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Preview the Advancing Science lab activity kits organized by core idea below. Member teachers can submit visit and loan requests via the Advancing Science web form.
Preview the Advancing Science lab activity kits organized by core idea below. Member teachers can submit visit and loan requests via the Advancing Science web form.
Chemical Reactions
Chemical Reactions
157 - Testing for Microplastics in Local Waterways
157 - Testing for Microplastics in Local Waterways
In this investigation, students will get an introduction to microplastics, survey their schoolyard for macroplastics, and then sample local waterways for the presence of microplastics.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.C, 3.3.6-8.M, 3.4.6-8.E, 3.4.6-8.H
700 - Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions
700 - Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions
Students use Vernier temperature probes to measure temperature changes in endothermic and exothermic reactions. *Computer not included. Vernier probe connects via Bluetooth to a student’s device. Data is visualized using the free Graphical Analysis web app.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.F
903 - Biofuels
903 - Biofuels
Electricity and Magnetism
Electricity and Magnetism
821 - Magnetic Field Explorations
821 - Magnetic Field Explorations
Students use Vernier Magnetic Field Sensors to measure, graph and analyze magnetic field strength. *Computer not included. Vernier probe connects via Bluetooth to a student device. Data is visualized using the free Graphical Analysis web app.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.I, 3.2.6-8.K
822 - Electromagnets: Winding Things Up
822 - Electromagnets: Winding Things Up
Students use Vernier Magnetic Field Sensors to study the relationship between coils of wire and the strength of an electromagnet. *Computer not included. Vernier probe connects via Bluetooth to a student device. Data is visualized using the free Graphical Analysis web app.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.I, 3.2.6-8.K
840 - Static Electricity
840 - Static Electricity
Teacher uses a Van de Graaff generator to demonstrate static electricity.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.I, 3.2.6-8.K
841 - Snap Circuits
841 - Snap Circuits
Use the Snap Circuit Jr kits to explore series and parallel circuits, insulators and conductors, energy transformations, and conservation of energy. The kit includes 15 sets of student equipment and a building guide with numerous projects.
Suggested timing - 1+ class periods.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.I, 3.2.6-8.K
Forces and Motion
Forces and Motion
801 - Advanced Simple Machines with K'Nex
801 - Advanced Simple Machines with K'Nex
Students use materials from K'Nex kits to create simple machines, study their uses, and solve problems. This kit is available as a loan only.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H
810 - Pulleys
810 - Pulleys
Students assemble and test three different pulley configurations to assess the needed applied force to lift a given test mass and the amount of line to be pulled through the pulley system to lift the test mass at a specific height. This lab demonstrates that more pulleys reduce the applied force needed to lift an object, but also more lines must be pulled through the system to lift the test weight to a specific height. Applied force measurements are made using Vernier Force Sensors.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H
861 - Surface Friction: Roughing It!
861 - Surface Friction: Roughing It!
Students conduct static and dynamic friction experiments using Vernier force sensors and various friction surfaces, friction blocks, and test masses. Students investigate how the normal force and contact area affect the resulting frictional force. Students gain hands-on experience in collecting accurate data, calculating averages, calculating coefficients of friction, and assessing results.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H, 3.5.6-8.B
862 - Motion Match
862 - Motion Match
Students will gain a first-hand understanding of creating and interpreting graphs. A Vernier Motion Detectors senses the student's body movement as they attempt to recreate a graph of distance vs. time or velocity vs. time.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H
863 - Free Falling Objects: Fall Time and Impact Velocity
863 - Free Falling Objects: Fall Time and Impact Velocity
Students use drop towers and Vernier Photogates to measure fall times and impact velocities of objects dropped from different heights. Two different drop weights are used to show how fall time and impact velocity are independent of mass. Students can also investigate terminal velocity by dropping the test object with a small parachute attached. Students compare experimental results with provided theoretical data.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H, 3.2.6-8.L, 3.2.6-8.O, 3.2.6-8.P
865 - Newton's Laws of Motion
865 - Newton's Laws of Motion
Teacher uses a kinesthesia cart to demonstrate inertia, acceleration of different masses when propelled by a constant force, and equal and opposite reactions. Student volunteers are needed throughout the demonstrations. A large open area without carpet is needed for this lab.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.G, 3.2.6-8.H
866 - Kinetic and Potential Energy Using Newton Carts
866 - Kinetic and Potential Energy Using Newton Carts
Students use rubber band springs to propel wooden carts and investigate the effects of applied force and system mass on the resulting motion. Students use Vernier Force Sensors and Motion Sensors to collect data to be used to calculate mechanical potential energy and kinetic energy.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.G, 3.2.6-8.L
867 - Newton's 1st Law Using Newton Carts
867 - Newton's 1st Law Using Newton Carts
Students use table-top wooden carts, rubber band spring assemblies, pulleys, stop watches, and various toys to explore the concept of inertia and how “objects at rest tend to stay at rest and how objects in motion tend to stay in motion until acted on by an external force”. Different forces can be applied to investigate how force affects the experimental results.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H
868 - Newton's 2nd Law Using Newton Carts
868 - Newton's 2nd Law Using Newton Carts
Students use table-top wooden carts, rubber band spring assemblies, and Vernier Force and Acceleration Sensors to explore the concept of F=ma. Students measure the force versus stretch distance of rubber band springs and cart acceleration for two different cart masses. Varying forces can be applied to investigate the influence on cart acceleration.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H
869 - Newton's 3rd Law Using Newton Carts
869 - Newton's 3rd Law Using Newton Carts
Students use table-top wooden carts and Vernier Motion Sensors to explore the concept of action and reaction. The test carts employ rubber band springs to push against one another and students use the motion sensors to measure the resulting cart velocities. The students experiment with different cart masses and spring forces to assess the impact on the resulting motions.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H
870 - Collisions Using Newton Carts
870 - Collisions Using Newton Carts
Students use table-top wooden carts, rubber band spring assemblies, and Vernier motion sensors to investigate elastic and inelastic collisions, as well as the concept of conservation of momentum. One moving cart is crashed into a stationary cart to see the resulting motions following the collision. Variable forces and cart masses are tested to assess the effects.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H
871 - Getting Into the Swing of Things: Pendulum Motion Lab
871 - Getting Into the Swing of Things: Pendulum Motion Lab
Students make measurements using meter sticks and Vernier Motion Sensors to determine the Potential and Kinetic Energy of pendulums. Variables such as pendulum mass, length, and release point are investigated. Students gain experience in data collection, data tabulation, and mechanical energy computation.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H
880 - Water Rockets
880 - Water Rockets
Students are exposed to the concept of rocket thrust and aerodynamic stability and apply that knowledge to design and build water-propelled rockets. Fight performance is observed and compared. Experiments include the effects of water volume and air pressure on rocket performance.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6‐8.H, 3.5.6‐8.H, 3.5.6‐8.Q
881 - Projectile Motion with Foam Rockets
881 - Projectile Motion with Foam Rockets
Students investigate the motion of foam rockets and conduct experiments to see how launch angle and air pressure (thrust) affect flight performance. Students make angle, pressure, distance, and time measurements.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.H, 3.5.6-8.B
920 - Kinetic Potential Energy Transfer (Bouncing Ball Lab)
920 - Kinetic Potential Energy Transfer (Bouncing Ball Lab)
Students use Vernier Motion Detectors to compare energy transfers in two different types of common ball.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.O, 3.2.6-8.P
Matter
Matter
404 - Air Quality Monitoring *Schoolyard Study*
404 - Air Quality Monitoring *Schoolyard Study*
Students use hand-held air quality monitors to measure particulate (PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon dioxide. Students design the investigation to measure air quality in different locations inside the school and the schoolyard. Expand the lesson to engage your students in a MWEE . The kit includes 8 hand-held air quality monitors.
Suggested timing - 3+ class periods.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.A, 3.3.6-8.M, 3.3.6-8.N, 3.4.6-8.D, 3.4.6-8.E
623 - How Does Road Salt Work? Measuring the Freezing Point Depression of Water
623 - How Does Road Salt Work? Measuring the Freezing Point Depression of Water
Students use Vernier temperature probes to measure how salt depresses the freezing point of water. Combine this lab with #532 Do Salty Roads Lead to Salty Streams to investigate the impacts of winter road treatments on the salinity of streams in your community. *Computer not included. Vernier probe connects via Bluetooth to a student’s device. Data is visualized using the free Graphical Analysis web app.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.B, 3.3.6-8.M
630 - Freezing and Melting of Water
630 - Freezing and Melting of Water
Students use Vernier temperature probes to determine and compare the freezing and melting points of water. *Computer not included. Vernier probe connects via Bluetooth to a student’s device. Data is visualized using the free Graphical Analysis web app.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.B
631 - Properties of Water: Magnetic 3D Models
631 - Properties of Water: Magnetic 3D Models
Students use magnetic molecule models to investigate the properties of water, including states of matter, polarity, adhesion, cohesion, and more. These models can be used to teach physical and biological concepts. The kit includes 10 cups for students to work in small groups. Refer to the manufacturer's website for lesson plans and product videos.
Suggested timing - 1+ class periods.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.A, 3.2.6-8.B
Thermal Energy
Thermal Energy
403 - Heat Islands *Schoolyard Study*
403 - Heat Islands *Schoolyard Study*
Students use infrared thermometers to investigate thermal energy and heat islands in their schoolyard. The kit includes a class set of infrared thermometers.
Suggested timing 1+ class periods.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.N, 3.2.6-8.R, 3.3.6-8.M, 3.3.6-8.O, 3.4.6-8.E
630 - Freezing and Melting of Water
630 - Freezing and Melting of Water
Students use Vernier temperature probes to determine and compare the freezing and melting points of water. *Computer not included. Vernier probe connects via Bluetooth to a student’s device. Data is visualized using the free Graphical Analysis web app.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.B
Waves and Electromagnetism
Waves and Electromagnetism
961 - Nature of Visible Light
961 - Nature of Visible Light
Students use prisms, diffraction glasses, spectrometers, and colored filters to study the visible light spectrum. This is a strong introduction to spectrophotometry work.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.R
963 - Eye Spy: The Basics of Light
963 - Eye Spy: The Basics of Light
Students investigate the basic properties of light to discover that objects can be seen only when illuminated and that light interacts differently with different materials. The kit includes 8 sets of basic supplies including light boxes, prisms, flashlights, rainbow glasses, a trade book to learn how eyes work, and an eye model.
Suggested timing - five investigations, 10-15 minutes each.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.R
970 - Introduction to Spectrophotometry
970 - Introduction to Spectrophotometry
Students use spectrophotometers and white chalk to visualize the visible light spectrum.
Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.6-8.R
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