Don’t Quote Me on That: Math Attitude Card Sort
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS ACTIVITY Total Time Prep: 10-15 mins Activity: 15-30 mins Life Science Grade Level 9-12 High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction It has often been said that mathematics is the […]
Newton’s Laws, Friction, and Hovercraft
Students build a simple CD-and-balloon hovercraft to explore Newton’s laws of motion and friction. They observe how a cushion of air reduces friction, test movement on various surfaces, record data, sketch free?body diagrams, and analyze forces.
The Physics of Vision
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS ACTIVITY Total Time Prep: 10 mins Activity: 20 mins Physical Science Grade Level 8-12 Middle/High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Understanding vision requires a knowledge of physics, anatomy, and […]
Forces at Work in a Lava Lamp
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 15-20 mins Activity: 30-45 mins Physical Science Grade Level 6-12 Middle/High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction In this activity, students gather evidence of molecular interactions […]
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 […]
Equilibrium and Milk of Magnesia Rainbow
A Carolina EssentialsTM Demonstration Total Time: 15-20 mins Prep: 20 mins | Activity: 15-20 mins Chemistry 9-12 High School Overview This demonstration shows a colorful reaction that is a good introduction to Le Châtelier’s principle, solubility, stoichiometry, neutralization reactions, and reaction rates. The demonstration uses readily available chemicals, is easy to set up and perform, […]
Thermochemistry: An Endothermic Reaction
A Carolina EssentialsTM Demonstration Total Time: 10 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 10 mins Physical Science 6-12 Middle/High School Overview In this thermochemistry demonstration, students observe an extreme, spontaneous endothermic reaction between 2 solid compounds, measure changes in temperature, and make observations. The demonstration may be used with physical science or chemistry students as […]
A Model for Heat Capacity of Metals
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 60-70 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 45-55 mins Physical Science | Chemistry 9-12 High School Overview This simple activity models how kinetic energy is transformed into heat or thermal energy on the particle level. Additionally, by comparing data for 3 different metals—aluminum, copper, and lead—students construct a model […]
Hands-on Plus! Driving Student Centered Learning with Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™
Workshop Resources Physical Science K-5 Elementary School We believe students should engage with authentic STEM experiences both in and out of school. Through the lens of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™, this workshop demonstrated how hands-on learning both provides STEM experiences for students and meets the expectations set by the Next Generation Science Standards. Download […]