LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 4

The learner will conduct investigations and utilize technology and information systems to build an understanding of chemistry.

Objective 4.01

Understand that both naturally occurring and synthetic substances are chemicals.

Resources aligned to this objective

Archaeological soils
Students will determine components of a soil sample and evaluate how archaeologists use soils to interpret sites.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Mathematics and Science)
The human atom
Students will act out the role of atoms by dressing up as the atoms of designated elements. They will wear costumes with balloons representing valence electrons. The “atoms” will gain or lose valence electrons in order to achieve chemical stability. The students must then identify the charges of the ions formed.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 English Language Development and Science)
By Kamie Wine.
Physical and chemical changes
This is a PowerPoint presentation to help students distinguish between physical and chemical changes. It includes teacher demonstrations to check the students' understanding.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
By Louise Whealton.

Lesson plans on the web

Antibacterial sludge
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear a professor from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health describe concerns about TCC, a toxic chemical found in common products. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Bioluminescence: Living light
In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students learn about bioluminescent creatures and the underwater world in which they live. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
Provider: National Geographic
The grooviest of fabrics
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the invention, manufacture, and development of polyester. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Pizza cheese
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear why the cheese on pizza tastes different when it is reheated versus when it is originally baked. (Learn more)
Format: activity (grade 6–8 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science