Browse lesson plans

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 8–10 English Language Development and Science)

By Kamie Wine.

Inquiry-based exploration of human impacts on stream ecosystems: The Mud Creek case study

This unit plan for high school earth and environmental science explores the impact of human activity on the health of streams in urban and non-urban settings. Students mimic current scientific research by measuring physical, chemical, and biological indicators of stream health.

Format: (multiple pages)

Integrating Chemistry and Algebra II

This unit links chemistry concepts to algebra II skills. Students will use systems of equations to solve problems and matrices to balance chemical reactions.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Isotopic pennies

In Integrating Chemistry and Algebra II, page 6

In this lesson, student use a system of equations to determine the number of each type of “atom” in a closed container.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics and Science)

By Jennifer Elmo.

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.

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.

Periodic table

This lesson provides knowledge about periodic law, groups and periods. Students will be able to identify and label each group with their names. Students will be able to relate atomic number and atomic masses of different elements of periodic table. Students will also be able to discuss periodicity of different properties of elements.

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

By Abha Bhatnagar and Meera Madan.

Periodic table database

These lessons are designed to help students use their computer skills to create their own database using teacher directions, and they also learn how to read the periodic table and understand what it means.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Computer/Technology Skills, Information Skills, and Science)

By Florence B. Winslow.

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.

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.

Solutions

In Integrating Chemistry and Algebra II, page 7

Systems of equations can be used to solve many different kinds of problems. One application is in making solutions such as is done in chemistry. In this lesson, students will set up a system of equations to determine the volume of a solution.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics and Science)

By Jennifer Elmo.

Solving for an unknown variable

In Integrating Chemistry and Algebra II, page 1

This lesson is an algebra review. Students will use common chemistry equations to practice the skill of solving an equation for a variable.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics and Science)

By Jennifer Elmo.

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.

Units of heat: How much energy is that anyway?

In Why does chemistry matter in my life?, page 6

In this lesson, students perform calculations with Calories obtained through food and expended by activities in order to gain an understanding of how energy is obtained and used by the body. Students observe demonstrations to learn about endothermic and exothermic reactions.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Lisa Hibler.

What element would you be?

In Why does chemistry matter in my life?, page 3

In this lesson plan, students write a one-page story relating their personalities to elements from the periodic table.

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

ASPIRE: Astrophysics Science Project Integrating Research and Education

Interactive science labs and lessons for teachers and students. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: University of Utah

The Biology Project

Includes tutorials, problem sets, activities, and other resources in biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, human biology, Mendelian genetics, immunology, and molecular biology. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: University of Arizona

Bridge: Sea Grant Ocean Sciences Center

A portal to all of your marine sciences needs. Find a handpicked list of links to professional development opportunities, lesson plans, data sets, virtual expeditions, grant information, and more. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Virginia Institute of Marine Science