Lab

This science lab can be used in any of the science disciplines because it is going to help students learn how to read a meter tape. Students will learn what the Magnus Effect is and how to demonstrate the Magnus Effect by "flying" a hollowed-out "Bic" pen across the classroom. Students will also learn how to create a spreadsheet and then add a formula that will automatically calculate the average of their pen flight distances. I use this lab at the beginning of the year to get students excited about science as well.

In this lab/demonstration, the teacher will demonstrate how convection currents in the atmosphere occur. This demonstration is very visible and can easily be done without any special equipment except for a hot plate. Students will fill out a science lab sheet that has them hypothesize and then diagram how air currents are moving. As part of the lab, students will get some reinforcement as to what high and low air pressures are and what causes them. Students will also be able to demonstrate their previously gained knowledge of density.

In this Earth Science Lab, students will gain an understanding of what relative humidity and dew point are. There are four parts to the lab. The first part will help them understand the relationship between the ability to evaporate and humidity. Students will then use psychrometers to determine the humidity outside as well as inside. They will calculate the wet-bulb depression and then use the relative humidity chart to determine the percent of water in the air outside and inside the classroom.

Engage in a captivating Earth Science activity that hones your cloud identification skills. In this interactive session, students will have the opportunity to discern various cloud types by analyzing 10 captivating cloud images, encompassing a minimum of 5 distinct cloud formations. This engaging exercise includes comprehensive teacher guidance and reflective discussions, allowing students to evolve into accomplished "Professional Cloud Identifiers" upon completing this enlightening weather laboratory.

In this earth science lab, students will flip M&Ms/Skittles to help them gain a better understanding as to what absolute dating is. Students will learn what radioactive elements are and how scientists use this understanding to give an age to rocks and fossils. Students will create a spreadsheet and create a graph that will visually demonstrate the half-life of Carbon 14. There are 6 word problems that they will analyze to help them understand how to use a half-life graph.

This is an assignment I give my students before they actually take their mineral identification test. In this activity, the minerals have already gone through the individual characteristics tests such as luster, hardness, color, streak, and other mineral properties. This assignment is to give students practice using a dichotomous key that can help them identify minerals. This assignment also contains vocabulary words commonly used when identifying minerals.

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In this 7-12 Earth Science lab, students will get a chance to hone in on their observation and inference skills. Students will work in groups to observe 4 different rocks. They will make inferences about the environment that the rocks came from as well as take an educated guess as to which rock type the rock belongs, igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary. Students will write those observations down and then share one of their rocks to the class. This lab is meant to be done before getting into the nitty-gritty of rocks which will happen in the nest assignment.

Looking for a new way to teach the rock cycle? Check out this exciting twist on a classic activity from EducationalResource.org! In this activity, students roll a die and follow instructions to create their own unique rock cycle. This hands-on approach helps students understand that there is no one set path for a rock to follow as it undergoes the process of becoming a new type of rock. As a class, students can share their individual rock cycle paths and compare them to see the infinite possibilities that exist within the rock cycle.

In this lab, students will identify up to 6 igneous rocks. They will practice using a dichotomous key in order to ID their rocks. Students will have a better understanding of igneous rock texture, composition, and color. There are four questions at the end of the lab that will review crystallization, intrusive and extrusive rocks. I give this assignment after our study on igneous rocks, so this is a great assessment activity as well. I have also included my own thoughts and instructions to help you implement this activity in your classroom.