Water: A Liquid That Can Take the Heat
Water is an amazing liquid. Not only is it the main solvent of cellular protoplasm, it also helps moderate climates with its high heat capacity. Water absorbs a large quantity of heat and slowly releases it over a period of time. This is the reason coastal climates are more moderate than climates farther inland. Water’s […]
Elephant Toothpaste
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 50 min Prep: 30 | Activity: 20 Physical Science | Chemistry 6-12 Middle | High School Total Time: 50 min [ Prep: 30 | Activity: 20 ] Subject: Physical Science | Chemistry Grade: Middle | High School Introduction This quick demonstration showing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, catalyzed by […]
Investigating Interactions Between Electric and Magnetic Fields
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 30 mins Activity: 30-45 mins ea Physical Science | Physics Grade Level 6-8 Middle 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 A foundational concept in physics is […]
Chemistry Solutions Practice Problems
Activities with UV Beads
Ultraviolet-sensitive beads change color when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Students can use these beads to perform inquiry-based experiments to determine if a light source emits UV light or if different materials are able to block it. Students can also use the beads to track their sun exposure. Background UV light is a type of […]
Boats and Buoyancy
Investigate physical science and engineering concepts including buoyancy, displacement, and density. Students construct an aluminum foil boat prototype and measure how much weight their boat can carry before taking on water or sinking.
Dollar Store Single Function Signal Generator
In this activity, students use a solar-powered model, such as the dancing flowers often sold at discount variety stores. They carefully disassemble the plastic housing and attach a sensor to the capacitor, then use probe ware to graph the voltage across the capacitor.
Do-It-Yourself Snowflakes
Introduction Growing snowflakes in a bottle can be a fun demonstration to show your students, or they can grow their own snowflakes in class or at home. This is accomplished by using household materials and dry ice. Purchase dry ice from local grocery stores or companies that supply ice. Topics covered: crystallization, crystal structure Snow […]
Crystallization Investigation
Crystallization through precipitation lab Crystals are solids that form when molecules join in a regular repeating pattern. Crystals mesmerized humans early in our history and served as currency as well as decoration. Today, the jewelry industry relies on precious and semi-precious crystals for rings, pendants, and more; the electronics industry relies on quartz crystals for […]
3-D Imaging: The Mystery Unlocked
Seeing the Solar System in a New Dimension Moviegoers are demanding more from their sensory experience, and 3-D viewing has become popular for many blockbuster movies. Unlocking the mystery of 3-D imaging not only spurs discussion about the greatest 3-D movies, but it also provides opportunity to discuss visual perception, optics, and colors with your […]