Physical Science Experiments

In this lesson, students use mathematics and computational thinking to determine the charge of an ion, identify valence electrons, and calculate the mass number of an isotope based on the number of subatomic particles. Students practice research-based strategies by navigating an interactive PhET simulation and manipulating physical atomic model kits to strengthen their reasoning, analyze periodic trends, and support evidence-based learning practices.

In this lesson, students carry out investigations and use results to compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties of matter by testing the conductivity, malleability, and chemical reactivity of various elements. Students practice research-based strategies by participating in an inquiry-based candle demonstration, executing an element card sort to mimic Mendeleev's discovery of periodic law, and using data-driven reasoning to predict elemental properties based on an atom's number of protons and valence electrons.

In this lesson, students analyze and interpret data to predict properties of ionic and covalent compounds by investigating characteristics such as appearance, solubility, electrical conductivity, and relative melting points. Students practice research-based strategies by comparing a series of known chemical compound cards, performing hands-on laboratory tests on unknown samples, and constructing particle diagrams to strengthen their reasoning and support evidence-based learning practices regarding chemical bonding.

In this lesson, students will analyze and interpret data to explore the principles of radioactive decay and half-life, using these concepts to determine the age of organic artifacts and detect art forgeries. Through hands-on simulations involving probability chips and multi-sided dice, students will model random decay patterns, calculate decay constants, and graph exponential decay rates. Finally, students will apply their findings mathematically to real-world forensic scenarios, evaluating the carbon-14 levels in canvas and paint to expose fraudulent historical masterworks.

In this lesson, students use mathematics and computational thinking to identify types of radioactive decay based on balanced chemical equations, penetrating power, identity of emitted particles, and charge. Students practice research-based strategies to strengthen their reasoning and support evidence-based learning practices.

In this lesson, students use models to explain how nuclear fission and fusion reactions can be used as energy sources. They also generate and defend a data-based claim regarding the use of radioactive materials as an energy source. Students practice research-based strategies to strengthen their reasoning and support evidence-based learning practices.

In this lesson, students analyze phase change diagrams to determine the phase of matter and the motion of particles. They use particle diagrams to illustrate particle arrangements at specific temperatures and pressures. Students practice research-based strategies to strengthen their reasoning and support evidence-based learning practices.

In this lesson, students predict how changing pressure, volume, or temperature affects the behavior of a gas using mathematical and computational thinking. They use particle diagrams to model gas behavior while controlling one variable. Students practice research-based strategies to strengthen their reasoning and support evidence-based learning practices.

In this lesson, students utilize multiple types of models to support and verify the claim that matter is conserved during a simple chemical reaction. They use observations and evidence to explain how mass is accounted for in chemical processes. Students practice research-based strategies to strengthen their reasoning and support evidence-based learning practices.

In this lesson, students plan and carry out investigations to determine how factors such as temperature, surface area, and stirring affect the rate at which a solute dissolves in a solvent. They develop and use particle diagrams to illustrate diluted and concentrated solutions and describe how adjusting the amounts of solute and solvent impacts solution concentration. Students practice research-based strategies to strengthen their reasoning and support evidence-based learning practices.

In this lesson, students use indicators and pH to determine whether a solution is acidic or basic. They explain how the concentrations of hydronium (H3O?) and hydroxide (OH?) ions indicate acidity or basicity. Students practice research-based strategies to strengthen their reasoning and support evidence-based learning practices.

In this lesson, students explain how pH changes when acids and bases are mixed. They describe the reactants and products of neutralization reactions and plan and carry out an investigation of neutralization. Students practice research-based strategies to strengthen their reasoning and support evidence-based learning practices.

Students will explore essential skills in graphing.

In this lab, students will explore potential energy, kinetic energy, and mechanical energy of falling and bouncing balls. They drop four different types of balls from different heights and measure the bounce height. They will then make energy calculations and generate graphs to analyze the Law of Conservation of Energy.

The physical and mathematical relationships between work and power will be investigated in this lesson.