Learn about concentrations of solutions. If you brew tea or coffee for too long, it gets really strong, bitter, and dark. But if you add water, you can lessen its strength. So, when we talk about how strong our coffee is, we are really talking about CONCENTRATION. Like stirring a teaspoon of sugar into a cup of tea, solids can have a concentration in a liquid, but first, they need to be able to dissolve into a solution (solubility). But, is there a limit to how much of a solid the solution can take in? Through some sweet treats, you can eat, let's explore the scientific concepts of concentration, solubility, and supersaturated solutions. I promise you it's going to ROCK! Developed for students in grades 6-10.

Learn about polymers.  They are all around us. From the proteins we consume to the plastic cups we drink from, polymers dominate our lives and our earth. They package our snacks but can also pollute our oceans. But do you REALLY know what a polymer is? Join Camille Schrier, science lover and Miss America 2020, to explore the science of polymers by making some slimy sodium alginate worms, and biodegradable corn plastic that is good for the earth!!

Science Instructional Plans (SIPs) help teachers align instruction with the Science Standards of Learning (SOL) by providing examples of how the content and the scientific and engineering practices found in the SOL and curriculum framework can be presented to students in the classroom.

As part of the introduction to the Periodic Table of the Elements, students will be introduced to the idea of atoms, molecules, and compounds. The physical manipulation of marshmallows (atoms) and toothpicks (bonds) will create a visual representation of the molecular structure of water. A second step requires students to create a second molecule using similar materials and using the Periodic Table as a reference point.

As 5th grade students are learning about matter in science, these comprehension “mix-ups” are a great way to monitor students’ understanding of the content along with checking reading comprehension.

Video Description:  Fire needs fuel, oxygen, and heat - no matter where the fire may be housed. Review fire safety rules while you learn more about research NASA is conducting to keep astronauts safe during space explorations. Video Length: 5:50 NASA eClipsTM is a suite of online student-centered, standards-based resources that support instruction by increasing STEM literacy in formal and nonformal settings.  These free digital and downloadable resources inform and engage students through NASA-inspired, real-world connections.NASA eClips Our World videos (grades 3-5) help students understand the differences between science (the natural world) and engineering (the designed world).  These video segments supplement elementary learning objectives not only in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but also in reading, writing, visual and performing arts.

Join biochemist and Miss America 2020, Camille Schrier, as she uses her kitchen as her laboratory. In this episode of Cooking Up Science with Miss America, we will explore the States of Matter. We know that substances can exist as different states of matter: solids, liquids, or gasses. But can some substances have the properties of more than one state of matter at the same time? Let's explore some oooey gooey Non-Newtonian fluids by making oobleck and slime and discover the science behind them. Developed for students in grades 6-10.

Students will conduct an apple investigation that includes if the apple sinks or floats, the number of seeds inside, the weight of the apple, and even a taste test. They will also have the chance to make an apple life cycle spinner.  

This activity supports student knowledge of community and story telling.  Students also build map skills and coding skills as they use the robot to act out the story.  Basic block coding skills can be taught as part of the lesson or prior to the lesson. 

This lesson incorporates computer science with an interesting enrichment topic for Environmental Science II, Astronomy - Dark Matter.  Students will be able to visualize WHY scientists believe that 85% of matter in our universe is not the same as what we are made of.  Using simple orbital speed kits, your class can combine their data and analyze it to see what happens to orbital speed with increasing distance from the barycenter of a galaxy.  They can add mass to the center to represent dark matter and see how that increases the orbital speed - just like what Vera Rubin discovered in the 1960s.

This engaging light lesson will allow your students to combine science, basic computer science and art concepts to construct their own understanding of how light passes through various materials.  Students will build their own light box to use for making art, and even be able to troubleshoot basic hardware problems all in one lesson!

This sorting activity allows the students to explore several hands-on tasks that will encourage the students to use critical thinking skills to categorize and logically sort items by one or more attributes.

Incorporate some computer science ideas into a scientific abstraction of the four spheres of Earth!  This lesson has opportunities for visible learning include sketching in their notes, quick writes, and a jigsaw.  The students will apply the idea of classifying items into the four spheres in the real world by taking a short walk outside.

Your students will use Kitchen Chemistry to make a tasty treat as they learn about input and output devices and phases of matter! 

Grab your hard hat and tool belt for this lesson, exploring engineering and computer science with the scientific method.

We're going on a light hunt!  Students will be engaged in this hands-on light investigation, they will investigate how different materials are affected by light. Students will use their knowledge in computer science by sorting and organizing items based on one or two attributes. 

What do you think will happen to Peppermint Puffs that are put in warm water, cold water, oil, and vinegar?  Will they dissolve?  In which substance will they dissolve the fastest?  In this experiment, your students will find out!  Students will also record their data and use technology (a spreadsheet on their Chrome book) to analyze, graph and discuss their learning.

Students will use the periodic table to solve a riddle. Afterwards, students will choose two of the elements used in the riddle to compare their atomic structure.