+
Unit Plan
1
1
Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Rocks and Minerals in Our Lives

For Teachers K - 6th Standards
Young geologists discover the important role that rocks and minerals play in our everyday lives through this series of hands-on activities. Starting off with a lesson that defines the difference between plants, animals, and...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gumdrop Crystal Models

For Teachers 9th - 12th
A great way to learn about molecular structures is to make a model. Gumdrops and toothpicks are used to construct crystal models. The models are based on theories of crystal shapes that occur because of positive and or negatively charged...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigation of Crystallinity in Polymeric Materials

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
A kaleidoscope is constructed using polarizing polymer paper and then low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene are all melted onto individual glass slides and examined through a microscope. The intent is to...
+
Assessment
Curated OER

Take-Home Midterm Exam #3, Part A

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
Let your physics learners take this electromagnetic radiation exam home to show what they know. You could also use it in class or assign it as a review. The content covers concepts pertaining to color, wavelength, frequency,...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Polymers and Crystals: Their Role in Food Science

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Blend chemistry with cooking in this exploration of polymers, carbohydrates, and food science. Experimenting with gelatin produces concrete examples of the bonding and ploymerization discussed in the lesson. Copious, comprehensive...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

EASY (AND CHEAP) CRYSTAL GROWING

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Learners grow salt crystals by making a saturated solution of table salt and let the solution sit around and evaporate.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Diaper Inquiry

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders carefully examine and investigate the products contained in a diaper. They particularly analyze the crystal sodium polyacrylate, a product developed for use in astronaut diapers. They follow the scientific method, forming...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Growing Rock Candy

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students observe the growth of rock candy. In this crystal growth activity, students make rock candy and measure the crystal growth over five days.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Watching Crystals Grow

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners observe crystal growth of Epsom salts and the variables that hinder or help their nucleation and growth. They illustrate a series of drawings/pictures as the crystals grow. They look for the different shapes they form as well...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Crystal Structure Lab

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study and examine crystal shape. They create the two basic unit cells (one a tetrahedron) out of pipe cleaners and dip them into soapy water to see if they can form bubbles to represent a silicon atom in the center of a...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Integrating Physical Science and the Geological Environment

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students undertake a series of experiments and activities related to geology, especially in Connecticut. They evaluate types of rocks, minerals, and crystals, exploring the main concepts of geology.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cave Mentality

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students identify and define vocabulary associated with caves and rock formations. They construct a cave out of paper and fill it with a geode they crerate. Students write and present orally reports about caves and their importance to...
+
Handout
Sophia Learning

Sophia: Geology: Crystals: Lesson 2

For Students 7th - 8th
This lesson will present how to identify and classify crystals. It is 2 of 3 in the series titled "Geology: Crystals."
+
Activity
PBS

Pbs Kids: Dragonfly Tv Do It: Grow a Crystal

For Students 3rd - 8th
This PBS Kids site teaches students about crystals and includes an activity that shows how to make sparkling gems at home.
+
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Fifth Grade Science: Physical Science: Types of Matter

For Students 5th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discusses elements, atoms, compounds, molecules, and crystals. Looks at mixture and different types of them.
+
Handout
Sophia Learning

Sophia: Geology: Crystals: Lesson 3

For Students 9th - 10th
This lesson will present how to identify and classify crystals. It is 3 of 3 in the series titled "Geology: Crystals."