange blood gases so quickly. Structurally, a sponge has a large surface–every pore increases the amount of contact […]
Dissection, the NGSS, and Three-Dimensional Instruction
Are you looking for ways to integrate dissection into your three-dimensional instruction? We’re here to help with teaching tips and resources, webinars, lab kits, and supplies. The Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS) do not explicitly refer to dissection, but you can easily meet several science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and performance expectations with dissection. […]
Missed NSTA Engage: Spring21? Let Us Catch You Up
If you were unable to participate in the NSTA conference, we’ve compiled some resources so you can stay informed. It’s been a busy spring–so busy that many of you may not have had the opportunity to participate in the NSTA Engage: Spring21 virtual conference. Don’t worry. We’ve made it easy for you to keep informed […]
Making Ice Cream
Demonstrate the colligative property freezing-point depression and make edible ice cream at the same time. This safe, inexpensive, and engaging experiment works well for a science night, open house, kids’ group, or anywhere fun and science meet. Using table salt, reduce the temperature of a mix of ice and liquid water to below the freezing point of water. After 5 minutes, open the cup for a tasty treat.
Eggsploring Enzymes Activity
Enzymes are specialized biological catalysts that complete biological work within cells. In this activity, students investigate the effect of pepsin, a protease, on albumin, an abundance protein in animal cells. Pepsin, an enzyme found in the digestive tracts of animals, catalyzes the digestion of food proteins into peptides containing essential amino acids. The rate at […]
Exploring Plant Pigments
Explore the pigments that give plants their colors The activity is designed for middle school students and explores the pigments that give autumn leaves their flamboyant colors. The shorter days and cooler temperatures of autumn trigger a slowdown in a tree’s metabolism, reducing its chlorophyll production and the flow of water and nutrients within its […]
Investigating Phenomena: What Is Bioluminescence?
Carolina Phenomenon Phenomena-driven science! Phenomena are observable, naturally occurring events that are everywhere and spark student questions and investigations. Ask students to observe the DCI-linked phenomenon in the video and complete the attached student sheet prior to remote learning discussions. Observations: Carefully watch the bioluminescence video. Gather all the evidence you can from the video, […]
A Practical Guide to Reopening Your Lab
Returning to school after a break means a lab check is much needed. Having your lab ready for students to return will help you start back with ease and efficiency. Download Lab Safety Checklist Power Check Batteries of all types and sizes are used to power many lab devices, from balances to clocks to calculators. Remember […]