This lesson introduces students to the concept of toxic chemicals. Topics include a definition of the term 'toxic', factors that can affect the potential for a chemical to be harmful, and a brief overview of federal agencies that have authority to regulate chemicals in the United States. The lesson includes a a five-part activity in which students use the internet to investigate various toxic chemicals, ... Full description.

This lesson provides an introduction to the use of coal as an energy source. Topics include the history of coal usage, applications of coal as an energy source, and major suppliers of coal (the United States). There is also discussion of how coal is created, located, and produced, and technologies for burning it more cleanly. The lesson includes a hands-on activity in which students measure the ash ... Full description.

This lesson provides an introduction to the occurrence and possible risks of household chemical products. Topics include some basic chemistry (how elements combine to form compounds), how chemicals are classified, and the idea of natural, as opposed to synthetic, chemicals. The lesson includes an activity in which students take an inventory of chemical products in their homes and research the possible ... Full description.

Most people are aware that plants undergo photosynthesis, a process by which they convert sunlight and carbon dioxide in sugar and water. But not as many realize that plants also undergo respiration, which is the reverse of this process. In a two-part activity, students will examine the processes of respiration and photosynthesis with the aquatic plant, Elodea, by measuring how it changes the pH of ... Full description.