Molecular Geometry with Balloons
Background Molecular geometry can be tricky for students to grasp. Two-dimensional representations of molecular geometries predicted by the valence-shell electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) model can be difficult to comprehend. Three-dimensional models, however, give students the opportunity to view and manipulate models as needed, making molecular geometry much easier to understand. In this activity, each balloon represents […]
The Carbon Cycle
Background You may not even be aware of it, but you contribute to the carbon cycle every day. If you ride in a car, take a train, or fly in an airplane, you contribute to the production of carbon dioxide. The fruits and vegetables you eat were probably shipped in a vehicle that produced carbon […]
Properties of Water
A CAROLINA® AP® ACTIVITY Total Time Prep Time: 10 min Class Time: 45 min Life Science, Chemistry Students: Groups of 2 Grade Level 6–12 Middle / High School Introduction Water is a polar molecule, which means it has a positive end and a negative end. The oxygen end (blue) is like the negative pole and […]
Determining the Age of a Star
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 15 mins Activity: 20-30 mins Earth Space 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 Use this activity as a student-based or teacher-led […]
Popcorn: Visualizing the Kinetic Molecular Theory
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 20 – 30 mins Activity: 30-45 mins Physical Science, Chemistry 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 Popcorn is a great real-world example […]
Bright-Line Spectroscopy and Atomic Structure
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 15 mins Activity: 45-60 mins Physical 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 This activity employs a simple procedure in which students […]
Introduction to Cladogram Construction
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 15 mins Activity: 30-45 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 Cladograms are diagrams that show phylogenies, the evolutionary relationships between […]
Corn as an Introduction to Mendelian Genetics
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45-60 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 30-45 mins Life Science 9-12 High School Total Time: 45-60 minutes [ Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 30-45 mins ] Subject: Life Science Grade: High School Overview Corn is the ideal organism for introducing students to Mendelian genetics. Corn kernels express numerous […]
Density: An Intensive Property of Matter
A Carolina EssentialsTM Investigation Total Time: 65-80 mins Prep: 20 mins | Activity: 45-60 mins Physical Science, Chemistry 6-8 Middle School Total Time: 65-80 minutes [ Prep: 20 mins | Activity: 45-60 mins ] Subject: Physical Science, Chemistry Grade: Middle School Overview This activity has students collect mass and volume data for different samples of […]
Comparing Land and Water Plants
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 15 mins Activity: 30-45 mins Life Science Grade Level 6-10 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 This exploratory activity examines the phenomena of plant structure. […]