Resources for Educators

This lesson plan establishes how the effect of temperature on elastomers differs from that of most other materials (including other polymers) and explains why these differences occur in terms of polymer behavior.

The first objective of this lesson is to teach students about the fundamentals of modern science, wherein careful observations of natural phenomena lead to testable theories that quantitatively explain and predict these phenomena. The second objective of this lesson is to show students how modern technology allows us to collect data that is both more […]

Students will observe crystal growth of Epsom salts and observe the variables that aide or inhibit their nucleation and growth. Students will record their observations by drawing a series of pictures as the crystals grow and will be encouraged to focus on the shape and growth patterns. Students will then compare the Epsom salts crystals […]

Students observe the viscosity of a liquid by dropping a steel ball in a column of the liquid and seeing how long it takes the ball to sink to the bottom of the container.
A Simple Viscosity Test

Level: 6th Grade Science
Students explore the concept of characterization and the development of scientific tools through five hands-on activities included. Students get the chance to solve design problems that promote critical thinking.

This lesson plan was developed to help students understand the operation
of a QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) by way of analogy to an inertial balance.
What’s That Flapping in the Breeze?