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Splitting Molecules: Electrolysis

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Students are always excited when they get to do something that they perceive as difficult. Splitting a water molecule sounds pretty complicated! In reality this is a pretty simple process. As a teacher who is two years through Open Sci Ed implementation, I am always looking for opportunities for students to do a little more because in some instances the curriculum can get a little discussion and observation heavy. The electrolysis demonstration in 7.1 Lesson 10 was a perfect opportunity for students to complete the set up and observe the process. My challenge was to come up with a simple set up using materials that were easy to obtain and inexpensive. Material Notes (per set up) 8 oz plastic cup - clear works best for easy viewing 2 thumb tacks Styrofoam - I just used some form a package we received Masking tape 9V battery Distilled or deionized water Magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) 2 test tubes (150mm) with stoppers Test tube tongs Matches or lighter Wooden splints The Set-Up Step...
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A Look Inside: DNA Extraction

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The wonder of DNA - it controls everything your body does and how it looks. You can’t see it without a microscope…or maybe you can!  DNA fills every cell in our body. We can’t even see individual cells without a microscope but this lab allows you to extract DNA from cells, get it to clump together so that you can see it without a microscope.  Of course you will not see the famous double helix structure but students are always amazed with this experience! I have used this format for Open Sci Ed 8.5 Genetics, the Junior Girl Scout Detective badge and the Cadette Special Agent Badge. Material Notes -  Small plastic cup Large plastic cup Coffee filters Large popsicle stick Coffee stirrer or other small straw Salt Soap Water Graduated cylinder (or other measuring instrument) Ziplock bag  Strawberry (I used defrosted strawberries, I have seen kiwi and banana also be successful) 91% isopropyl alcohol - store in the FREEZER and take out right before needed I make trays for s...
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Tall Tower Challenge

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  The Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world, but there are many tall buildings across the globe that are considered to be architectural wonders and there is a constant battle to build these structures that are taller and taller.  While there are a variety of materials that I have seen used to challenge students to create tall structures, I have found some very simple materials that allow students to build towers from floor to ceiling. Material List and Notes -  Index cards Masking tape Coffee stirrers Newspaper Tennis balls Scissors Prior to the Challenge -  Before students get into the meat of this challenge, I have them discover the strength of shapes.  The challenge is to use 4 index cards and 12 inches of tape to build a structure that can hold a textbook at least one inch off the table.  After students are able to do this, we start adding more textbooks until the structure crumbles.  I do allow students to use scissors, but I...
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