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The Lesson Pony

I have developed lessons designed primarily for middle and high school students in science. These labs have been classroom tested for many years. Awards 2007-2005 Professional Learning Grant from the Waltham Chamber of Commerce 2001, and my name is on Mars 2001 Mars Rover for my contributions to NASA educational system.

I have developed lessons designed primarily for middle and high school students in science. These labs have been classroom tested for many years. Awards 2007-2005 Professional Learning Grant from the Waltham Chamber of Commerce 2001, and my name is on Mars 2001 Mars Rover for my contributions to NASA educational system.
Earth Science Geology TimeLine of Earth's history Middle School Science
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Earth Science Geology TimeLine of Earth's history Middle School Science

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This package contains 2 lessons for the price of one. https://youtube.com/shorts/eVPB20bXn6Q?si=CwnAoyz8_ZHnmvfK The first is the classic timeline which students will create their own timeline. This lesson has been classroom-tested for 40 years!! The second lesson is the Evolutionary Tree which when completed students will discover how each major step in evolution was based on the one before. The third is called Creating Life. This fun lab has students observe unicelled organisms in a water sample. 2 Graphic Organizers Use for early finishers, extra credit, or sub plans This lesson also contains a more challenging reading for your more advanced students 3 Low Prep Labs! MATERIALS Meterstick, Adding machine tape Plaster of Paris (ready to pour) Cardboard Stapler Beach or park Total Pages 18 pages Answer Key Included Teaching Duration 1 Week
Astronomy, Biology Concave/Convex Lens 6 Engaging Labs Middle School Science
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Astronomy, Biology Concave/Convex Lens 6 Engaging Labs Middle School Science

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Are you looking for a fun way to motivate your students to learn about concave/convex lenses and how they work? This is an important concept for both Astronomy and Biology. This product can be used as Observations Stations where they have 15 minutes to experiment before they move to the next table.I have also taught this lesson as a lab one day for a week.They both work equally well and help to keep your students on task. Materials 6 Magnifying Glasses Piece of white paper Window Rolled piece of paper Very sharp knives such as box cutter Tennis Ball The plastic container is just slightly larger than the ball Distilled water (from grocery stores or pharmacies) Flat page with printed words such as a piece of newspaper or a page cut from a magazine. Plastic wrap Large metal spoon The lamp with the shade removed shows just the bare bulb. 2 Lens from a par of drugstore reading glasses (+1.00, +1.25 or +1.50 strength) Painter’s tape or masking tape 1 Sheet of white copy paper Tape measure Magnifying glass Small rectangular mirror Sheets of paper Colored marker pens Magnifying Glass Piece of white paper Window 1 sheet of white copy paper Tape measure
Astronomy Planets Size and Scale 4 Labs Middle School Science
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Astronomy Planets Size and Scale 4 Labs Middle School Science

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Description Are you teaching your students the planet’s size, density, and tO distance from the sun? This interesting hands-on project will motivate your students to learn and apply math concepts to science. This product contains Directed Reading 2 Mini Labs Lab A Compare the size of planets to the size of certain objects in the real world Lab B Pennies and Coke Cans (One of my all-time favorite activities) Walking to the Rocky Planets (Get your students outside, active, and review math skills) MATERIALS Permanent marker 11 clean empty 12-ounce (340g) aluminum soda cans Masking tape or duct tape 1,100 pennies ($11 in pennies coins 1 Full, unopened can of the same liquid Permanent marker 11 clean empty 12-ounce (340g) aluminum soda cans Masking tape or duct tape 1,100 pennies ($11 in pennies coins 1 Full, unopened can of the same liquid 1-meter stick 1 yogurt cup 1 large nail 1 small nail Total Pages 15 pages
Astronomy Taking pictures of the moon with your i phone Middle School Science
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Astronomy Taking pictures of the moon with your i phone Middle School Science

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A fun lesson using your i phone to learn about Moon details and the rotation around the earth Students will learn new technology skills and discover that the sun and the moon has the same movement in our sky. Both rise in the east and set in the western sky. Common core standards are listed Total Pages 5 pages Answer Key Included Teaching Duration 1 hour
Flower Dissection Lab Middle School Science Activity Botany
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Flower Dissection Lab Middle School Science Activity Botany

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This is a fun lab in which students will have a hands-on approach to learning the flower parts. Objectives describe that the flower produces pollen, nectar, and seeds, describe how the flower attracts insects and other pollinators for reproduction, All key terms have been listed with a definition In this lab activity, students will dissect the typical parts of a flower and identify male and female reproductive organs Low Prep This lab is a must before your unit on Genetics! Classroom-tested for many years Crossword Puzzle Graphic Organizer for Early finishers Readings Materials Magnifying Glass Tulips (Flower) Worksheets Forceps Dropper Pipette Coverslips Microscope Please see the preview and contact me if you have any questions.
Chemistry Fun labs to learn safety in the lab High School Science
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Chemistry Fun labs to learn safety in the lab High School Science

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Grade 8 STEM labs Are you having trouble explaining the phases of the Moon? PRODUCTS CONTAINS Moon Observations Sheets Directions to find an estimate of the Moon’s angular height Two Classroom Labs Tables of names of Full Moons of the AbenakiNortheast, Maine, and the early English Settlers . Students can see what was important to each settlement . Great lesson to combine history and science. In the labs, your students will understand the reason why we do not ever see the Dark Side of the moon The earth’s position relative to the moon is demonstrated. This lab has been classroom-tested for over 40 with several teachers. There is a very easy setup and no mess to clean afterward. MATERIALS Sheet of newspaper Cup with handle Ball or balloon wrapped in aluminum foil (the Moon) Flashlight (the Sun) Darkened Room Friend In my years of teaching, I have found be the best labs to explain to middle school students the motions of the moon around the Earth. Included is a student worksheet to make sure that your pupils do not leave without an understanding of this concept. Total Pages 12 pages Answer Key Included Teaching Duration 1 Week
Chemistry and Physics Thermodynamic Bird lab High School
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Chemistry and Physics Thermodynamic Bird lab High School

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https://youtu.be/yajQdRwxCi4 Here is a fun lab to use this popular toy to teach your high school chemistry and physics students thermodynamics in simple yet very important experimental techniques in this lab. Included is Explanation of how this bird acts as a heat engine 4 Labs directions on how to make your own drinking bird Lab questions with an answer key
Chemistry Significant Figures High School Science
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Chemistry Significant Figures High School Science

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Apply the concept of significant figures to limit measurement to the proper number of digits. Recognize the number of significant figures in a given quantity. Limit mathematical results to the proper number of significant figures. Are you looking for a fun activity to motivate your high school students to learn significant digits? Included Summary of the rules 10 practice problems 3 Engaging Worksheets A complete answer key is provided Keep one of the worksheets as a review or a sub plan! Total Pages 6 pages Answer Key Included Teaching Duration 2 hours
Metric System (SI) Measuring Fun Activity Middle, High School Science
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Metric System (SI) Measuring Fun Activity Middle, High School Science

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https://youtu.be/kzKkk6Dcx0c This resource was created to help teachers review and teach the Metric system and density. It is a classic lab highly recommended for the start of the school year. Students will be engaged and learn how to use the Metric System This product contains Fun no prep lab 10 Metric problems Answer Key MATERIALS Ruler 10 index cards Balance Graduate cylinder Rubber stopper Water The metric system​ is a decimal system based on the meter, liter, and gram as units of length, capacity, and weight or mass. The system was first proposed by the French astronomer and mathematician Gabriel Mouton (1618–94) in 1670 and was standardized in France under the Republican government in the 1790s. Unlike the English system which has multiple units for length (inch, foot, yard, mile), the metric only has one – the meter (m). Similarly, there are four basic metric units: ● Length – meter (m) ● Mass – gram (g) ● Volume – liter (l or L) ● Time – second (s) Base unit values can be modified (made larger or smaller) through the use of prefixes (ex. kilo­, 1000; hecto­, 100; deka­, 10; deci­, 0.1; centi­, 0.01; milli­, 0.001).
Chemistry Math Pre Test High School Science
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Chemistry Math Pre Test High School Science

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https://youtu.be/c8p4BMhb7Js Taking measurements, performing dimensional analysis, determining temperature, density, and so on are all things that cannot be done without math The first section reviews measurements in metric. Start your year teaching chemistry on the right foot and find out where your students are in their math skills. Everyone knows you can not do chemistry well without a math background. d. The tests have bunnies on them to help students not be so nervous doing math. This lesson contains 2 tests. You can use one before and the other one after In order to excel in chemistry, you must understand unit conversions, significant figures, summation notations, probability and statistics, exponents and logarithms, proportions, and concentrations. In most cases, these subjects overlap, so they are frequently discussed together
Chemistry Math Pre Test High School Science
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Chemistry Math Pre Test High School Science

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Taking measurements, performing dimensional analysis, determining temperature, density, and so on are all things that cannot be done without math The first section reviews measurements in metric. Start your year teaching chemistry on the right foot and find out where your students are in their math skills. Everyone knows you can not do chemistry well without a math background. d. The tests have bunnies on them to help students not be so nervous doing math. This lesson contains 2 tests. You can use one before and the other one after In order to excel in chemistry, you must understand unit conversions, significant figures, summation notations, probability and statistics, exponents and logarithms, proportions, and concentrations. In most cases, these subjects overlap, so they are frequently discussed together Grab this free lesson to make soap in your classroom https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6490aefc3b413b66d0ce770b
Chemistry Fun labs to learn safety in the lab High School Science
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Chemistry Fun labs to learn safety in the lab High School Science

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Are you looking for a way to make science both fun and safe for your students? This is the most important lesson of the year for high school students. Your kids will love and remember this lesson because instead of just reading and answering questions they will be performing labs to learn the importance of safety in the classroom. Total Pages 15 Teaching Duration 2 days
: Chemistry Start of the year outside measuring lab High School review
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: Chemistry Start of the year outside measuring lab High School review

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Are you looking for a way to motivate your high school chemistry students, here it is!! During the first days of the year take them outside to work in groups to review measuring and estimating skills. Just print and go This lesson contains Students will estimate Perform the actual measurements Compare English and Metric Materials Meter stick Thermometer Graduated cylinder Large beaker
Fall Lab Plants Gardening Activity How to plant tulips with your class
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Fall Lab Plants Gardening Activity How to plant tulips with your class

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All profits from this lab will be denoted to charities Materials Bulbs Daffodils, Tulips, Dutch Iris, etc. Gloves Shovel Colored Pencils Included is a short writing about how Tulps will help cheer you up I promise you it is the most beautiful reading on the internet. No lab will bring more joy to your students than planting spring bulbs. This has been a staple activity in my classroom for 20 years. Students will learn how to plant spring flowers. Included are many hints to ensure success in the spring There are suggestions for cross-curriculum in Math, English, and History lessons Key terms are listed in Spanish with translations Total Pages 11 pages Answer Key Included Teaching Duration 1 hour
The Great Ice Cube Melt
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The Great Ice Cube Melt

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Students design and create containers that will keep one standard-sized ice cubes in their solid form for a set period of time. The winner is the person who creates the container that keeps the ice cube solid for the longest period of time. Ribbon Templates are included for first, second, and third prize After the actual “Great Ice Cube Melt” students will analyze what worked and what did not Take the classic STEM challenge to the next level. Question Can you build a better cooler that can hold ice colder longer? This lab is an application of the engineering process. Also, includes Engineering Geometry Ratios Critical thinking Materials are common items around the home No prep for you but lots of science for your students. Students learn and apply concepts in thermodynamics and energy—mainly convection, conduction, and radiation— to solve a challenge. This is accomplished by splitting students into teams and having them follow the engineering design process to design and build a small insulated box, with the goal of keeping an ice cube frozen
Chemistry, Oxidation Exothermic 2 Labs
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Chemistry, Oxidation Exothermic 2 Labs

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https://youtube.com/shorts/Fe00TLE6YeA?si=M6IlhvQc86Jy1m5I This fun lesson can be used for Classroom Camping Home School Low Prep Product contains 3 Labs Worksheet Poem by Robert Frost This lesson will work well with your English Department. MATERIALS Lab #1 Warm moist place Fresh-cut hay, fallen leaves, or grass Thermometers Lab #2 Steel wool (not the soapy kind) Jar Water Vinegar Bleach Thermometer Lab #3 Apple Lemon Juice Knife
Speed of falling objects lab
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Speed of falling objects lab

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A quick fun lab to teach students about the speed of falling objects. Perfect for a physics class. There is no prep or clean up involved. Students will understand gravity after performing this lab.
Biology Final Exam High School Science
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Biology Final Exam High School Science

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Description A cumulative biology review offers students a swift, straightforward, and efficient method to prepare for their final examinations. Tailored to accommodate various textbooks and syllabi, this review serves as a holistic resource, encompassing the entirety of the subject matter. Full-length test If you are worried about it being a perfect match for your classroom and curriculum, know that everything is editable so you can make it exactly what you need! A comprehensive review of all essential content including genetics, cellular biology, and molecular biology This is a terrific resource to review the year This product includes Genetics A & P Plants & animals Cells Inheritance, Genetics, and Punnett Squares Human Body Systems Evolution and Natural Selection This is completely self-paced; all you have to do is print and go! Students work through this ON THEIR OWN and it is a great activity for homework, classwork, or a sub-plan! 18 Page Editable MS Word Version I use this in my classroom to prepare my students for SAT Biology Exams.
Lab - AP Physics 1 – The Mu of Your Shoe
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Lab - AP Physics 1 – The Mu of Your Shoe

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“Mu of a Shoe”: An Exploration of Low-Tech Friction The primary aim of this laboratory experiment is to ascertain the static and kinetic coefficients of friction pertaining to a shoe on a tabletop surface. By utilizing a shoe, a spring scale, and weights, the goal is to analyze the factors influencing the force required to move the shoe across a specified surface. Materials required for this experiment include a protractor, spring scales with varying measuring scales, one or more shoes, a laboratory table, and a range of weights. Upon completion of this practical, students will engage in a comparative analysis between the static coefficient of friction and the kinetic coefficient of friction, presented in a formal Claim-Evidence-Reasoning format.
Astronomy Viewing the Eclipse April 8, 2024 Lab Middle School Science
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Astronomy Viewing the Eclipse April 8, 2024 Lab Middle School Science

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https://youtube.com/shorts/mISCjMRuPX0?si=ixpYl9V5GOO4h9yc Description Celebrate the upcoming 2024 Solar Eclipse with our comprehensive Total Solar Eclipse Teaching Lesson. On Monday, April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will traverse North America Objective: To demonstrate an eclipse of the sun and the moon using models Materials: Light bulb Golf bulb Tennis ball How to safely view this event is outlined in this product!! This educational resource is designed to equip elementary students with engaging activities to enlighten them about this momentous astronomical event. If you are encountering difficulties in teaching the concept of Eclipses to your middle school students, this resource can provide valuable assistance. The product has two main sections Hands-on activity to simulate an eclipse. Detailed safety procedures for observing the eclipse on the day of the event. Benefits: Enhance Engagement: Transform the Total Solar Eclipse into a dynamic and educational experience that captivates students through interactive learning. I By incorporating hands-on activities, this lesson ensures that all students can delve into the marvels of the Solar Eclipse. Ideal for educators and homeschooling parents aiming to fascinate their students with the enchantment of the 2024 Solar Eclipse. This lesson is suitable for both traditional classroom settings and homeschooling environments, offering quick setup and breakdown for ease of use.