Chemistry Lesson Plans

Also check out .
Metric Mania - an assortment of lessons and links for the metric system!
Lesson Plan Links for Chemistry - Links to my favorite online resources for lesson plans, activities, and worksheets.

Internet Lessons

NOTE: All links previously availble on the Kid Zone are now listed in the Sites for Students area . Please provide the links your students need for assignments through your LMS or teacher website.

• Chemistry Scavenger Hunt (pdf)- Links for students can be found in the Sites for Students area.
• Periodic Tables Online (pdf) - A worksheet I use to review the basics of the periodic table. Links for students can be found in the Sites for Students area.
  N OTE: This is the optional page 2 mentioned in the BrainPOP Periodic Table link below.
• Acids & Bases (pdf) - A worksheet I use during my Acids& Bases unit. Links for students can be found in the Sites for Students area. One of my favorite sites is Alien Juice Bar, which can only be used if you istall the Ruffle extenstion to load the flash-based activities.
• Balancing Equations Online (pdf) & Balancing Equations Online 2 (pdf) - Two different versions are available for this internet lesson about balancing equations. Links for students can be found in the Sites for Students area.
• Design a Firework - This lesson was developed by Lindsay Bogner during her student teaching experience with me. The movie clips for the first page of the worksheet are available on the "Igniting Chemistry in Fireworks" page of the Teachers' Domain website. Links for students can be found in the Sites for Students area. NOTE: I have added an updated version of the online worksheet -Design-A-Firework (2016).
  • Digital Version Now Available-Chemistry of Fireworks PPT- Download the PPT to find the class notes, links to the videos, and a link to the digital "worksheet" for students created with Google Slides.

  Digital Lessons

  Chemistry Unit 1 (Digital Version) (T.Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
  Targeted Concepts: Matter, density, states of matter, changes of state, chemical & physical properties/changes, classification of matter (elements, mixtures, and compounds)

  Download the PPT for a the teacher version of the Unit 1 materials. This file is a modified version of the "notes" I use for the presentation of lessons and activities. I added teacher notes in the margin areas along with screenshots of the digital notebook for students. Links are provided for the unit review activities and other labs that tie in with these concepts. This unit incorporates many of the classroom lessons listed in the next section..

  The FIRST slide has a link to the student digital notebook - it will force you to make a copy. The link to the unit textbook is also provided on the student slides. It was created on CK-12.org. I also have PDF versions I created for my students that list the notes for each lesson in an abbreviated format. E-mail me if you would like to see how I do those.

  The unit includes:

  • Lesson 1: Matter - Introduction to matter, properties of matter, exploration of mass, volume, weight, and density
  • Lesson 2: States of Matter - Introduction to the states of matter and Kinetic Theory.
  • Lesson 3: Changes of State - EDPuzzle assignment to explore how matter changes state.
  • Lesson 4: Physical and Chemical - Explores the differences between properties and changes; students identify physical and chemical changes and list their own examples.
    Connection: Everyday Chemistry - Students watch 4 videos to learn more about the science behind items we use everyday and "hacks" they have heard about on media.
  • Lesson 5: Classification of Matter - Students learn how to distinguish between elements, mixtures, and compounds. The Lego Science activity reinforces this knowledge and a matter sort activity (drag and drop) challengs students to use what they learned to classify common substances.
  • Unit Review Activities - A self-grading worksheet is available on Teacher Made along with a "Rags to Riches" game on QUIA that I call Smillionaire (since they are earning smileys instead of dollars).

  Density Challenge - Download the PPT file for this density lesson involving the use of an online simulation (free to use) and a density column experiment, which can be done as a demonstration for remote learning. The PPT also includes teacher notes, the answer key, and a link to the slides to use for digital notebook or as a worksheet.

  

  Hot Chocolate Science - Download the PPT for a fun lesson to explore chemistry concepts involved in making hot chocolate. I used it during our chemistry unit to review phase changes and physical/chemical changes as well as tie into our next unit on classification of matter (elements, mixtures, and compounds.) The PPT includes teacher notes on Slide 2 along with others in the margin areas of the class notes slides. A link to the digital notebook you can assign to your students.

  Everyday Chemistry Scavenger Hunt (Digital) - Download the PPT to find a link to the digital worksheet for students. They explore the science behind their favorite foods and kitchen hacks as they complete this lesson by watching the four videos (which are also listed on the Everyday Chemistry page in the Sites for Students area. I often use this activity prior to the Christmas Cookie Mystery listed below.
  Paper Version: Everyday Chemistry Scavenger Hunt (pdf)

  Meet the Elements ( Digital) - Click HERE for a PPT with a link to the digital worksheet for students and an answer key you can use in class. Share the Meet the Elements video about elements and compounds with your students.
  Paper Version : Meet the Elements (pdf) Thanks to Christina Causland for sharing the worksheet.

  Classroom Lessons

  Case #1225: Case of the Christmas Cookie Mystery (T.Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
  Targeted Concepts: Chemical & physical properties, chemical reactions, scientific process skills, lab safety, common compounds/uses

  Try this mystery powder unit with a cool holiday twist! For this lesson, students use their "investigative" powers to test six samples as well as mystery samples to help Mrs. Claus save Christmas. Complete details and student worksheets are available in the pdf version!

  Lesson Resources:

  • Cookie Mystery (pdf)- Student worksheet that includes safety rules and data charts for initial and final testing
  • Cookie Mystery Final Report Form - Set up with 4 forms per page; used to submit final results from each of the "reindeer teams". Click here for the reindeer team labels I use to label the supplies tub for this activity.
  • Cookie Mystery Class Notes (PPT) - I use this throughout the activity to guide students through the safety rules and testing procedures.
  • Cookie Mystery Teacher Directions (pdf)- Information for teachers implementing this lesson
  • Also check out these resources:
    • Everyday Chemistry Scavenger Hunt (pdf)-Students learn the science behind their favorite foods and kitchen hacks as they complete this lesson using the sites listed on the Everyday Chemistry page in the Sites for Students area.I use this activity prior to the Christmas Cookie Mystery. The students will make references to the lesson as they discuss the cookie mystery.
    • Scientific Snacks - I use this worksheet for students on special days (such as the day before a break) where they are allowed to bring in snacks and beverages. Students spend a little time at the start of class sharing the science behind their favorite treats with their tablemates. Links are available in the Sites for Students area.

    Christmas Chromatography - Deck the Halls With Science (T. Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Chemical & physical properties, solutions (solvents, solutes), paper chromatography

    Explore chromatography with your students by making a string of "light bulbs!" Students cut light bulb shapes out of coffee filters or filter paper and use water-soluble markers, pipe cleaners, and water to create a colorful display. String the light bulbs on a piece of black yarn to decorate your hallway or classroom. I've also created a little tune to the "Deck the Halls" melody! Complete details, a copy of the song, and light bulb patterns are available in the download.

    NOTE: I do my chemistry unit before Christmas vacation. You could adapt this idea to create Easter eggs, flowers, rainbows, or other objects depending on the time of year.

    Adopt-An-Element - One of the favorite projects of the year! (T. Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Atoms, elements, atomic structure, periodic trends, periodic properties, element/compound uses

    For this project, students are required to research an element, create an advertisement, and complete an element fact sheet. They may use the Internet, CD-ROM's, encyclopedias, science books, or other reference sources. The advertisements are used to create a large periodic table on a wall outside my classroom.

    The advertisement must be colorful, neat, and contain the required information - atomic number, atomic mass, symbol, element's name, advertising slogan, and cost. Students must create a slogan that is related to the their element's uses. Pictures related to the advertising slogan must be included. Advertisements may be done on a computer or hand written/drawn.

    The fact sheet must be neat, written in blue/black ink, and contain all the information requested. Students are required to provide a list of sources (at least three) on the back of the fact sheet.

    Lesson Resources: Adopt-An-Element Project (pdf) - includes all the worksheets for this lesson

    Other ideas .
    Adopt-An-Element Baby Book - Check out this neat project idea contributed by Lisa Curry! Students "adopt" an element and create a baby book that details facts about the element and other information.

    Check out "wearable" science projects at ScienceWear.net - Aprons, shirts, or labc oats with an elemental theme as well as options for astronomy, biology, and more! Thanks to Jody Hodges for developing this great project! Students use permanent markers or fabric paint to create their own "atomic" attire by coloring the lettering and adding diagrams of cells. Visit her webpage on Facebook for more details and pictures of completed projects!

    Atoms Family (Lesson created by Kathleen Crawford, 1994 )
    Targeted Concepts: Atoms, elements, subatomic particles, atomic structure

    I use this lesson to introduce the fifth graders in my school to the basics of atomic structure. The members of the Atoms Family correspond to protons, neutrons, and electrons to help students remember their charges and locations in an atom. In addition, students learn the basics of electron configuration with a tour of Matterville. At the end of the lesson, students sing the Atoms Family song to the tune of the Adams Family.

    Lesson Resources:

    • Atoms Family Worksheets (pdf)- Includes student worksheets and answer keys.
    • Atoms Family PowerPoint-I developed this presentation to use when I teach the lesson to our fifth grade students. The students fill in the Atoms Family worksheet as we discuss the presentation and then practice singing the song. The last three slides are related to the Atomic Math Challenge that I use with the lesson.
    • Atoms Family Atomic Math Challenge (pdf)- Students determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for each element.
    • Atoms Family - DIGITAL VERSION NOW AVAILABLE Download the PPT to find the classroom notes to teach the lesson and a link to the digital worksheet for students created using Google Slides.

    Element Trading Cards (T. Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Atoms, elements, atomic structure, periodic trends, periodic properties, element/compound uses

    I created this project for fifth grade students in my school. After completing the Atoms Family lesson and Atomic Math Challenge, students use their knowledge of the elements to create trading cards. Students are also challenged to find pictures that illustrate the various uses for the elements. The pdf download includes project directions as well as templates for the cards. The templates may be copied on cover stock or glued on 3" x 5" index cards. Our students create cards for 5 elements. The worksheet provided does not include such a requirement to allow you to modify the project to your classroom.

    Periodic Table Basics (T. Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Atoms, elements, atomic structure, classes of elements, element families/groups, periodic table, periodic trends, periodic properties, element/compound uses

    I developed this lesson to build on the activity called Element Trading Cards (pdf) (see above) and allow my students to explore the periodic properties of the Periodic Table of Elements. Students complete fact cards on the first 18 elements. They use Internet sites or printed resources to find basic information (atomic number, atomic mass, and phase), melting and boiling points, physical and chemical properties, and common uses as well as draw Bohr diagrams and Lewis structures for each element. Students also color code the fact cards before cutting them apart and arranging according to atomic number. After students have created a "mini" periodic table on a large sheet of construction paper, they use the information they have collected to answer questions related to periods, families, and properties.

    There are two versions available. Version 1 includes atomic number, atomic mass, number of subatomic particles, Bohr diagram, and Lewis Structure. Version 2 is the one I use with my 8th grade students and includes all of the items in Version 1 as well as phase (solid, liquid, gas), melting/boiling points, discovery information, properties, and common uses.

    NOTE: Links for students can be found in the Sites for Students area.

    Lesson Resources:

    

    • Version 1 (Basic) -Periodic Table Basics 1 (pdf)(includes worksheet answer key) andPeriodic Table Basics 1 cards (pdf)(Sample cards) Also available . Periodic Table Basics (ppt) without answers for SmartBoard or Periodic Table Basics (ppt) with answers
    • Version 2 (Advanced) -Periodic Table Basics 2 (pdf)andPeriodic Table Basics 2 cards (pdf)
    • Periodic Table Coloring Activity (PPT) - Download this file to walk your students through this activity that I use as a follow-up to the student-created periodic tables. Students explore the repeating patterns in the periodic table along with learning about the different classes and families of elements. The blank periodic table worksheet for students and a Mystery Element extension activity are also available.
    • Periodic Table Coloring Activity - Digital Version (Google Slides) - Due to being 100% digital, I adapted the paper version shown above to a digital version. The link will take you to the teacher presentation that can be used in class. An answer key is available.

    Also available .

    • Atomic Basics (pdf)- I use this worksheet before starting the Periodic Table Basics activity to review how to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons as well as introduce Bohr diagrams and Lewis structures. APowerPointis also available for this lesson.
    • Atomic Changes (pdf)-What happens to an atom when you add or remove protons, electrons, or neutrons? Use this worksheet to explore the changes with your students.
    • Element Jeopardy (PPT)- A PowerPoint game that reviews element names/symbols, periodic table families, oxidation numbers, and common compounds.
    • Challenge your students with thePeriodic Table Crossword Puzzle (pdf)

    Building Blocks of Matter - Lego Lesson (Tracy Tomm & Lindsay Bogner, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Atoms, elements, compounds, mixtures, coefficients, subscripts

    During this lesson students use Legos to model elements, compounds, and mixtures in order to better understand the differences between them. They learn what coefficients and subscripts represent as the write expressions for each challenge. Download the teacher information page for more details. A PPT is also available.

    Bonding Basics (Tracy Tomm & Lindsay Bogner, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Ionic & covalent bonding, atomic structure (oxidation #s, Lewis structures, valence electrons), common compounds/uses

    My students have difficulty visualizing ionic and covalent bonds. In order to better help them understand the transferring or sharing of electrons, my student teacher, Lindsay Bogner, and I developed this new version that involves the use of atomic headbands and ping pong balls. Students use the ping pong balls as electrons and we demonstrate how each type of bond forms by either transferring ping pong balls from one headband to the other or by sharing ping pong balls between two headbands.

    Lesson Resources:

    • Bonding Basics 2008 Teacher Information (pdf)- Includes the directions for making the atomic headbands, lesson directions,,
    • Student Worksheet (pdf)&Answer Key (pdf)- Student worksheets for ionic and covalent bonding, answer keys
    • Bonding Basics Review Presentation (ppt)- This presentation goes with the review worksheet.
    • Element Labels (pdf)- E lement labels for the headbands
    • Bonding Basics Presentation (ppt)- I use this presentation on my SmartBoard as we complete the Bonding Basics lesson.
      
    • Bonding Basics Review Worksheet (pdf)- A student worksheet reviewing oxidation numbers as well as ionic and covalent bonding.

    2010 Version - Don't have time or materials to make the headbands? Try this one! For this version, I've combined the 2002 and 2008 versions into one that uses candy pieces with the element labels from the headbands.

    • Lesson Resources:Bonding Basics 2010 Teacher Information & Student Worksheets (pdf)andElement Cards (pdf)

    2002 Version - I used this lesson prior to developing the new version. Students used Fruity Pebbles (or other small candy or cereal) for electrons to learn more about the process of transferring electrons for ionic bonding or sharing of electrons for covalent bonding. The pdf download includes the student worksheets as well as an answer key and notes for teachers.
    Student Worksheets: Bonding Basics -Ionic Bonds (pdf), Bonding Basics - Covalent Bonds (pdf), and Bonding Basics Practice Page (pdf)

    Also available . Candy Compounds (pdf) - For this lesson, students use gumdrops or jellybeans to model molecules and bond structures. Download includes teacher notes, student worksheet, and an answer key.
    

    Bond with a Classmate (Gail Sanders, Monroe Middle School, Wheaton, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Ionic bonding, oxidation numbers, common compounds (naming, chemical formula, uses)

    In this activity from Gail Sanders, a member of the MidLevel Science Teachers group in Northern Illinois, students are given a tag (or necklace) to wear with the symbol of an ion and its oxidation number. Positive ions are green and the negative ions are blue. The students are instructed to "bond" with other ions and keep a record of their bonds. Students had to work with their bonding partner to agree on and write a formula and name for the compound they formed. Once that was done, they could break the bond and find a different ion with which to bond. After 5 bonds, students switch tags with another student and start bonding again.

    Balancing Act (T. Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Chemical reactions, balancing chemical equations, and conservation of mass

    During this introductory lesson, students learn the concepts behind balancing chemical equations. I instruct my students to make a list of the atoms on each side of the equation to help them keep track of their progress. As they add coefficients, they increase the numbers for those atoms in their lists. The students can easily see if they have balanced each equation.

    Lesson Resources :

    • Balancing Act (pdf)- A basic worksheet introducing balancing equations. The download includes student worksheets, overhead key, and answer keys)Balancing Equations Practice (pdf)- A new version of Balancing Act that includes questions about subscripts and coefficients. An answer key is provided.
    • Balancing Equations Challenge (pdf)- A worksheet to use after the Balancing Equations Practice to reinforce what the students have learned about balancing equations. An answer key is provided.
    • Balancing Equations Online (pdf)andBalancing Equations Online 2 (pdf)- Two different versions are available for this internet lesson about balancing equations. Links for students can be found in the Sites for Students area. .
      

    Snowman Challenge Game - Chal lenge your students to a game of balancing equations! Print out the snowman cards and problems. Cut them apart and hide in your classroom. Have the kids work in pairs to find problems and solve them. Rules and directions are printed on the top of the student worksheet. I cross off the problems as they are solved to keep track of the number of problems that are still hidden as they play the game.

    Equation Challenge Game - A n updated version of the Snowman Challenge Game, which includes new questions in addition to the equations from the original challenge for a total of 60 problems. I printed out the challenge cards and placed each one inside an Easter egg, which I hid in various locations around my classroom. I have the kids work in pairs to find problems and solve them. Rules and directions are printed on the top of the student worksheet.

    Want more equations to balance? Visit these links .
    • ChemBalancer * - Challenge your students to this interactive game about balancing equations. Visit the Fun Based Learning website for worksheets and other Chemistry games.
    • GenChem - Balancing Equations Tutorial * - An excellent interactive lesson to use with your students! The site also provides online practice problems!
    * = Indicates a link in the Sites for Students area.

    Thanks to Kari Pate for sharing her "I Spy An Element" game, which was created after she used the Snowman Challenge. For this challenge, the students must find elements that match the clues on the various cards. She used pumpkins to decorate the back of her cards.
    

    Chemical Reactions (T. Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Chemical reactions, conservation of mass

    My students have difficulty identify the different types of chemical reactions. I use this worksheet after we have already discussed balancing equations to explore the differences between synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement reactions. Students watch a movie about chemical reactions and then use colored pencils to help them determine what happens during the reaction. Teacher notes have been provided along with the student worksheet and answer key.

    Discovery Education subscribers: The video is available at their streaming site under the name "Physical Science Series: Chemical Reactions." It may also be viewed on YouTube.

    Lesson Resources:

    • Student Worksheet (pdf)-Includes an answer key and teacher notes
    • Chemical Reactions (PPT)-Presentation for this lesson that can be used on a SmartBoard or other presentation device.

    Playing with Polymers (T. Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Polymers, physical/chemical properties & changes, science process skills (observation, analysis, etc.), lab procedures & safety

    Explore the world of polymer chemistry with your students! My students loved learning about polymers and playing with their slime during a unit on petrochemicals. After the students make a batch of slime, they do a variety of tests and write their data/observations in a chart. After everyone has had a chance to test the slimes, I provide 3 samples of mystery slimes. The students do the tests with the mystery slimes to determine which ingredients were used to make each one. Download the recipes and teacher notes for more details!

    Lesson Resources :

    • Playing with Polymer Teacher Notes (pdf) - This download provides an overview of the unit, schedule, materials list, preparation directions, and tips for making the most of your slime time.Polymer Unit Student Packet (pdf)- Includes the note worksheets, puzzle pages, data chart, and slime test descriptions. Students fill in the note worksheet using the information on the first few slides of the presentation and complete the data chart as they finish the slime experiments. I require students to complete the puzzle pages on their own time.
    • Playing with Polymers PPT- PowerPoint presentation that includes the information on the student note pages, link to the movie, and safety rules as well as directions for each of the slime tests on the recipe page listed below.
    • Playing with Polymer Recipe Card (pdf)- I print out enough recipe cards to provide 2 copies for each group of 4 students. If possible, laminate the cards to help them last from year to year.
    • Digital Version available - Click HERE for the class notes presentation which includes a link to the Google Slides notebook you can assign on your LMS or make available through your teacher website.Refer to the teacher notes (link above) for more details about this unit.

    Visit the Hands-On Plastics website to order the free kit and view other great educational materials! The kit provides several different types of plastics and great lesson ideas that I used to integrate the world of plastics into the Playing with Polymers unit!

    Want more information about slime? Visit these sites for information, recipes, and lesson ideas .
    Polymer Ambassadors - Explore their great ideas for incorporating polymers into your science curriculum.
    Polymer Project - Information and recipes for a variety of slimes!
    A Bag of Slime - Information about non-Newtonian fluids and recipes for slime.
    JLab Obleck - A polymer version of Obleck with several ready-to-use worksheets to challenge your students.

    Amazing Marshmallow's Lab (Boyle's Law) (T. Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Boyle's Law, phases of matter, physical properties
    NOTE: A worksheet that combines Boyle's law and Charles' law is available - Gas Laws Lab (pdf)

    Materials : Syringe & fresh small marshmallows

    Procedure : To demonstrate Boyle’s Law, give students a syringe and 3 small marshmallows. Instruct them to place the marshmallows in the syringe and replace the plunger. Push the plunger as far down as possible without squashing the marshmallows. Place one finger on the end of the syringe and pull the plunger out to the end of the syringe. Observe the marshmallows. Students will notice that they get larger, or expand. As the plunger is pulled out, the volume of air inside the syringe increases causing a drop in pressure. This can be seen by the expansion of the marshmallow.

    Next leave the plunger at the end of the syringe and place a finger on the other end. Push the plunger into the syringe and observe the marshmallows. Students will notice that they “shrink”. As the plunger is pushed into the syringe, the volume of air inside the syringe decreases, causing an increase in pressure. This can be seen by the compression, or shrinkage, of the marshmallows.

    Bursting Balloons (Charles' Law) - Best done on a cold day! (T. (Trimpe) Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Charles' Law, phases of matter, physical properties
    Materials : Helium balloons (mylar type) & tissue paper strips

    Procedure : To demonstrate Charles’ Law, obtain two helium balloons of about the same size. Cut tissue paper into strips and wrap tightly around each balloon. Place one balloon in a warm spot, such as in a car on a warm day or near a heater. Leave for several minutes. Students should be able to observe the balloon increasing in size (or volume). If you are lucky, the tissue paper will tear! As the temperature of the gas increases, the volume also increases as the gas expands. A good reason not to leave helium balloons inside a car on a hot day! Place the other balloon in a cold spot, outside on a winter day or in a freezer. Leave for several minutes. Students should be able to observe the tissue paper becoming loose on the balloon - it may even fall off or slide off easily. As the temperature of the gas decreases, the volume also decreases. Many places that sell helium balloons in the winter time will warn you that your balloons may shrink when they are in the cold, but will return to normal size once they are back at room temperature. Charles’ Law should help explain this phenomenon.

    Tasty Solution (T. Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Solutions (incl. solvents, solutes), mixtures, physical properties, data analysis

    During a lesson on mixtures and solutions, my students compare the dissolving time of a piece of candy in various situations. Once completed, they use the data to create a graph and answer a few questions related to solutions.

    Messing With Mixtures (T. Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
    Targeted Concepts: Mixtures, physical properties, data analysis

    This lab project allows students to investigate the differences between mixtures, colloids, and solutions! Download the lesson worksheets and lab notes for more details.

    NOTE: This lab includes the Tasty Solution lesson described above.

    Extension Idea : Use sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol to make a cool tie-dye t-shirt project that would be a hit for any unit on solutions and mixtures! Visit the Steve Spangler tie-dye webpage and scroll down the page for the directions!

    Be sure to visit http://middleschoolscience.com/ for a wealth of resources!

    Check out "wearable" science projects at ScienceWear.net !

    Also available . Lesson Plan Links for Chemistry
    Links to my favorite online resources for lesson plans, activities, and worksheets.