Leaf Chromatography

1) LESSON PLAN BY BETTERLESSON

2) DOLLAR TREE ACTIVITY

3) PLAYDOUGH TO PLATO ACTIVITY

4) TED-ED LESSON

ESTIMATED COST:

$0.14

PER STUDENT

Photo cred: Pexels

Required materials:

several leaves from different trees, small glass containers, rubbing alcohol, paper coffee filters, shallow aluminum pan, hot tap water, aluminum foil, scissors, tape, marker, sticky notes, plastic spoons

TED-Ed Description:

It's true that the cooler weather is a good indication that the seasons are changing, but there's no sign like the color of the leaves. In this lesson, you'll learn why leaves change color in the fall, and you'll learn how to do paper chromatography to separate the pigments found in a leaf.

NGSS alignment:

1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 3. Planning and carrying out investigations 6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 7. Engaging in argument from evidence 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Study Extreme Weather with a Dollar Store Barometer

1) LESSON PLAN BY SRCC

2) LESSON PLAN BY EASY SCIENCE FOR KIDS

3) TED-ED LESSON

ESTIMATED COST:

$0.07

PER STUDENT

Photo cred: Easy Science For Kids

Required materials:

jar or can, large balloon, rubber band, scissors, tape, stirring stick or straw, index card

Description:

A barometer is an instrument that measures air pressure, allowing weather forecasters and scientists to better predict extreme weather events. Actually, you don’t need to be a professional weather reporter to understand weather patterns.  This easy to assemble barometer made from dollar store items can help!

Tips:

Craft, household or classroom items that you already have will work for this activity and can possibly be reused. 

NGSS alignment:

2. Developing and using models  3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Electrifying STEM: Circuits and Batteries

1) LESSON PLAN BY TRYENGINEERING.ORG

2) LESSON BY PBS LEARNINGMEDIA

3) TED-ED LESSON

ESTIMATED COST:

$0.07

PER STUDENT

Photo cred: TED-Ed

Required materials:

"switches," wire strippers, insulated wire, flashlight, lightbulbs, batteries, electrical tape

Description:

TED-Ed calls batteries a "triumph of science." They allow electronics to operate "without anchoring us to an infernal tangle of power cables." The activities above take learners from simple circuits to an electrifying design challenge.

Tips:

Scissors may be used instead of wire strippers, but may take extra practice to strip the wire. Select a flashlight that can be easily disassembled so that the lightbulb can be removed. Also, replacing flashlights with lightbulbs may be more cost effective.

NGSS alignment:

1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)  2. Developing and using models 6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information