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.

Chem-speak (introduction to chemical equations)

Students will understand what constitutes a chemical reaction and how chemical equations represent chemical reactions by means of discussion and demonstrations.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Brenda Rock.

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.

Confirming and visualizing Lewis dot structures

With this activity, students can calculate and visualize the atomic and molecular structures of bonds and lone pairs in the molecule methanol (methyl alcohol, CH3OH).

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Bob Gotwals.

Density of common liquids

Each lab team will determine the density of water and one of the sample liquids. The class will then compile their information.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8 English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science)

By Sansia Coble.

Does it float? Exploring density

Density is a property of matter that requires abstract understanding from your students. This lesson plan is a hands-on lab for exploring the concepts of mass, volume, density, and their relationship. This lab achieves several 8th grade science objectives and incorporates mathematical objectives as well. The lab can easily be used as an introductory lab for the year, thus covering not only the content objectives, but also procedures for completing labs throughout the course of the year.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 English Language Arts and Science)

By Trish Loudermilt.

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.

Lactase enzyme lab

This lab will examine the specificity of an enzyme (lactase) to a specific substrate (lactose). Students will observe the actions of the enzyme and how shape is important to enzyme reactions.

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

By Bert Wartski.

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.

Types of chemical reactions

This lesson is intended for use in a first year Chemistry class and has modifications aligned with the North Carolina Novice High English Language Development objectives. It provides an overview of various types of chemical reactions by allowing students to visually observe examples of synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, and double displacement reactions and to identify certain products by the use of litmus and splint tests.

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

By Harriett Tillett.

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