Will it Float?
Student preconceptions are one of the greatest challenges we face as science teachers. This Predict, Explain, Observe, and Explain (PEOE) activity challenges students' preconceived notions about why matter floats or sinks when placed in a liquid. The idea behind this model is to do a demonstration that first confirms students' conceptions followed by a second, similar demonstration that provides discrepant information creating cognitive dissonance. Learning happens as students are forced to modi
Energy in-depth timeline
The history of energy usage provides an interesting view of the development of technology over time. This informational piece, part of a series on the future of energy, introduces students to the advancement of technology through the use of energy. Students read how energy needs and uses have affected the production of power, manufacturing industries, and transportation methods. This piece focuses on energy systems based on fossil fuels, geothermal, hydrogen, nuclear, solar, and wind energy, and
Inside a Seed
This image from Biology by Kenneth R. Miller and Joseph Levine illustrates the five most important parts of a seed: the seed coat, the endosperm, and the embryos primary root, cotyledon, and embryonic leaves.
Earth and Space
In earth and space science, students study the origin, structure, and physical phenomena of the earth and the universe. Earth and space science studies include concepts in geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy.
2.14 Summing up
This unit is concerned with macroevolution – the patterns and processes of evolution above the species level. A crucial consideration in macroevolutionary studies is that of the evolutionary relationships (phylogeny) of the organisms in question. The unit begins with an introduction to the scope of macroevolutionary studies and illustrates methods of reconstructing phylogeny, from both morphological and molecular data.
Relay For Life 2011
Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.
Sign up for this year's Relay For Life event, taking place April 8 and 9 at Plaster Sports Complex. Learn more about the event and how to donate at http://www.missouristate.edu/relayforlife
By Land, Sea or Air
In this lesson, students learn that navigational techniques change when people travel to different places — land, sea, air and in space. For example, an explorer traveling by land uses different methods of navigation than a sailor or an astronaut.
6.4 Second Essay
Childcare, education, working conditions, healthcare, crime … these issues are hotly debated in today's society. They are also issues that Robert Owen, seen by some as a visionary and by others as a knave and a charlatan, sought to address in the early 1800s. This unit uses a series of essays written by Owen to explore the ideas of this important and controversial figure.
Engineering an Empire - Greece, Part 4/5
(NOTE: There is a Greek statue with male frontal nudity.)'The term ancient Greece refers to the period of Greek history lasting from the Greek Dark Ages ca. 1100 BC and the Dorian invasion, to 146 BC and the Roman conquest of Greece after the Battle of Corinth' (Ancient Greece, Wikipedia, 2009). This History Channel documentary is suitable for older middle and high school students and is narrated by various scholars. (09:07)
Water Safety for Families with Children with Special Needs
This video addresses the unique needs for water safety for families of special needs children. Special considerations for children with cognitive disorders and wheelchair bound children are discussed. This is a good resource for any adult working with special needs students/children such as parents, teachers, caregivers, and/or babysitters. (3:32)
Bone Mineral Density and Logarithms
Students examine an image produced by a cabinet x-ray system to determine if it is a quality bone mineral density image. Students write in their journals about what they need to know to be able to make this judgment. Students learn about what bone mineral density is, how a BMD image can be obtained, and how it is related to the field of x-ray. Students examine the process used to obtain a BMD image and how this process is related to mathematics, primarily through logarithmic functions. Students
Bone Fractures and Engineering
Students learn about the role engineers and engineering play in repairing severe bone fractures. They acquire knowledge about the design and development of implant rods, pins, plates, screws and bone grafts. They learn about materials science, biocompatibility and minimally-invasive surgery.
Solid, Liquid or Gas?
Students are given a variety of materials and asked to identify if each material as a solid, liquid or gas. They use their five senses — sight, sound, smell, texture and taste — to identify the other characteristics of each item.
Cutting Through Soil
Students pretend they are agricultural engineers during the colonial period and design a miniature plow that will cut through a “field” of soil. Students are introduced to the engineering design process and learn of several famous historical figures who contributed to the design of the plow.
Energy Choices Game
This board game is used to introduce the concepts of energy use in our lives and the very real impact that personal choices can have on our energy consumption, energy bills and fuel supply. The game begins as each student selects cards that define their mode of transportation and home design. The players roll dice and move around the board, landing on “choice” or “situation” blocks and selecting cards that describe consumer choices and real life events that impact their energy consumptio
Our Amazing, Powerful Sun
The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the students to the Sun. They explore various aspects of the Sun including its composition, its interior workings, and its relationship to the Earth.
Laser Light Properties: Protecting the Mummified Troll!
Students learn and use the properties of light to solve the following challenge: “A mummified troll was discovered this summer at our school and it has generated lots of interest worldwide. The principal asked us, the technology classes, to design a security system that alerts the police if someone tries to pilfer our prized possession. How can we construct a system that allows visitors to view our artifact during the day, but invisibly protects it at night in a cost-effective way?”
Induced EMF in a coil of wire
Students use a simple set up consisting of a coil of wire and a magnet to visualize induced EMF. First, students move a coil of wire near a magnet and observe the voltage that results. They then experiment with moving the wire, magnet, and a second, current carrying coil. Students connect the coil to a circuit and the current from the induced EMF charges a conductor.
Solenoids
This lesson discusses solenoids. Students learn how to calculate the magnetic field along the axis of a solenoid and complete an activity exploring the magnetic field of a metal slinky. Solenoids form the basis for the magnet of an MRI. Exploring the properties of this solenoid helps students understand the MRI machine.
Magnetic Fields Matter
This lesson introduces students to the effects of magnetic fields in matter addressing permanent magnets, diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, and magnetization. First students must compare the magnetic field of a solenoid to the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. Students then learn the response of diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic material to a magnetic field. Now aware of the mechanism causing a solid to respond to a field, students learn how to measure the response by l
