Learn about many ways to combine art and science as we observe the world around us. We often think of scientists as methodical and precise, and artists as free-willed, impulsive creators. But did you know that some art has science packed right into it? And that artists throughout history have helped scientists conduct their work? Learn about the photography of Berenice Abbott who documented the changing New York skyline with photographs of architecture and urban design of the 1930s, and science interpretation in the 1940s to 1960s. Learn how to use the sun to air dry your salt dough creations and explore papier-mâché. 

The foamy fun of "Elephant's Toothpaste," also known as the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, helped Camille Schrier win her job as Miss America 2020! In this episode, Camille re-creates this winning chemical reaction and teaches us all about the science of catalysts and decomposition. Explore questions such as: What is a catalyst? What does a catalyst do? Why do we need a catalyst to make "Elephant's Toothpaste"? It’s a HUGE, wonderful, foamy mess that's all powered by science! Developed for students in grades 6 - 10.

The lessons in this module are empirical – abductive. The teacher helps students identify the activity of substances within pizza dough. The teacher announces the students will conduct chemical reactions to explore how matter is conserved during a chemical change. After the class compares their reasoning, the teacher provides clarifying and direct instruction with videos, guided practice and supported computer simulation practice for students to learn to balance chemical equations. Students complete a problem-based investigation to apply their learning by writing, testing and explaining a lab procedure that will help an absent classmate to gather evidence and gain an understanding of the Law of Conservation of Matter. This module was developed by Patricia Kramolisch as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.

Learn about semipermeable membranes. If you put eggs and sand through a colander, would they both fall through? Probably not. Only the sand would actually pass through the holes of the colander because the eggs are too large. The colander acts as a semipermeable membrane, allowing some materials through but not others. Let's explore some other semipermeable membranes -like what surrounds our cells to help keep our bodies working and healthy. And eggs are like giant cells. They are a perfect thing to use to explore the science of semipermeable membranes, osmosis, and diffusion. We'll even experience a cool chemical reaction when we place an egg in vinegar. What do you think will happen when this chemical reaction is complete? Developed for grades 6-8 and correlated with Virginia Standards of Learning.

This is an open inquiry lab that can be done in approximately 15-20 minutes with a few household materials. It dramatically, yet simply, illustrates the condition of color change and the formation of gas (bubbles) as a result of a chemical change. Updates have added safety information and a student data table.