When it comes to thermal energy lessons, we are reminded of the potato chip slogan, “Nobody can eat just one.”
There are so many awesome thermal energy lessons on the Internet, we couldn’t pick just one! Take a moment to review the lesson plans and interactive classroom lab ideas below. We’re certain you will find something to use with your students.
If you come across any thermal energy lessons you’d like to share, please leave us a comment below! Read the rest of this entry »
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College level, Elementary level, energy, High School level, Middle School level, Physics | Tagged: conductors, Educational Innovations, energy, experiments, fun experiments, green energy, hands-on activity, homeschool, insulators, kinetic energy, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, science, STEM, thermal energy, variables | 
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
by Jen Donaldson
In my classroom, I’ve devised two new uses for Growing Spheres which help students have a better grasp on some otherwise complicated science concepts.
These small spheres are a wonderful way to make the invisible VISIBLE—in three dimensions!
Leave a Comment » | Chemistry, College level, Elementary level, experiments, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: Chemistry, Educational Innovations, experiments, fun experiments, growing spheres, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, Physics, science, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
by Gabrielle Hodgins and Dr. Kenneth Lyle, Duke University, Durham NC
Demonstrating the magnetic ink used in printing US currency has proven to engage audiences of all ages because of its relevance to everyday life. Nearly everyone has used machines that distribute and/or accept currency but few understand how the machines distinguish between the various denominations. The key is in the face of each denomination. Magnetic ink is used in the printing of the currency. Each denomination has a different face and, therefore, a different magnetic signature. Similar to a bar code reader, the machines recognize the denomination by its magnetic signature. A strong magnet, such as a neodymium magnet, can be used to demonstrate the magnetic character of US currency.
Leave a Comment » | Chemistry, Elementary level, High School level, magnetism, Middle School level | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, neodymium magnet, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, Physics, science, science fair project | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
by Nancy Foote
A curiosity table. That’s what I call it. Whenever my students have a free minute (which rarely happens), I encourage them to investigate the materials on the curiosity table in our classroom.
Today I added something new—an Atmospheric Mat.
Leave a Comment » | College level, Elementary level, experiments, High School level, Middle School level, Physics | Tagged: air pressure, Educational Innovations, experiments, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, Physics, physics demonstration apparatus, science, STEM, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
Hydrophilic superabsorbent polymers are so much fun to use in the classroom. Young and older students alike love working with Growing Spheres that expand by more than 300 times their original size. And who doesn’t love an avalanche of Instant Snow?
We know that the best lessons are those that keep your students engaged in genuine, hands-on scientific exploration. We believe that students learn more when they’re having FUN… and that’s precisely what happens when you bring any hydrophilic material into your classroom.
2 Comments | Chemistry, College level, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level | Tagged: DIY, Educational Innovations, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, hydrophilic, instant snow, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, polymer, polymer crystals, science, science fair project, snow polymer, sodium polyacrylate, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
