Data in the Classroom
Data literacy is a hot topic these days. Students are expected to become familiar with concepts and techniques for data visualization and analysis both in mathematics and science. This brings a number of new challenges to classrooms in supporting students as they do more work than ever before with graphing and data. Although graphing with […]
Physical Science Math Review: Techniques, Formulae, and Constants
Having good math skills is important and necessary for students to be successful in physical science courses. As a course progresses, formulae build up, units become more complex, and students may become confused. This Physical Science Math Review can help students organize formulae by topic and recall the appropriate SI units; it also gives them […]
One in a Million: Using Serial Dilutions to Understand Concentration
A serial dilution is a simple technique for reducing the concentration of a solution in a systematic way. In this activity, students prepare beverage solutions over a wide range of concentrations and determine the minimum concentration required to taste the sweetness of a solution. Safety This activity involves taste-testing a prepared solution. Note: Do not use laboratory […]
Basic Right Triangle Trigonometry
This is a brief review of the basic trig functions Sine, Cosine, and Tangent as applied to a right triangle. A right triangle is a triangle where one angle measures 90°. In order to calculate the Sine, Cosine and Tangent of an angle, first identify one angle. We will indicate this angle with the Greek […]
How to Use Mathematics and Logical Routines
It’s often been said that mathematics is the language of science. As a science teacher, you’ll occasionally find yourself in the role of math teacher. Using mathematics and logic is a science practice common to all AP® science courses. How do you determine which math skills your students have or lack? A comprehensive mathematic skills […]
Using Science to Teach Math
Science and math are intricately intertwined. It’s the math that makes science quantitative and allows for rigorous comparisons and descriptions of objects as tiny as subatomic particles, as large as galaxies, and everything in between. Math is often referred to as the language of science, but, unfortunately, students often perceive math as nothing more than […]
Improving Students’ Math Skills for Science Class
Math is an integral part of science, yet many students enter science courses lacking basic mathematical skills. Chemistry students may struggle for weeks trying to learn about buffers because they have no idea what a logarithm is. Biology students may cruise along as they learn how to use a microscope, only to find they need […]
Significant Figures
Significant Others: Sig Figs Science is all about measurement. Any reported data must always reflect the precision of the measuring instrument. For example, if you record the mass of a coin as 5 g in a lab report, there is no way of knowing the precision of the balance used for this mass. However, if […]
The Metric System
SI/METRIC BASE UNITS In the United States, measurements are generally provided in English units. For example, when driving to a nearby town to see a friend or family member, we may say “it’s 20 miles from here.” In many parts of the world, a person referring to the same distance may say “it’s 32 kilometers […]
Survival: Swim to the Light
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 15 mins Activity: 30-45 mins Life Science Grade Level 3 Elementary 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 examines the phenomenon of phototaxis, movement away from or toward […]