Browse lesson plans

Atomic spectra and the Bohr model

Students view continuous spectra from incandescent and fluorescent lights and line spectra of selected elements. Students relate energy to frequency of light seen in the spectra. The presence of only certain lines in atomic spectra is related to Bohr's model of the atom. In a second experiment, students determine electron energies in the hydrogen atom.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Lisa Bacon.

Cell theory and plant respiration

In CareerStart lessons: Grade eight, page 5.4

In this lesson, students conduct an experiment using plants to gain an understanding on the effects of sunlight on cell processes.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8 Science)

By Tammy Johnson and Martha Tedrow.

Classification of matter

Students are introduced to the concept of different kinds of matter. Students create models of different substances to learn to identify the differences between elements, compounds, and mixtures. This lesson is developed so that teachers can use it with English as a Second Language students.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Development and Science)

By Anya Childs and Rhonda Garrett.

Electroplating: When is a penny worth less than one cent?

In CareerStart lessons: Grade eight, page 5.8

In this lesson, students understand the chemical differences between pennies made before and after 1982, and gain an understanding of the process of electroplating.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 English Language Arts and Science)

By Tammy Johnson and Martha Tedrow.

Forensic scientists: Identifying unknown substances

In CareerStart lessons: Grade eight, page 5.10

In this lesson, students use the physical properties of three mystery substances to determine their identities. Students discuss how these skills apply to careers in forensic science.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

By Tammy Johnson and Martha Tedrow.

How do chemists measure?

In Why does chemistry matter in my life?, page 2

In this lesson, students learn about metric conversion and scientific notation by completing a lab in which they mix a gold solution with a sodium citrate solution and observe the subsequent chemical changes.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Lisa Hibler.

How much heat can a phase change produce?

In Why does chemistry matter in my life?, page 7

In this lesson, students apply knowledge of heat energy and phase changes to real-life situations. Students watch demonstrations of an endothermic and an exothermic reaction and use formulas to solve phase change problems. A literary passage and a video help students apply critical thinking to the lesson.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Lisa Hibler.

Jellybean equations

Students will build chemical compounds using jelly beans and toothpicks to visually balance chemical equations.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

By Nancy H. Sanders.

Reaction stoichiometry: How can we make chalk?

In Why does chemistry matter in my life?, page 4

In this lesson plan, students will explore the variety of chemical processes that produce chalk and determine which is the most cost-effective and efficient. Students create a small-scale process in the lab and evaluate the requirements for a larger-scale process.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Lisa Hibler.

What is heat? — Heat vs. temperature

In Why does chemistry matter in my life?, page 5

In this lesson plan, students engage in hands-on activities to gain an understanding ofthe difference between heat and temperature, as well as the specific heat of different substances.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and Science)

By Lisa Hibler.

Why does chemistry matter in my life?

This series of high school chemistry lesson plans addresses questions about the relevance of chemistry in everyday life.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Resources on the web

Free Online MIT Course Materials

At this site MIT provides a number of great resources for high school teachers and students. These include video demonstrations, AP level practice problems and exam questions, hands on learning examples, and links to further resources from MIT education outreach... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: MIT