“Planetary Mind-Warp Riddle”

I was challenged to re-design my cooperating teacher’s planet lesson overnight so that it fit my bottom lines. This is the result.

“Pure Substance or Mixture?”

This lab introduces students to the idea that while some substances are pure, many are in fact a mixture. 

It starts with the stuents own ideas about what it means for something to "be a pure substance."

“Case of the Black Pen”

In this lab students learn how to separate a solution with paper chromatography.  They then have to use this technique to solve a crime case about a check forgery.

“The Pulley Challenge”

This lab lets students explore how pulleys work.  Two students would be working cooperatively at a lab station with all the listed materials. 

This lab challenges students to THINK and problem-solve.  If they become stuck overly fustrated, I provide hint cards at no extra cost....   

“What's the Point?”

This challenge forces students to think and act like scientists!

They must design an experiment that proves (or disproves) boiling and consensation occur at the same point .

This lab would be followed by a formal lab report where students would outline their experiment and results.

“Climate Boggle”

This is a lesson plan for a climate activity that includes graphing, application of climate info from class, class discussion and collaboration, and even secret messages...

This lesson was done during a unit on weather and is a good lead into examining global climate patterns and changes.

“SNEWS”

This is my version of the standard current-event homework assignment.  I will use it as a tie in to what we are working on in class, or encourage students to discover news on a topic of self-intrest.  I feel it is important for a scientific literate citizen.