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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.

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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.
Temperature and evaporation
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Temperature and evaporation

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This lab can be used in a chemistry, health, physics or Earth Science class. Students will learn the effects of evaporation on cooling. Materials are items found in every science class. They will fill in a chart with their data to discover the information for themselves. A worksheet is included to check your students; understanding. *Answer key is provided
UV  Solar beads  Lab Stop Skin Cancer
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UV Solar beads Lab Stop Skin Cancer

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Need an engaging activity to investigate UV radiation and its effect on your student health. Keep your young scientists safe this summer with the knowledge gathered with this fun lab. Your students will be surprised to see white beads change color with exposure to UV light. Great to encourage the use of sunscreen. This lab is perfect for end-of-year, camps or part of your health lessons. I have also used it during my unit on Astronomy MATERIALS UV beads Sunscreen Plastic bags Contains Lab Instructions Worksheet to learn the importance of sunscreen
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
Chemistry Christmas Lab Shaving cream ornaments Middle School Science
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Chemistry Christmas Lab Shaving cream ornaments Middle School Science

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https://youtu.be/UW_Rqr0ebk0?si=_3KWl7jumVeLP7br STEM This is the most incredible chemistry lesson you will ever teach your Middle school students. It is tons of fun, and messy, and will put magic in your subject.Included detailed instructions to follow each step. Templates for cutting and tracing are included at the end of the lesson. Students will be making their beautiful decorations from paper templates. The lesson explains the chemistry behind all this fun. Happy Holidays Materials 1/2 cup Shaving Cream Food Dye or water-based paints A sheet pan, cake pan, plastic food container—even a paper plate will work Spoon Measuring Cups Paint Brushes very soft Paper Templates Cloth to cover lab tables Products contain Reading Lab Procedure
Genetics Super Heros 8th Grade Science PowerPoint
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Genetics Super Heros 8th Grade Science PowerPoint

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This activity has been a class favorite for many years as students get an opportunity to create their own Superhero(or villain) with the use of genotypes, Punnett Squares, and probability. Students will determine the phenotypes and genotypes of their parent heroes, and create Punnett Squares, Once students determine the traits of their super baby, they can begin working on their baby announcement which consists of a labeled poster of their superchild with the inherited traits and an announcement to introduce the superchild and their traits to the world. Learning Standards: Performance Expectation: HS-LS3-2: Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors. Disciplinary Core Idea: LS3.B: Variations of Traits: In sexual reproduction, chromosomes can sometimes swap sections during the process of meiosis (cell division), thereby creating new genetic combinations and thus more genetic variation. Although DNS replication is tightly regulated and remarkably accurate, errors do occur and result in mutations, which are also a source of genetic variation. Environmental factors can also cause mutations in genes, and viable mutations are inherited.
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 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
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 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
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
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
Astronomy Stars and Constellations Huge Unit for Middle School Science
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Astronomy Stars and Constellations Huge Unit for Middle School Science

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https://youtube.com/shorts/RvZXELdSQJY?si=6VKU4MYVBceTJkCp Description Are you having a hard time teaching your students about the constellations in the night sky? Here is your answer. Classroom-tested for many years. Students have informed me years later that they still look at the night sky. Complete discussion questions with answers to engage your students! Objectives Become familiar with the constellations visible in the Northern Hemisphere Observe the constellations visible on a particular night. Your students will learn how to make an astrolabe and star charts. Included also 3 labs. Detailed instructions on how to make star grazing safe. 2 Graphic organizers which students can complete for extra credit or keep as emergency sub plans. Materials Large Index Card Protractor String 30 cm Large Metal Hex Nut Tape Plastic Drinking Straw Magnetic compass Drawing compass Construction paper Colored pencils Protractor Metric ruler Tennis ball Basket Ball or soccer ball Bunsen burner Googles Picture Wire Pliers SCI.K.8.C Earth and space. The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects in the sky. The student is expected to: observe, describe, and illustrate objects in the sky such as the clouds, Moon, and stars, including the Sun. Total Pages 19 pages Answer Key Included Teaching Duration 2 Weeks
Magnetism-2 Labs and Reading Middle School Physics
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Magnetism-2 Labs and Reading Middle School Physics

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The incredible power of magnets is illustrated in two engaging labs hands-on labs. Clear and easy-to-follow editable lab worksheet Included is a reading for students to fully understand the power of magnets Students will discover that magnets are attracted to special metals. Objectives Magnets attract and repel other magnets. What makes some materials magnetic Materials Wide mouth jar Book Magnet Compass Eisco Labs Floating Ring Magnet Set with Wooden Base Total Pages 7 pages Answer Key Included Teaching Duration 45 minutes