Students make quantitative and qualitative observations of food dye in hot and cold water then draw conclusions about particle motion and temperature. They plan and carry out an investigation to answer the question, “How does a pure substance change when thermal energy is added?” Then, students create a graph, analyze their data and draw diagrams of particles in motion. They summarize their learning with an original cartoon of a pure substance facing increased heat energy!

Students plan and conduct an investigation about the motion of vanilla molecules, create a graph, analyze data and observe a Skittle in water! Finally, students use evidence collected in the lab to support the claim “Molecules are in motion”.

Students differentiate between natural and synthetic materials and make their own synthetic slime! They research the environmental, economic and societal impacts of two synthetic materials - plastic and high fructose corn syrup. Then, students decide if the positive impacts of HFCS outweigh the negative impacts and argue their point.

Students reflect on elements they already know, ask questions about the periodic table and then find answers! They build models of helium and copper atoms with Skittles, distinguish molecules from compounds and grow salt crystals to show cubic crystal structure. Finally, students create models of molecules to show what they know. Students love learning more about elements and the periodic table!