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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.
Lab: Archimedes’ Principle	 - Don’t Sink the Boat!
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Lab: Archimedes’ Principle - Don’t Sink the Boat!

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Here is a fun lab to teach Archimedes’ Principle using only an empty soup can and water Define buoyant force. State Archimedes’ principle. Understand why objects float or sink. Understand the relationship between density and Archimedes’ principle. This is a terrific resource to teach physics and math.
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.
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.
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.
Oceanography The Coriolis Effect 2 Activities and Readings
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Oceanography The Coriolis Effect 2 Activities and Readings

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https://youtube.com/shorts/R-qHtCnwne8?si=dGRpvkWu7-tzlUhp ln oceanography, we are most interested in how the Coriolis Effect moves winds and ocean currents on the rotating Earth. The first page is hints to make it easier for you to teach this lesson. A primary focus lies in understanding how the Coriolis Effect influences the movement of winds and ocean currents on the Earth’s rotating surface. I have used this lesson with my history department when they are teaching the Trade Winds and the Doldrums This educationavity serves as a valuable resource in my middle school science curriculum, particularly as an introductory exercise before delving into the Oceanography unit. It is essential for students to have a grasp of the following skills and concepts before engaging in this activity. The activity is strategically incorporated into the course structure, typically lasting between 10 to 15 minutes during the lecture segment to reinforce the principles associated with the Coriolis Effect. The primary objective of this activity is to demystify the Coriolis Effect, a complex concept for students. By visually representing the movement of objects across the northern and southern hemispheres, students can better comprehend this phenomenon. This Earth Science lesson on surface currents and the Coriolis Effect aims to enhance students’ understanding of surface currents, emphasizing aspects such as the benefits of currents, cold and warm currents, the Coriolis effect, and gyres
Back to school Fun Icebreaker for Middle & High School Science
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Back to school Fun Icebreaker for Middle & High School Science

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This is a fun way to get to know your students Each time I reference to Science Teachers on my Facebook page, it consistently prompts a teacher to express disbelief that it’s already time to prepare for the upcoming school year. While it may feel premature, the reality is that the start of the school year is swiftly approaching, necessitating the planning of initial classroom activities. This worksheet serves as a lighthearted and engaging tool to both understand your students better and informally assess their proficiency in the English language. Additionally, included are guidelines on effectively incorporating this enjoyable resource into your classroom activities.
Physics Inertia Three Fun Labs Newton's first law
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Physics Inertia Three Fun Labs Newton's first law

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This product contains 3 hands on experiments to teach Newton’s laws and inertia. The materials are already in your kitchen. 7.MS-PS3-2. Develop a model to describe the relationship between the relative positions of objects interacting at a distance and their relative potential energy in the system. 8.MS-PS2-1. Develop a model that demonstrates Newton’s third law involving the motion of two colliding objects. 8.MS-PS2-2. Provide evidence that the change in an object’s speed depends on the sum of the forces on the object (the net force) and the mass of the object. Clarification Statement: •Emphasis is on balanced (Newton’s first law) and unbalanced forces in a system, qualitative comparisons of forces, mass, and changes in speed (Newton’s second law) in one dimension. Embark on an engaging scientific project that explores the intriguing concept of influencing a coin flip. Tailored for students in grades 8 to 10, this laboratory experiment challenges conventional statistical norms. By delving into the captivating domain of statistics, the project aims to ascertain the likelihood of a coin landing on heads or tails, while also exploring the potential impact of the individual flipping the coin. Laboratory 1: This interactive experiment not only fosters critical thinking but also hones students’ data analysis skills. By unraveling the enigma of probability, participants delve into the captivating world of coin flips, offering a hands-on approach to understanding statistical concepts. Laboratory 2: Students are introduced to a practical application of Newton’s First Law of Motion in determining the state of an egg – whether raw or hard-boiled – by examining the egg’s center of gravity. Laboratory 3: In the final experiment, students engage in a fun yet enlightening exploration involving a buttered piece of toast dropped from a table. This experiment serves as an engaging way to comprehend the concept of inertia in objects. Total Pages 10 pages Answer Key Included