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  • Comparison of Phosphate Levels in Stream Sediments

    Book Chapter |

    Phosphorus is an important nutrient to all life. Unfortunately, when phosphate reaches the soil it is not all used up by the plants. If excess phosphate enters the waterways in the watershed, it can cause increased…

  • Investigating Textures

    Book Chapter |

    This simple but engaging activity about texture is for students in grades K–4. Textures are all around us, and they are important to our everyday activities—consider a piece of sandpaper, a cheese grater, or the soles…

  • Investigating the Properties of Magnets

    Book Chapter |

    In this activity, younger students encounter, discuss, and apply the basic characteristics of magnets and magnetism as they explore and elaborate on their experiences. Student groups implement some of the terminology…

  • Applying Simple Chromatography

    Book Chapter |

    This activity involves chemistry, mystery, colors, and measurement. Students observe the composition of various inks by separating them via water-based chromatography. Students use what they learn about chromatography…

  • Investigating Surface Tension and Soap

    Book Chapter |

    You students encounter soap and water every day and the activity in this chapter helps them learn something new about both substances. Students find out why water can actually overfill a cup without spilling and why…

  • Learning About Acids and Bases

    Book Chapter |

    The chemistry of acids and bases is a fundamental area of study in the physical sciences. The following activity is really two exercises in one. First, students learn to distinguish between acids and bases using various…

  • Digging Into Soil

    Book Chapter |

    For this Earth science investigation, students examine the composition of soil samples taken from three different depths at the same location. Students answer questions such as “How do the three samples compare? How…

  • Observing and Sorting Rocks

    Book Chapter |

    In this activity, students examine garden variety rocks, classifying them based on observable properties. This lesson teaches students not only about rocks but also about how to take a closer look at objects and…

  • Exploring Evaporation

    Book Chapter |

    Students learn what evaporation is and how various factors—time, heat, surface area, and wind—affect it. They also discover that water does not always evaporate at the same rate and saltwater leaves something behind…

  • Examining Colors, Color Perception, and Sight

    Book Chapter |

    Students of all ages are fascinated by color and how we perceive it. For the main activity in this chapter, your class explores colors and visual perception by mixing colors in several ways. Students learn more about…

  • Exploring the Mysteries of Fingerprints

    Book Chapter |

    This activity combines a variety of processes and skills into an investigation of something near and dear to your students—their fingers. Math and science blend seamlessly as students observe, compare, and apply their…

  • Making Prints From Fruits and Vegetables

    Book Chapter |

    Students may be familiar with eating fruits and vegetables, but have they ever taken a really close look at the anatomy of those specimens? In this activity, students have an opportunity to explore aspects of the…

  • What Do You See? Visual Observation

    Book Chapter |

    The famous New York Yankee catcher Yogi Berra once said, “You can observe a lot just by watching.” This activity helps strengthen students’ skills in a fundamental aspect of mathematics and science: visual observation.…

  • Examining Serial Sections of an Apple

    Book Chapter |

    In this activity, students make serial sections of an apple. Students make cross-section prints of the top portion of the apple, then another print further into the apple, and so on until they get to the bottom of the…

  • Science and Math on Television

    Book Chapter |

    Students certainly enjoy watching television, and they traditionally favor shows about science, mathematics, and technology. Consider the popularity of MythBusters, Bill Nye the Science Guy, National Geographic Explorer…

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