Detailed Catalog of All Experiential STEM Lessons

The table below lists Smart Science® lab and other activity units, along with images from the videos, descriptions, goals, and parameter lists.
Experimental Data Series
SI Units
Basic metric distance units
Introduces student to length, mass, volume measurements and to Smart Science® lab operations.
Goals
  1. Understand how English and metric units differ
  2. Determine why the metric system is so widely used
  3. Know the meaning of metric units for distance and volume
  4. Know metric prefixes and how they are used
ParametersObject
Distance Unit
Simple Graphs
Understanding straight line graphs
Collecting distance-time data from a person walking, running, etc. provides intuitive insight into straight-line graphs.
Goals
  1. Understand how graphs represent data
  2. Determine how the speed of the person affects the graphs
  3. Know the meaning of x-axis, y-axis, and slope
  4. Know what the units of the two axes and the slope are and how they are related
ParametersMotion
Changing Graphs
Understanding broken straight line graphs
Changes of velocity highlight this experiment. What does a graph of a person reversing direction look like? How about a person stopping?
Goals
  1. Extend your understanding of graphs
  2. Determine how changes in the speed of the person affect the graphs
  3. Be able to visualize the shape of a graph before you draw it
  4. Know what zero and negative slopes represent
ParametersMotion
Volume Graphs
Graphs with volume as independent variable
See how a different independent variable affects graphs. What remains the same? What changes?
Goals
  1. Understand that the independent variable need not be time
  2. Observe the effect of non-time independent variable on graphs
  3. Know the meaning of slope when the independent variable is not time
ParametersCapacity
Weight Graphs
Weight and number of items illustrates averaging
Investigate graphs of uniform and non-uniform objects measuring weight against number of objects.
Goals
  1. Extend your understanding of graphs
  2. Determine how changes in the weight of objects affect the graphs
  3. Observe effect of non-uniformity on graph
ParametersMaterial
Random Errors
Observing and analyzing random errors
See how taking more points affects random error. Random error is injected into the data you take.
Goals
  1. Observe random error and understand its nature
  2. Determine how the quantity of data collected affects the size of error
  3. Learn the terminology of random error
ParametersNumber of points to take
Systematic Errors
Simple illustration of systematic error
This example of systematic error is very graphic.
Goals
  1. Understand the difference between random and systematic error
  2. Determine how systematic error affects measurements
  3. Learn the terminology of systematic error
ParametersSetup Error
Chi-Square Activity
Do-it-yourself chi-square example
Take your own data and perform chi-square analysis. Report online.
Goals
  1. Perform chi-square analysis of real data
  2. Understand expected values, observed values, and degrees of freedom
ParametersType

Acknowledgment

Concept provided by
Judith Nuño, http://www.jdenuno.com/
Measurement
Learning to read various analog measuring devices
Several devices such as triple-beam balance, buret, multimeter, spring scale, etc. are provided.
Goals
  1. Identify various analog measuring devices
  2. Know how to read measuring devices correctly
  3. Pay attention to both precision and accuracy in your readings
ParametersInstrument
Balance Construction
Build your own inexpensive, sensitive balance from common materials
Sensitivity can be around 10 mg or better with a balance you can build in a day with ordinary, inexpensive materials.
Goals
  1. Build a useful analytical balance
  2. Calibrate the balance
ParametersBalance
Total Mass
 
Biology Series
Cell Metabolism
Yeast metabolism factors
Use color matching to color bar to record progress of reaction. Compare rates with differing sugars, temperatures.
Goals
  1. Observe the reaction as yeast digests sugars.
  2. Use a color bar to record reaction data.
  3. Employ good data collection technique.
Parameters Sugar
Sugar Concentration
Diffusion in a Gel
Diffusion over time
Measure linear diffusion in a gel over time to determine how diffusion works.
Goals
  1. Observe linear diffusion
  2. Note the differences in diffusion rate with different ions
  3. Note the shape of the distance-time graph
Parameters Anion
Orientation
Temperature
Bacterial Growth
How fast bacteria growth in limited food media
Measure size of bacterial colonies as they grow..
Goals
  1. Measure sizes of bacterial colonies over time
  2. Graph the sizes against time
Parameters Nutrient Concentration
Graph Type
Mitosis
Plant and animal mitosis
Classify cells in microscope images by mitosis phase.
Goals
  1. Identify important phases of mitosis
  2. Note differences between animal and plant cell mitosis
Parameters Cell Type
Meiosis
Stages of meiosis
Identify features of the stages of meiosis.
Goals
  1. Recognize and identify the different stages of meiosis
  2. Learn the differences between meiosis and mitosis
Parameters Challenge
Slide
Stem Structure
Elements of stem structure
Identify important tissues and cell types in stem cross sections.
Goals
  1. Learn to identify important plant tissues: xylem, phloem, epidermis
  2. Learn to identify important plant cell types: parenchyma, sclerenchyma, and collenchyma.
  3. Learn to distinguish different plant types based on microscopy
Parameters Slide
Challenge
Crossing Over
Estimating map position of genes
Find frequencies of different asci.
Goals
  1. Learn about the life cycle of Sordaria fimicola
  2. Observe the asci of Sordaria
  3. Count asci that have crossed over and those that have not
Parameters Cross
Slide
Natural Selection
You're the predator affecting the survival of prey
As the generations pass, your predation affects the numbers of prey that survive and reproduce.
Goals
  1. Act the role of a predator
  2. Note effect of backgrounds on your predation
Parameters Background
Enzymes and Concentration
Observe enzyme-catalyzed reactions
Note reaction rate over time and effect of changing substrate concentration.
Goals
  1. Observe the reaction rate and how it changes with time
  2. Note the effect of changing substrate concentration on initial reaction rate
Parameters Catalase concentration
Substrate concentration
Temperature
Enzymes and Temperature
Observe enzyme-catalyzed reactions
Note reaction rate over time and effect of changing temperature.
Goals
  1. Observe the reaction rate and how it changes with time
  2. Note the effect of changing temperature on initial reaction rate
Parameters Temperature
Enzymes and pH
Observe enzyme-catalyzed reactions
Note reaction rate over time and effect of changing pH.
Goals
  1. Observe the reaction rate and how it changes with time
  2. Note the effect of changing pH on initial reaction rate
Parameters pH
Osmosis
Observe effects of saline concentration on materials
How salt concentration affects mass of material slices.
Goals
  1. Note the effect of salt solutions on organic materials
  2. Observe how increasing salt concentration affect mass
  3. Compare different materials in their response to salt solutions
Parameters Material
Membrane Diffusion
Rate of diffusion across a semipermeable membrane
Weigh dialysis bag after exposure to various solutions.
Goals
  1. Measure dialysis bag's change of mass over time
  2. Note effects of different solutes in bag on rate of mass change
  3. Note effects of different solute concentrations in bag on rate of mass change
  4. Note effects of different water bath compositions on rate of mass change
Parameters Solution
Concentration
Bath
Onion Osmosis
Effect of solute and concentration of red onion cells
See how solute concentration affects plant cells.
Goals
  1. Make microscopic observations.
  2. Note effects of varying solute concentrations on cell appearance.
Parameters Solute
Gel Electrophoresis
Study gel electrophoresis of DNA fragments
How separation occurs and differentiates by size.
Goals
  1. Explain how gel electrophoresis works
  2. Note how different molecules move in an electric field
Parameters Lane

Acknowledgment

This lab made possible by Kevin Alicia
Bowie High School, Prince George's County Public Schools, MD
Dr. Florence Davidson
Photosynthesis and Light
Explore light and photosynthesis
How photosynthetic rate varies with light color and intensity.
Goals
  1. Understand photosynthesis as an electron-producing process of plants.
  2. Observe the effect of light color and intensity on rate of photosynthesis using a floating leaf section process.
Parameters Color
Intensity
Photosynthesis
Explore light and photosynthesis
How photosynthetic rate varies with light color and intensity.
Goals
  1. Understand photosynthesis as an electron-producing process of plants.
  2. Observe the effect of light color and intensity on rates of photosynthesis.
Parameters Intensity
Color
pH

Acknowledgment

This lab made possible by Bill Harrington
Howard B. Owens Science Center, Prince George's County Public Schools, MD
Photosynthesis and pH
Explore pH and photosynthesis
How photosynthetic rate varies with pH and light color.
Goals
Parameters Intensity
Color
pH

Acknowledgment

This lab made possible by Bill Harrington
Howard B. Owens Science Center, Prince George's County Public Schools, MD
Corn Genetics
Observe effects of hybrid crosses
How offspring phenotypes are affected by genotypes of parents.
Goals
  1. Recognize and count phenotypes
  2. Collect data from several population samples
Parameters Cross
Corn
Corn Genetics 2
Observe effects of dihybrid crosses
How offspring phenotypes are affected by genotypes of parents.
Goals
  1. Recognize and count phenotypes
  2. Collect data from several population samples
Parameters Cross
Corn
Plant Transpiration
Note environmental effects on transpiration
How various environmental effects and number of leaves affects transpiration rates in plants.
Goals
  1. Use a potometer to measure rate of plant transpiration
  2. Measure liquid height in a capillary to estimate change in volume
  3. Collect enough data to make scientific conclusions
Parameters Leaf Count
Environment
Cell Respiration
Study temperature effects on sprout respiration
How temperature and seed type affect rate of cell respiration.
Goals
  1. Measure respirometer volume change with time for sprouting seeds
  2. Determine the effect of temperature on respiration
  3. Understand the role of the controls
Parameters Seed
Type
Temperature
Animal Behavior
Observe animal taxis with various stimuli
Note effects of wet-dry, light-dark, acid, base, salt and other stimuli on animal taxis.
Goals
  1. Follow behavior of animals
  2. Note direction of taxis
Parameters Type
Thin Layer Chromatography
Discover presence of pigments in different plants
Observe separation of different plant materials and effect of changing the solvent on the separation.
Goals
  1. understand how chromatography works
  2. compare tlc with different plant materials
  3. compare tlc with different eluent solvents
Parameters Plant
Eluent
Capillarity
Liquids rise in tubes
How capillary action varies with diameter and with liquid.
Goals
  1. Observe the effect of capillary diameter on liquid height
  2. Identify the effect of differing liquids on the height
Parameters Liquid
 
Molecular Biology Series
Genetic Code
Genetic Code Exercise
Use tables and diagrams to understand how DNA codes for amino acids. Also, review some properties of amino acids.
Goals
  1. Understand genetic code
  2. Learn about amino acids
  3. Know how amino acids combine to form proteins
  4. Relate DNA errors to changes in proteins
Parameters Type
Challenge
Restriction Enzymes
Hands-on Simulation of Restriction Enzymes
Use hands-on simulation to help understand how restriction enzymes work and the effects on gel electrophoresis patterns.
Goals
  1. Understand how some restriction enzymes work
  2. Know how restriction enzymes allow gel electrophoresis to "fingerprint" DNA
  3. Relate restriction enzyme activity to genetic code
Parameters DNA Sample
Enzyme
 
Physiology Series
Muscle Fatigue
Muscle fatigue and recovery
Measure muscle fatigue on muscles in hand. Design experiment to analyze different activities on muscle recovery.
Goals
  1. Make measurements that indicate muscle fatigue.
  2. Make measurements that discover how to improve muscle recovery.
Parameters Person
Activity
Cardiac Physiology
Effect of activities on heart
Perform a protocol and measure heart rate and, if possible, pressure. Do experiment with several people and correlate results with age, etc.
Goals
  1. Learn how to measure heart rate.
  2. Understand blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic.
Parameters Person
Reading
 
Dissection Series
Frog Dissection - Find
Frog Dissection (Find) Activity
Locate specified organs on different images of a dissected frog.
Goals
  1. Observe several views of a dissected frog.
  2. Learn to identify a number of frog organs.
  3. Understand the functions of the identified organs.
Parameters View
Frog Dissection - Identify
Frog Dissection (Identify) Activity
Identify highlighted organs in different views of a dissected frog.
Goals
  1. Observe several views of a dissected frog.
  2. Learn to identify a number of frog organs.
  3. Understand the functions of the identified organs.
Parameters View
 
Shark Dissection - Identify
Shark Dissection (Identify) Activity
Identify highlighted organs in different views of a dissected shark.
Goals
  1. Observe several views of a dissected shark.
  2. Learn to identify a number of shark organs.
  3. Understand the functions of the identified organs.
Parameters View
 
Environmental Series
Food Webs
Evaluate food webs
Identify roles of species in a food web
Goals
  1. Locate decomposers, producers, consumers
  2. Understand relationships between species
  3. Discover effects on one species of drastic changes in another's population
Parameters Web
Seed Germination, Pollution
Pollutant effects on germination
Count number of seeds germinated over time to determine effect of pollutants. Compare germination rates with differing pollutants.
Goals
  1. Recognize germination of seeds
  2. Note the shape of the graph for seeds germinated against time
  3. See the effect of contaminants on germination
Parameters Pollutant
Concentration
Biomes
Investigate properties of biomes
Read about biomes, interact to classify them in various ways.
Goals
  1. Describe the major land biomes
  2. Understand how life has adapted to a biome
  3. Understand the important features of each biome
Parameters Challenge
Food Web Exercise
Practice understanding food webs
Answer questions using interactive food web diagrams.
Goals
  1. Understand how a large change in one species affects others
  2. Understand how energy content changes with trophic level
Parameters Species in
  • simple food chain,
  • desert food web, and
  • Chesapeake Bay food web
  • Dissolved Oxygen
    Make dissolved oxygen measurements
    Measure dissolved oxygen at different temperatures and salt concentrations.
    Goals
    1. Take dissolved oxygen measurements
    2. Observe the shape of the oxygen against salt concentration curve
    Parameters Salt Concentration
    Primary Productivity
    Measure primary productivity in different samples
    Measure dissolved oxygen over time in water samples from different sources and with different light levels
    Goals
    1. Measure net primary productivity over time for different water samples.
    2. Measure net primary productivity over time for different light intensities.
    Parameters Source
    Jar
    Biodiversity
    Use morphology and chemical tests to identify closeness of different plant species.
    Use seed size, seed shape, leaf shape, and microscopic stem cross sections to classify plants on morphology. Use TLC and an enzyme test to check for chemical similarity.
    Goals
    1. Compare structural characteristics of plants
    2. Compare molecular characteristics of plants
    3. Understand what biodiversity means
    Parameters Tests
    Plant
    Acid Rain
    Explore the impact of acid rain on different rocks.
    Measure rate of stone loss for limestone, marble, and slate with acid dripping on them.
    Goals
    1. Observe the effects of acid on different rocks
    2. Measure the rate of change on each rock
    3. Note the appearance of these data in different graphs
    Parameters Rock
    Graph Type
    Air Pollution
    Find out about the relationship between air pollution and population.
    Explore the correlation between air pollution and population in the largest cities of three nations.
    Goals
    1. Take data on air pollution and population for several large cities
    2. Produce scatter plots and line graphs for pollution vs. population
    3. Recognize outliers
    Parameters Country
    Graph Type
    Diversity of Species
    Investigate species diversity in different regions.
    Count species in four different environments across several scenes.
    Goals
    1. Recognize different species in images from each environment
    2. Count unique species in several different environments
    3. Observe the creation of different graphs of your species counts
    Parameters Environment
    Graph Type
    Non-Renewable Energy
    Compare reserves and usage rates for coal, oil, and natural gas in a number of countries.
    Measure coal, oil, and gas reserves for each country and the usage rate; compare years the resource will last..
    Goals
    1. Measure energy usage for fossil fuels in several countries
    2. Measure reserves for fossil fuels in several countries
    3. Investigate alternative graphical displays of this information
    Parameters Non-Renewable Resource
    Graph Type
    Renewable Energy
    Measure wind and solar energy production on typical days.
    Measure daily power generated by wind and solar systems.
    Goals
    1. Capture data on solar and wind energy for a few days.
    2. Graph these data in different ways
    Parameters Energy Source
    Day
    Graph Type
     
    Chemistry Series
    Laboratory Glassware
    Identify and understand laboratory glassware
    Goals
    1. Recognize several common types of laboratory glassware
    2. Understand the important functions of each type of glassware
    Parametersbeakers, burets, graduated cylinders, volumetric flasks, boiling flasks, erlenmeyer flasks, separatory funnels, watch glasses, test tubes, funnels, filter flasks, condensers, crucibles, pipets
    Chemical Change
    Understanding Chemical and Physical Reactions
    Observe and categorize various reactions. See how chemical and physical reactions differ, if at all.
    Goals
    1. Notice the visible effect of reactions
    2. Compare physical and chemical reactions
    ParametersType:Title

    Acknowledgment

    Some videos courtesy of:
    Dr. George Bodner, Arthur E. Kelly Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Education and Engineering at Purdue University
    Chemical Reactions
    Introducing Chemical Reactions
    Observe and categorize chemical reactions. Is it synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, or combustion?
    Goals
    1. Observe a variety of chemical reactions
    2. Classify chemical reactions
    3. Recognize chemical reactions
    ParametersReaction
    Solubility
    Determining factors affecting solubility
    Observe solubility of solutes in various solvents. Find patterns relating to solvent and solute properties.
    Goals
    1. Note the solubility of various solutes in different solvents
    2. Understand the molecular structures of the solutes and solvents
    ParametersSolvent
    Solute
    Flame Test
    Observing flame tests for cations
    Compare color and spectra to deterimne unknowns.
    Goals
    1. Observe colors of different metal salts
    2. Correlate metals and colors
    ParametersTest
    Sample
    Iron-Tin Reaction
    Measurement of reaction rate
    Use color matching to color bar to record progress of reaction. Compare rates at differing temperatures.
    Goals
    1. Observe the reaction between iron and tin ions.
    2. Use a color bar to record reaction data.
    3. Employ good data collection technique.
    ParametersTemperature
    [Fe+++]
    [Sn++]
    [HCl]
    Acid-Base Titration
    Acid-base titration curves
    Use color matching to color bar to record titration. Note how strong/weak acid or base as titrant affect curve.
    Goals
    1. Follow the titration of several acid-base combinations
    2. Note the shape of the curves and their differences
    3. Note the positions of the curves with respect to the acid-base combinations
    ParametersType
    Unknown
    Reagent
    Acid-Base Titration Wet Lab
    Do-it-yourself acid-base titration
    Make an indicator; mix base solution; set up standards; do titration. Compare expected precision with actual precision.
    Goals
    1. Optionally, make your own indicator
    2. Perform your own acid-base titrations
    ParametersSample
    Crystal Violet Bleaching
    Measurement of reaction rate
    Use color matching to color bar to record progress of reaction. Compare rates with different concentrations.
    Goals
    1. Use color to measure concentration
    2. Follow reaction at several concentrations
    3. Compare reaction rates for the different concentrations
    Parameters[NaOH]
    [Xtal Violet]
    Temperature
    [HCl]
    Molar Volume
    Relate gas generated to mass
    Dissolve metals in acid and measure hydrogen volume against mass of metal.
    Goals
    1. Measure volumes of hydrogen gas evolved by dissolving metals
    2. Use the graphs to estimate volume of gas per gram of metal
    ParametersMetal
    Chemical Periodicity
    Locate missing elements
    Collect data on various element properties. Use data to locate some missing elements.
    Periodic Table exercise also available
    Goals
    1. Seek periodic patterns in element properties
    2. Decide which properties provide the best periodic information
    3. Obtain data on first 56 elements (excluding noble gases).
    ParametersChallenge
    Property

    Acknowledgment

    Element images courtesy of:
    Metallium, Inc. www.elementsales.com
    Periodic Table Exercise
    Questions ask for element identification
    Goals
    1. Understand organization of periodic table of elements
    2. Locate elements in table based on properties
    3. Predict properties of element based on location in table
    ParametersFirst 56 elements
    Introduction to Periodic Table
    Questions ask for element identification. Simpler version of Periodic Table Exercise.
    Goals
    1. Understand organization of periodic table of elements
    2. Locate elements in table based on properties
    3. Predict properties of element based on location in table
    ParametersFirst 56 elements
    Periodic Properties
    Questions ask for element identification
    Goals
    1. Seek periodic patterns in element properties
    2. Decide which properties provide the best periodic information
    3. Obtain data on first 56 elements (excluding noble gases).
    ParametersY-Value
    Analysis of Hydrates
    Heating hydrates and weighing to determine stoichiometry
    Several salt hydrates are heated to drive off water of hydration.
    Goals
    1. observe the effects of heating on hydrates
    2. measure weights using a triple-beam balance
    ParametersCompound
    Hydrate Analysis Procedure
    Interactive exploration of hydrate analysis procedure
    Understand each step of procedure, apparatus, and safety.
    Goals
    1. Observe the use of laboratory equipment in hydrate analysis
    2. Observe laboratory technique in hydrate analysis
    3. Understand safety issues
    ParametersStep
    Electrochemical Series
    Comparing the voltages of half-cells with varying metals
    Metal electrodes immersed in 0.1M solutions of corresponding salts with salt bridge and voltmeter.
    Goals
    1. Measure cell potentials with different metal electrodes.
    2. Understand the purpose of the salt bridge.
    3. Note the order of the metals' potentials.
    ParametersMetal 1
    Electroplating
    Weighing electrodes after equal times at constant current being oxidized or reduced
    Metals are plated from solution, or metal electrodes are dissolved into solution by electrolysis. Mass and charge relationships are measured.
    Goals
    1. Note appearance change of electrodes, if any.
    2. Note mass change of electrodes.
    3. Discover how coulombs and mass plated are related.
    ParametersDirection
    Metal
    Freezing Point Depression
    Estimating molar masses by freezing point depression
    Different amounts of organic compounds added to lauric acid depress its melting (freezing) point.
    Goals
    1. Take temperature data as liquids freeze
    2. Note effects of solute concentration on freezing point
    ParametersSolute
    Mass
    Molar Mass by Vapor Density
    Estimating molar masses by weighing vapor
    Weigh known volumes of vapor given temperature and pressure to estimate molar masses.
    Goals
    1. Measure change in mass of fixed volume of vapor as temperature changes.
    2. Learn how double-pan balance allows measurement of small changes in large masses.
    ParametersCompound
    Formula of Metal Chlorides
    Determining empirical formulas of metal chlorides
    Dissolve different metals in HCl. Dry and weigh.
    Goals
    1. Collect mass change data for metal to salt displacement reactions
    2. Observe the change in appearance when metals are dissolved in acids
    3. Observe the crystallization of metals salts as the solutions dry
    ParametersMetal

    Acknowledgment

    Element images courtesy of:
    Metallium, Inc. www.elementsales.com
    Acid-Base Indicators
    Determine pH ranges of indicators
    Observe colors of many indicators across of range of pH values.
    Goals
    1. Observe indicators in solutions of varing pH.
    2. Note color changes as pH changes.
    3. Record changes in color.
    ParametersIndicator
    Mole Ratio of Precipitates
    Determine ratios of cations and anions gravimetrically
    Weigh precipitates to estimate ratios and to observe effect of excess ions.
    Goals
    1. Observe precipitation reactions
    2. Record the mass of precipitates
    3. Note changes in mass-volume graph
    ParametersPrecipitate
    Precipitation Procedure
    Interactive exploration of precipitation procedure
    Understand each step of procedure, apparatus, and safety.
    Goals
    1. Observe the use of laboratory equipment in precipitation
    2. Observe laboratory technique in precipitation
    3. Understand safety issues
    ParametersStep
    Enthalpy of Neutralization
    Measure heat generated by neutralization reactions
    For each increment added, read temperature; understand resulting graphs. Calculate molar heats of neutralization.
    Goals
    1. Understand neutralization reactions from the viewpoint of calorimetry
    2. Measure temperature change as neutralization reactions proceed
    3. Calculate the heat capacity of the calorimeter
    ParametersNeutralization
    Enthalpy of Solution
    Measure heat change when solutes dissolved in water
    For each increment of solute added, read temperature; understand graphs. Calculate molar heats of solution.
    Goals
    1. Understand dissolution from the viewpoint of calorimetry
    2. Measure temperature change as dissolution takes place
    3. Calculate the heat capacity of the calorimeter
    ParametersSolute
    Colorimetric Determination of Copper
    Use colorimetry and standard addition to analyze copper alloys
    Begin with standardization. Then, dissolve alloys in nitric acid. Dilute in volumetric flask. Measure color intensity.
    Goals
    1. Note chemical effects during dissolution of copper by nitric acid
    2. Observe change in color as copper concentration increases
    3. Understand concepts behind standard addition
    ParametersSample
    Number
    Gravimetric Analysis
    A do-it-yourself gravimetric analysis wet lab
    Analyze plant food for phosphorus content.
    Goals
    1. Understand gravimetric procedures
    2. Determine the amount of phosphorus in plant food
    ParametersPrecision
    Oxidizing Power
    Use redox titration to measure oxidizing power of various bleaches
    Standarize thiosulfate solution using potassium iodate. Titrate bleaches using iodide method.
    Goals
    1. Understand redox titration procedures
    2. Observe titration using iodine-starch indicator
    3. Perform calibration of a standard solution
    ParametersSample
    Number
    Solubility Products
    A do-it-yourself solubility product wet lab
    Investigate solubility product of a compound.
    Goals
    1. Understand solubility products
    2. Analyze data to estimate solubility products
    3. Use proper chemistry lab techniques
    ParametersRun
    Inorganic Synthesis
    A do-it-yourself inorganic synthesis wet lab
    Synthesize Rochelle salt and check yield and quality.
    Goals
    1. Follow a synthesis procedure.
    2. Perform an inorganic synthesis
    3. Understand the reasons behind each step of the procedure.
    4. Use good laboratory technique in all steps
    5. Measure amounts of reactants and products
    ParametersRun
    Equilibrium Constants
    Study complex ion equilibria using spectrophotometry
    Calibrate for each complex and measure absorbance of test solutions. Calculate equilibrium constants
    Goals
    1. Calibrate spectrophotometer for concentrations of complex ions
    2. Note effect of changing ligand concentration on complex concentration
    3. Note effect of changing metal ion concentration on complex concentration.
    ParametersStep
    Metal
    Ligand
    Buffers
    Study how solution composition affects sensitivity to addition of acid or base
    Follow pH change as strong acid or base is added to solutions with varying composition. Calculate buffer capacity.
    Goals
    1. Observe the effects of strong acid and base on various solutions
    2. Take readings from a pH meter
    ParametersBuffer
    Reagent
    Water Electrolysis
    A do-it-yourself water electrolysis wet lab
    Perform water electrolysis with various electrolytes and note results.
    Goals
    1. Observe water electrolysis
    2. Note effect of electrolyte on gas generation
    3. Test for oxygen and hydrogen gas
    ParametersElectrolyte
    Reaction Rates
    A do-it-yourself reaction rate wet lab
    Measure reaction rates at different temperatures and under different conditions and note results.
    Goals
    1. Measure the times taken for reactions to complete.
    2. Observe effect of different factors on reaction rates.
    ParametersPieces
    Additive
    Polyprotic Acids
    Titrate various polyprotic acids with strong base
    Take readings from pH meter as strong base is added to polyprotic acid solutions.
    Goals
    1. Observe the titration of polyprotic acids with strong base
    2. Take readings from a pH meter
    3. Note inflections in pH-volume curves
    ParametersAcid
     
    Earth Science Series
    Porosity
    Measurement of porosity
    Measure the rate that a cylindrical container fills with water and how this rate is affected by different materials in cylinder.
    Goals
    1. Measure total volume against volume added for several materials.
    2. Understand how porosity relates to the slope of your line.
    3. Rank materials by their porosity.
    ParametersMaterial
    Evaporation
    Measurement of evaporation rates
    Measure the rate that different liquids evaporate from different sizes of Petrie dishes.
    Goals
    1. Observe the evaporation of liquids by noting mass change.
    2. Compare evaporation rates of different liquids.
    3. Note the effect of surface area on evaporation rate.
    ParametersSurface Area
    Liquid
    Temperature
    Soil Permeability
    Measurement of water percolation through soils
    Measure the rate that water flows through different soils.
    Goals
    1. Estimate volume flow rates
    2. Note the effect of soil type on flow rate
    ParametersSoil Composition
    Erosion and Flow
    Measurement of channel and meander widths with changing water flow
    Measure the channel width and amount of meander as flow changes.. Observe stream bed formation.
    Goals
    1. View the effect of changing flow rate on nature of erosion
    2. Note the effect of changing flow rate on stream bed appearance
    ParametersAngle
    Flow rate
    Data
    Erosion and Slope
    Determination of type of stream as slope changes.
    Classify stream appearance for different slopes. Observe stream bed formation.
    Goals
    1. View the effect of changing slope on nature of erosion
    2. Note the effect of changing slope on stream bed appearance
    ParametersAngle
    Flow rate
    Basic Rock Identification
    Identifying various rock types
    This lab investigates igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock types.
    Goals
    1. Learn to distinguish the basic rock types
    2. Apply this knowledge to many rocks
    3. Understand how these rocks developed
    ParametersRock
    Daily Tides
    Recording and analyzing daily tides
    Explain period, amplitude and phase changes of daily tides.
    Goals
    1. Measure the daily variation of ocean level for several days during a month
    2. Deal effectively with data collection problems like fog and waves
    ParametersDate
    Clouds
    Recognizing and understanding basic cloud types
    Recognize nine basic types plus one extra type.
    Goals
    1. Recognize common types of clouds
    2. Understand how clouds form and the weather associated with them
    Parameterscirrus, cirrostratus, cirrostratus, altostratus, altocumulus, stratus, cumulus, nimbostratus, cumulostratus, lenticular
    Earthquakes
    Measure distances to epicenters on sesimograms; locate epicenters
    Measure P-wave to S-wave times on actual seismograms. Convert to km and plot on maps. Estimate location of epicenters.
    Goals
    1. Understand P-waves and S-waves
    2. Make measurements on seismograms
    3. Plot epicenter distances on maps
    ParametersAction
    Earthquake
     
    Astronomy Series
    Phases of Moon
    Names for and causes of Moon phases
    Observe Moon going through phases. Identify and name phases.
    Goals
    1. Understand Moon terminology
    2. Determine the cause of the Moon's phases
    Parameters Day
    Actual Moon images from Stirling Astronomical Society
    Solar System
    Identify solar system bodies and some of their properties
    From position and appearance, identify planets and major moons. Also, associate properties with solar system bodies.
    Goals
    1. Recognize a number of solar system objects.
    2. Know some properties of these objects.
    Parameters Type
    Challenge
    Images courtesy of NASA.
     
    Collisions Series
    Inelastic Collisions
    Analyze inelastic collisions between equal masses
    This experiment uses an air track to illustrate conservation of momentum. With equal masses, you'll obtain a halving of the speed. Friction causes a small error you can discuss in class.
    Goals
    1. Observe the change (if any) in speed when identical objects collide.
    2. Quantify any change in speed.
    3. Note how the mass of the objects affects the speed change.
    4. Understand inelastic collisions between identical objects.
    ParametersMoving Mass
    Initial Speed
    Target Mass
    Inelastic Collisions with Differing Masses
    Analyze inelastic collisions between unequal masses
    This experiment provides more opportunity to analyze conservation of momentum. Using precise and differing masses allows full development of the concept.
    Goals
    1. Observe the change (if any) in speed when non-identical objects collide.
    2. Quantify any change in speed.
    3. Note how the mass of the objects affects the speed change.
    4. Understand inelastic collisions between non-identical objects.
    ParametersMoving Mass
    Initial Speed
    Target Mass
    Elastic Collisions
    Analyze elastic collisions between equal masses
    Powerful ceramic magnets provide the force repelling one airtrack glider from the other as they collide. Observe that the moving glider stops while the stationary moves off with roughly the speed of the initially moving glider.
    Goals
    1. Observe the effect on both objects when one collides elastically with another identical one.
    2. Determine how mass affects the result.
    3. Determine how speed affects the result.
    ParametersMoving Mass
    Initial Speed
    Target Mass
    Elastic Collisions with Different Masses
    Analyze elastic collisions between unequal masses
    Provide a deeper analysis of conservation of energy in elastic collisions. Powerful ceramic magnets provide repelling and conserving force.
    Goals
    1. Observe the effect on both objects when one collides elastically with another of different mass.
    2. Determine how mass affects the result.
    3. Determine how speed affects the result.
    4. Determine how the ratio of masses affects the result.
    ParametersMoving Mass
    Initial Speed
    Target Mass
     
    Electricity Series
    Voltage and Brightness
    Voltage and wattage rating effects on brightness
    Measure brightness at different voltages for various wattage light bulbs.
    Goals
    1. Understand how voltage affects brightness and power
    2. Observe how watt rating affects brightness and power
    3. Note relationship between brightness and power
    Parameters Light bulb wattage
    Wire Properties
    Effect of wire length and thickness on resistance
    Measure resistance against length for different gauge nichrome wires.
    Goals
    1. Note the effect of increasing wire length on resistance
    2. Note the effect of increasing wire diameter on resistance
    3. Understand the concept of electrical resistance
    Parameters Wire gauge (AWG)
    Capacitors
    Effect of different capacitor networks on voltage-time
    Follow voltage-time curve for DC voltage on different capacitor networks. Understand capacitance and combining capacitors.
    Goals
    1. Measure the voltage (across a capacitor) against time as a capacitor charges.
    2. Try out various capacitor combinations
    3. Note the effect of parallel and series capacitors on the voltage-time curves
    Parameters Circuit
    Resistance
    Voltage
     
    Ohm's Law
    Determine how current, voltage, and resistance are related.
    Measure current-voltage data for different resistors (virtual) and current-resistance data for different voltages (wet).
    Goals
    1. Measure current and voltage.
    2. Note how current varies with voltage.
    3. Become familiar with breadboard and multimeter (wet lab).
    Parameters Resistance (virtual)
    Voltage (wet)
     
    Heat and Temperature Series
    Brownian Motion, Random Walk
    Note randomness of Brownian motion
    Brownian motion provided the clue to understanding that heat is motion. This experiment introduces the fundamental concept of Brownian motion.
    Goals
    1. Understand random motion
    2. Observe the motion of particles in liquid
    ParametersExperiment number

    Acknowledgment

    Video microscopy clips courtesy of:
    Ely Silk, Views from Science (site no longer active)
    Brownian Motion, Temperature
    Note effect of temperature on Brownian motion
    Observe the effect of temperature on Brownian motion. The low temperature is provided by dry ice. The high temperature is from a heat lamp.
    Goals
    1. Review the nature of random motion
    2. Observe the effect of temperature on random motion
    3. Estimate the magnitude of the temperature effect
    4. Formulate a cause of the particle motion
    ParametersTemperature
    Experiment number

    Acknowledgment

    Video microscopy clips courtesy of:
    Ely Silk, Views from Science (site no longer available)
    Gas Volume-Temperature
    Determine relationship between gas volume and temperature
    A 50 ml syringe provide the chamber for observing the change of volume with temperature. As a hot plate heats a water bath, readings are taken of the plunger position.
    Goals
    1. Observe the effect of temperature on gas volume
    2. Characterize the relationship between volume and temperature
    3. Observe anomalous behavior and explain it
    ParametersGas
    Liquid Volume-Temperature
    Determine relationship between liquid volume and temperature
    A standard liquid expansion apparatus with a volume of 25 ml allows measurement of the volume expansion coefficient of various liquids.
    Goals
    1. Observe the effect of temperature change on liquid volume
    2. Note any differences and similarities between different liquids
    3. Determine the shape of the temperature-volume curves for the liquids
    4. Understand how to use coefficients of expansion
    ParametersLiquid
    Gas Pressure-Temperature
    Determine relationship between gas pressure and temperature
    A brass sphere holds various gases. This sphere is immersed in a water bath. Pressure readings are taken from a circular gauge at equal temperature intervals.
    Goals
    1. Observe the effect of temperature on gas pressure
    2. Characterize the relationship between temperature and pressure in a gas
    3. Note any anomalous behavior and explain
    ParametersGas
    Absolute Zero
    Find absolute zero by extrapolating pressure-temperature curve
    This experiment uses the same apparatus as the gas pressure-temperature experiment. Here, the x-intercept determines the estimated value of absolute zero from the behavior of several gases.
    Goals
    1. Understand extrapolation of straight line graphs
    2. Analyze errors when doing extrapolation
    3. Understand how a gas pressure-temperature graph indicates absolute zero
    4. Use extrapolation to estimate the value of absolute zero
    ParametersGas
    Specific Heat
    Measure specific heats of liquids
    A calorimeter holds measured quantities of different liquids. They are heated electrically to add know quantities of heat while measuring temperature.
    Goals
    1. Understand what a calorimeter is
    2. Note the effect of heat on temperature
    3. Understand the difference between heat and temperature
    4. Use heat-temperature graphs to estimate specific heat capacities
    ParametersGas
    Phase Change
    Measure specific heats of liquids
    Track temperature as different materials undergo phase changes. Illustrates that phase changes occur at relatively constanct temperatures.
    Goals
    1. Phase changes cause faster temperature changes.
    2. Phase changes cause slower temperature changes.
    3. Phase changes cause a variety of temperature changes.
    ParametersMaterial
     
    Heat Transfer Series
    Heat Conduction in Solids
    Rate of heat conduction in different solids
    Observe how rate changes with time and with material.
    Goals
    1. Explore the phenomenon of heat conduction in solids
    2. Find temperature flow rates for different solids
    3. See how the graph shape results from the physics of heat movement
    Parameters Material
     
    Hydraulics Series
    Water Stream Trajectory
    Effect of water height on stream
    Hole in bottom of bottle allows students to follow effects of differing water height on distance that stream travels.
    Goals
    1. Measure stream distance for different water heights
    2. Observe correlation between height and distance
    3. Vary parameters to observe effect
    Parameters Run number
    Height
     
    Light Series
    Light Reflection
    Angles of incidence and reflection
    Observe how angle of reflection changes with angle of incidence and other variables.
    Goals
    1. Measure angles of reflection of light rays.
    2. Note effect of color on reflection.
    Parameters Color
     
    Nuclear Series
    Photoelectric Effect
    Photoelectric current and stopping voltage
    Change intensity and wavelength of light on phototube. Track current against voltage.
    Goals
    1. Collect current data from a phototube as voltage varies.
    2. Note the effect of light intensity and frequency on current data.
    Parameters Wavelength
    LEDs
     
    Periodic Motion Series
    Spring Constant
    Determine spring constant of various spring combinations
    The concept of spring constant is explored here. Parallel and series spring arrangements are analyzed to test understanding.
    Goals
    1. Observe the effect of changing weight on the length of springs.
    2. Determine the relationship between weight and length.
    3. Figure out how parallel and series springs affect this relationship.
    ParametersSpring Type
    Springs Moving Different Masses
    Observe period motion of springs with differing masses
    This experiment introduces periodic motion and looks at the effect of differing masses on the period of motion. The airtrack provides a basis for comprehension without the complication of gravity.
    Goals
    1. Understand periodic motion.
    2. Be able to determine the period of periodic motion.
    3. Observe the change in period when mass changes.
    ParametersMass
    Springs and Conservation of Energy
    Observe the change between kinetic and potential energies
    This experiment provides visual confirmation of the conservation of energy. The movement of an oscillating mass on an airtrack is analyzed to calculate kinetic energy (½mv2) and potential energy (½kx2). These are taken as the dependent and independent variables on a graph to show that, over several cycles, their sum remains constant.
    Goals
    1. Understand kinetic energy (energy of motion).
    2. Understand potential energy (energy of position).
    3. Interpret the graph to relate the two kinds of energy in this experiment.
    ParametersMass
    Plot
    Pendulum with Different Masses
    Note effect of mass on pendulum period
    Use periodic motion analysis to obtain periods of a pendulum with only the pendulum bob material changing. The amplitude of the swing, the length of the pendulum, and the size of the bob all remain the same. A variety of materials ranging from cork to lead form the bobs.
    Goals
    1. Understand pendulum motion as periodic motion.
    2. Collect data on pendulum period for different masses.
    3. See how mass affect pendulum period
    ParametersObject Mass
    Length
    Swing Angle
    Pendulum with Different Lengths
    Note effect of length on pendulum period
    Keeping the mass constant, see how length affects period. Attempt to find a simple relationship between period and length.
    Goals
    1. Understand pendulum motion as periodic motion.
    2. Collect data on pendulum period for different lengths.
    3. See how length effects pendulum period
    ParametersObject Mass
    Length
    Swing Angle
    Pendulum Kinetic and Potential Energy
    Observe transformation between pendulum potential and kinetic energies
    Analyze the pendulum bob position to obtain its kinetic energy (½mv2) and its potential energy (mgh). These are taken as the dependent and independent variables on a graph to show that, over several cycles, their sum remains constant.
    Goals
    1. Observe kinetic and potential energy as determined by pendulum position.
    2. Understand where kinetic energy is largest.
    3. Understand where potential energy is largest.
    ParametersObject Mass
    Length
    Swing Angle
    Pendulum Investigation
    Students decide what to investigate
    Analyze the pendulum bob position to discover effects of length, mass, and amplitude.
    Goals
    1. Identify pendulum motion as periodic motion.
    2. Identify how length, mass and swing angle affect pendulum period
    3. Collect data on pendulum period for parameter values.
    4. Explain what the amplitude of a pendulum is.
    ParametersObject Mass
    Length
    Swing Angle
    Compound Pendulum
    A study in moment of inertia
    Examine the effect of pivot position on the period of a right triangle made of wood. Also, build your own compound pendulum and do the same..
    Goals
    1. Study the effect of pivot position on a right triangle shaped pendulum
    2. Construct some compound pendulums
    3. Provide means to swing them from different pivot points
    4. Measure the swing periods of each pendulum for several pivots
    ParametersPivot
     
    Projectiles Series
    Horizontal Projectile Motion
    Analyze horizontal component of projection motion
    A water balloon launcher stretched between volleyball poles provides the motive power for launching bocce balls. Observe that the horizontal speed of these projectiles is essentially constant.
    Goals
    1. Note the horizontal motion of the projectile.
    2. Observe how the horizontal motion varies with the different experiments.
    ParametersObject Mass
    Launch Pullback
    Launch Angle
    Vertical Projectile Motion
    Analyze vertical component of projectile motion
    A water balloon launcher stretched between volleyball poles provides the motive power for launching bocce balls. Observe that the vertical acceleration of these projectiles is essentially constant.
    Goals
    1. Note the vertical motion of the projectile.
    2. Observe how the vertical motion varies with the different experiments.
    ParametersObject Mass
    Launch Pullback
    Launch Angle
    Projectile Motion with Varying Launch Force
    Analyze effect of launch force (energy) on projectile motion
    A water balloon launcher stretched between volleyball poles provides the motive power for launching bocce balls. Observe how launch force affects height and distance of launched ball.
    Goals
    1. Acquire projectile path data for several different forces
    2. Note the effect of initial force on distance
    3. Note the effect of initial force on height
    ParametersObject Mass
    Launch Pullback
    Launch Angle
    Projectile Motion with Varying Mass
    Analyze effect of projectile mass on projectile motion
    A water balloon launcher stretched between volleyball poles provides the motive power for launching bocce balls. Observe how projectile mass affects height and distance of launched ball.
    Goals
    1. Acquire projectile path data for several different masses
    2. Note the effect of projectile mass on distance
    3. Note the effect of iprojectile mass on height
    Parameters Object Mass
    Launch Pullback
    Launch Angle
    Projectile Motion with Varying Launch Angle
    Analyze effect of launch angle on projectile motion
    A water balloon launcher stretched between volleyball poles provides the motive power for launching bocce balls. Observe how launch angle affects height and distance of launched ball.
    Goals
    1. Acquire projectile path data for several different launch angles
    2. Note the effect of launch angles on distance
    3. Note the effect of launch angles on height
    Parameters Object Mass
    Launch Pullback
    Launch Angle
    Projectile Motion and Energy
    Measure and plot kinetic energy and potential energy of projectile
    A water balloon launcher stretched between volleyball poles provides the motive power for launching bocce balls. Observe what happens to kinetic and potential energy as projectile traverses trajectory.
    Goals
    1. Observe kinetic and potential energy as determined by projectile position.
    2. Understand where kinetic energy is largest.
    3. Understand where potential energy is largest.
    Parameters Object Mass
    Launch Pullback
    Launch Angle
    Projectile Motion Investigation
    Measure and plot trajectory of projectile
    A water balloon launcher stretched between volleyball poles provides the motive power for launching bocce balls. Investigate any aspect of the motion of a projectile.
    Goals
    1. Acquire projectile path data for many different parameters
    2. Identify the effect of parameters on distance
    3. Identify the effect of parameters on height
    Parameters Object Mass
    Launch Pullback
    Launch Angle
     
    Speed and Acceleration Series
    Definition of Speed
    Analyze the meaning of "speed"
    Ensure thorough understanding of meaning of speed as viewed on a distance-time graph. How must distance and time be combined arithmetically to obtain speed?
    Goals
    1. Understand how speed relates to time and distance
    2. Determine a precise formula for speed
    3. Interpret the slope of a distance-time graph
    ParametersObject
    Initial Speed
    Acceleration
    Observe and measure acceleration
    The acceleration of the Earth's gravity provides the backdrop for this investigation. Note that speed changes with time.
    Goals
    1. Understand how acceleration affects graphs of distance against time
    2. Calculate distance given a constant acceleration and time
    3. Measure acceleration of some objects in free fall
    ParametersObject
    Mass of Fallng Objects
    Effect of mass on freefall
    Observe the effect of mass and size of acceleration rate in freefall.
    Goals
    1. Determine size and mass affect free fall acceleration for some balls
    2. Measure acceleration of some objects in free fall
    ParametersObject
    Gravity and Speed
    Observing speed during freefall
    Observe speeds and how they change in freefall.
    Goals
    1. Note shape of speed-time graphs for free fall
    2. Determine how size and mass affect free fall acceleration for some balls
    3. Measure acceleration of some objects in free fall
    ParametersObject
    Ramp and Mass
    Different masses travel down a ramp
    A model train car rolls down a ramp. The car may be empty or be carrying a plastic, aluminum, or iron cylinder.
    Goals
    1. Note the effect of mass on acceleration on a ramp
    2. Measure acceleration of the railroad car with differing cargoes
    ParametersCar Contents
    Angle off Floor (degrees)
    Ramp and Speed
    Different masses travel down a ramp
    A model train car rolls down a ramp. The car may be empty or be carrying a plastic, aluminum, or iron cylinder.
    Goals
    1. Identify the effect of mass on acceleration on a ramp
    2. Measure acceleration of the railroad car with differing cargoes
    ParametersCar Contents
    Angle off Floor (degrees)
    Ramp Angle
    The effect of acceleration
    Varying the ramp angle changes the acceleration of the model train car. Characterize this change.
    Goals
    1. Understand how ramp angle affects acceleration
    2. Measure acceleration of the railroad car with different ramp angles and cargoes
    3. Decide whether cargo mass or ramp angle has more effect on acceleration
    ParametersCar Contents
    Angle off Floor (degrees)
    Friction and Motion
    The effect of force, weight, and surface on acceleration
    Observe acceleration as accelerating force, weight of object, and object surface change.
    Goals
    1. Measure and understand acceleration
    2. Note effect of friction on acceleration
    ParametersSliding Mass
    Sliding Surface
    Weight
    Sliding Masses
    Observe how parameters affect sliding acceleration
    Unbalanced forces result in acceleration. Analyze effect of angle, mass, and surface on sliding acceleration.
    Goals
    1. Note how the ramp angle affects the acceleration
    2. Compare the effect of different sliding surfaces on acceleration
    3. Observe the effect of changing mass on sliding acceleration
    ParametersMaterial
    Base
    Angle off Floor
    Rolling Masses
    Observe how parameters affect rolling acceleration
    Unbalanced forces result in acceleration. Analyze effect of angle and cylinder thickness on rolling acceleration.
    Goals
    1. Observe the behavior of rolling cylinders.
    2. Note the effect of thickness of the cylinder wall on acceleration.
    3. See how angle affects acceleration of rolling cylinders.
    ParametersCylinder Thickness
    Angle off Floor
    Rotating Masses
    Observe how parameters affect rotation period
    Design experiment; measure change in angle with mass, string length, and period.
    Goals
    1. Design experiments to measure centripetal force
    2. Provide means to measure and maintain constant radius of rotation
    3. Collect data from a mass rotating at the end of a string
    ParametersLength
    Mass
    Changes in Acceleration
    Observe light objects in freefall
    What happens to acceleration as very light objects fall?
    Goals
    1. Observe how the speed of light objects changes as they fall
    2. Observe how the acceleration of light objects changes as they fall
    ParametersObject
    Terminal Speed
    Measure terminal speed of falling objects
    This experiment looks at initial and final speed of very light falling objects.
    Goals
    1. Observe how the acceleration of light objects changes as they fall
    2. Compare different objects' behavior during fall
    ParametersObject
    Atwood Machine
    Measure acceleration of Atwood machine
    Discover F=ma and/or measure "diluted" acceleration of gravity.
    Goals
    1. Measure distance-time relationships of the masses of an Atwood machine
    2. Graph distance and time for your measurements
    3. Find a method for estimating acceleration from your data
    ParametersTotal
    Difference
    Power
    Investigate your own wrist power
    How weight and dowel diameter affect power using a "wrist winch" to raise weights.
    Goals
    1. Make careful measurements.
    2. Take care in experimental design.
    3. Observe effects of parameters on time to raise weights
    ParametersWeight
    Dowel Diameter
     
    Work-Energy Theorem
    Measuring work and kinetic energy
    Measure acceleration on slanted airtrack; convert to K.E. and campare with work done.
    Goals
    1. Measure initial and final speeds of objects moving down a ramp.
    2. Know height change during experiment.
    ParametersGlider Mass
    Height at 100cm
    Waves Series
    Wavelength and Speed
    Measure both wavelength and speed
    Measuring both wavelength and speed for the each frequency establishes the relationships among speed, frequency, wavelength, and period.
    Goals
    1. Measure wavelengths
    2. Measure wave speed
    3. Find a relationship between frequency, length, and speed
    4. Consider errors in measuring waves
    ParametersFrequency
    Measurement
    Reflection and Frequency
    Determine effect of frequency on reflection
    Observe reflection of water waves and note effect of frequency.
    Goals
    1. Experiment with minimizing error in wave measurements
    2. Find the reflection angle of a 45-degree barrier
    3. Determine whether wave frequency affects the reflection angle
    ParametersFrequency
    Angle
    Reflection and Barrier Angle
    Determine effect of angle on reflection
    Vary the angle of incidence to estimate the effect on angle of reflection.
    Goals
    1. Make careful measurements of waves
    2. Estimate reflection angle for barriers set at different angles to waves
    3. Look for a relationship between barrier angle and reflected wave angle
    ParametersFrequency
    Angle of Barrier
    Depth and Speed
    Determine effect of depth on speed
    Changing the depth of the water affects wave speed. This experiment does not provide precise values for water depth.
    Goals
    1. Make careful measurements of wave speed
    2. Note the effect of decreasing water depth on wave speed
    ParametersFrequency
    Depth
    Depth and Refraction
    Observe effect on depth on refraction
    Having found the speed based on depth, see how angular depth change bends waves.
    Goals
    1. Observe refraction of water waves
    2. Measure the dependence of refracted wave angle on interface angle
    3. Suggest a relationship between refracted angle and interface angle
    ParametersDepth
    Angle of refractor
    Diffraction
    Measure diffraction change with frequency and gap size
    Observe how the waveform expands from gap. Measure angle of edge of waveform. Relate to gap size and wavelength.
    Goals
    1. Understand the phenomenon of diffraction
    2. Measure diffraction angle for a variety of frequencies and slit sizes
    3. Suggest a relationship between frequency, slit size, and diffraction angle
    ParametersGap
    Frequency
    Interference
    Measure interference change with frequency
    Note the interference pattern for a pair of wave sources close to each other. Measure the angle of the interference ray and how it changes with wavelength and with generator separation.
    Goals
    1. Understand wave interference
    2. Measure the path of maximum interference
    3. Develop a formula for the interference angle
    ParametersWavelength
    Generator separation
    Resonance
    Analyze resonant chamber
    Look at a resonant chamber in water. Estimate the resonant frequency and the size of the chamber. See if a simple relationship applies.
    Goals
    1. Observe standing waves
    2. Measure the wavelength of standing waves
    3. Understand that standing waves and resonance are related
    4. Find a relationship between wavelength and resonant cavity size
    ParametersBar separation
    Frequency
     
    Sound Series
    Intensity and Distance
    Intensity dependence on distance
    Measure the change in sound volume as distance changes for a number of different frequencies.
    Goals
    1. Become familiar with making measurements from oscilloscope traces
    2. Measure magnitude of sine waves
    3. For several frequencies, determine the effect of distance on intensity
    ParametersFrequency
    Pitch
    Relation between pitch, frequency and period
    Establish some basics of sound.
    Goals
    1. Measure period of waves from oscilloscope traces
    2. Listen to sound and measure period for several pure sounds
    3. Relate pitch to period and frequency
    ParametersFrequency
    Resonance and Frequency
    Resonant cavities
    Determine the fundamental resonant frequency for open tubes of various lengths.
    Goals
    1. Measure intensity of waves as frequency changes
    2. Estimate frequency/period of maximum intensity
    3. Relate wave frequency to pipe length
    ParametersLength of tube
    Speed of Sound
    Use resonance to measure speed of sound
    Knowing the tube length and fundamental harmonic frequency, you can determine the speed of sound.
    Goals
    1. Understand how resonance can provide an estimate of speed
    2. Measure resonance to obtain speed
    3. Note variation of speed with frequency
    4. Estimate the magnitude of errors in this approach
    ParametersLength of tube
    Direct Speed of Sound
    Use delay time to measure speed of sound
    Two microphones pick up a sharp sound. The distance between the microphones and the delay between their recording of the sound allows a direct determination of the speed of sound. The microphones are one meter apart.
    Goals
    1. Measure delay on an oscilloscope trace
    2. Understand how this delay can provide speed of sound
    3. Estimate speed of sound for several frequencies
    4. Note variation of speed with frequency
    5. Estimate error magnitude in this technique
    ParametersDistance
    Frequency
    Resonant Harmonics
    Measure harmonics for resonant cavities
    Look into the resonant harmonics above the fundamental. Determine the formula for the harmonics of an open tube.
    Goals
    1. Understand what harmonics are
    2. Measure harmonic frequencies for an open pipe
    3. Relate the harmonic frequencies to the fundamental harmonic frequency
    ParametersLength of tube
    Beats
    Measure beat frequencies
    Hear and see the effect of beats. Measure the beat frequency to develop a formula relating the beat frequency with the two frequencies that create it.
    Goals
    1. Understand the phenomenon of beats
    2. Measure beat frequencies for various pairs of frequencies
    3. Suggest a relationship between the two frequencies and the beat frequency
    ParametersFirst frequency
    Second frequency
    Moving Sound
    Analyze Doppler effect
    Using several sounds such as a passing truck, a passing airplane, a passing car, etc., understand the Doppler effect qualititatively and quantitatively.
    Goals
    1. Investigate the phenomenon of pitch change with speed
    2. Use beats to measure the change in frequency with speed
    3. Relate speed to frequency change
    ParametersSpeed and frequency
    Doppler Effect
    Analyze Doppler effect
    Measure period of passing car's horn at different speeds. Relate speed to change in period and frequency.
    Goals
    1. Identify how pitch changes with speed
    2. Use spectrum analysis to measure the change in frequency with speed
    3. Relate speed to frequency change
    ParametersSpeed
    Direction
     
    Statics Series
    Weighing Objects
    Distance dependence on weight
    Measure the change in length as mass increases for different scales.
    Goals
    1. Note the effect of varying weight on the spring scale pointer.
    2. Compare different scales.
    3. Observer how the scale affects the curve of distance against weight.
    ParametersScale capacity
    Density
    Density of many materials
    Determine how mass and volume affect density.
    Goals
    1. Measure the mass to volume ratio for several materials
    2. Observe the relationship between the densities of the materials
    ParametersMaterial
    First Class Lever
    Force dependence on weight and position
    Determine how weight and position affect force in a first class lever.
    Goals
    1. Observe the operation of a first class lever.
    2. Determine the effect of weight location on the force.
    ParametersScale capacity, Mass
    Scale distance
    Second Class Lever
    Force dependence on weight and position
    Determine how weight and position affect force in a second class lever.
    Goals
    1. Observe the operation of a second class lever.
    2. Determine the effect of weight location on the force.
    ParametersScale capacity, Mass
    Scale distance
    Third Class Lever
    Force dependence on weight and position
    Determine how weight and position affect force in a third class lever.
    Goals
    1. Observe the operation of a third class lever.
    2. Determine the effect of weight location on the force.
    ParametersScale capacity, Mass
    Scale distance
    Inclined Plane
    Force dependence on weight and ramp angle
    Determine how weight and angle affect force in an inclined plane.
    Goals
    1. Understand how inclined planes affect force
    2. Relate inclined plane height to force
    ParametersRamp length
    Ramp height
    Pulleys
    Force dependence on weight and number of pulleys
    Determine how weight and pulley arrangement affect force.
    Goals
    1. Understand the operation of pulleys
    2. Gather data on how the pulley configuration affects force
    ParametersNumber of pulleys
    Arrangement
    Buoyancy
    Volume displacement and weight for different liquids
    Determine how liquid density and cylinder mass affect displacement.
    Goals
    1. Measure displacement in various liquids
    2. Make two measurements for each mass to get relative displacement
    3. Observe slopes of displacement-mass curves
    ParametersLiquid
    Capacity
     

    Uses data from literature instead of student collected data
    Interactive "game" style activity illustrates scientific principles
    Interactively test knowledge of material
    Available as hybrid lab that combines offline 'wet' activities with virtual activities
    Pure "wet" lab with data entered into system
    Companion procedure activities for specific labs
    Hands-on simulated activity