1. Scavenger Hunt – Create a scavenger hunt where students have to collect items that fit into the different taxonomic categories.

2. Tree of Life – Make a tree of life with pictures of different organisms that students can match to different categories of organisms.

3. Bingo – Students can play a game of bingo where they mark off different categories of organisms on their bingo cards.

4. Sorting Game – Create cards with pictures of different organisms that students have to sort according to taxonomic categories.

5. Jeopardy – Play jeopardy, where students have to answer questions about different taxonomic categories.

6. Foldables – Make foldable with pictures and labels of organisms that correspond to different categories.

7. Jigsaw Puzzle – Print out a jigsaw puzzle of a tree of life and have students work together to put the puzzle together.

8. Mystery Organism – Give students a mystery organism and have them identify its characteristics and place it into the correct taxonomic category.

9. Build a Bug – Have students build a 3D model of an insect or other organism and label its characteristics according to taxonomic categories.

10. Tic Tac Toe – Create a game of tic tac toe where students mark off taxonomic categories instead of X’s and O’s.

11. Guess the Group – Give students a list of characteristics and have them guess which taxonomic group the organism belongs to.

12. Memory Match – Make a memory match game with pictures of organisms and their corresponding taxonomic categories.

13. Charades – Have students act out different organisms and try to have their classmates identify which taxonomic group they belong to.

14. Model Map – Create a model map of a taxonomic hierarchy, and have students place different organisms in the correct category.

15. Balloon Pop – Write characteristics of different organisms on balloons, and have students pop the balloon to reveal the organism’s category.

16. Skit – Have students write and perform a skit that demonstrates the different taxonomic categories.

17. Digital Presentation – Have students create a digital presentation on different taxonomic categories, which can include pictures and explanations.

In conclusion, using engaging taxonomy activities in the classroom can make learning fun, interesting and memorable. These activities can help students understand and remember the complex world of taxonomy.  

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1. Explore pond water – collect samples from a nearby pond and observe the microscopic organisms living in it.

2. Investigate cheek cells – students can take their own cheek swabs and observe their own cells under the microscope.

3. Observe blood cells – collect a drop of blood from a prick on the finger and observe the different types of blood cells.

4. Study leaf structures – collect leaves from different plants and observe the different layers and structures.

5. Look at insect parts – students can dissect an insect and observe the various body parts under the microscope.

6. Investigate brain slices – use prepared microscope slides to study the different structures of the brain.

7. Observe bacteria – collect samples from different surfaces and observe the different types of bacteria that grow.

8. Study pollen grains – collect and observe pollen grains from different types of flowers under the microscope.

9. Investigate plant cells – students can prepare their own slides of onion cells and observe the different structures.

10. Observe crystals – students can grow their own crystals and examine them under the microscope.

11. Look at mineral samples – students can collect and examine different types of minerals under a microscope.

12. Investigate hair samples – collect hair samples from different individuals and observe the different structures.

13. Observe fungi – students can collect samples of different types of fungi and observe their structures under a microscope.

14. Study animal tissues – use prepared microscope slides to study the different types of animal tissues.

15. Look at forensic samples – students can examine samples from a mock crime scene and try to identify the culprit.

16. Investigate food samples – students can observe different types of food samples to understand the importance of food safety.

17. Observe histological samples – use prepared microscope slides to study the different types of tissues in the human body.

18. Study seeds – collect and observe different types of seeds under the microscope to see how they differ.

19. Look at water samples – collect samples from different sources of water and observe the microscopic organisms living in them.

20. Investigate environmental samples – students can examine soil and air samples to understand the impact of pollution on the environment.

These 20 marvelous microscope activity ideas are sure to engage your students and enhance their understanding of science concepts. So, grab your microscope and start exploring!   

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Summary: Percent Error

• A percent error calculation aims to gauge how close a measured value is to an actual value.
• Percent error is the disparity between the experimental and the theoretical value, divided by the theoretical value, multiplied by one hundred to give to yield percent.
• The percent error is always expressed as a positive number in some fields.
• Percent error is one kind of error calculation. Absolute and relative error are two other standard calculations. Percent error is part of a complete error analysis.
• The keys to correctly reporting percent error are knowing whether or not to drop the sign on the calculation and writing the value utilizing the correct number of significant figures.

The Formula

Percent error is the difference between a calculated or experimental value and an accepted or known value, divided by the recognized value, multiplied by 100%.

The percent error is always expressed as a positive value for many applications. Therefore, the absolute value of the error is divided by the accepted value and displayed as a percent.

|accepted value – experimental value| \ accepted value x 100%

It is customary for chemistry and other sciences to keep a negative value if one occurs. Whether error is positive or negative is crucial. For instance, you would not expect to yield a positive percent error equating actual to theoretical yield in a chemical reaction. On the other hand, if a positive value was computed, this would give clues as to problems with the procedure or unaccounted reactions.

When keeping the sign for error, the computation is the experimental or measured value less the known or the theoretical value, divided by the theoretical value and multiplied by 100%.

percent error = [experimental value – theoretical value] / theoretical value x 100%

Calculation Steps

1. Subtract one value from another. If you drop the sign (taking the absolute value), the order does not matter. Subtract the theoretical value from the experimental value if you keep negative symptoms. This value is your “error.”
2. Divide the error by the ideal value. This will yield a decimal number.
3. Translate the decimal number to a percentage by multiplying it by 100.
4. Add a percent or % symbol to illustrate your percent error value.

Example Problem, Calculation, and Solution

In a lab, you receive a block of aluminum. First, you measure the block’s dimensions and displacement in a container with a known volume of water. Next, you calculate the aluminum union’s density of 2.68 g/cm³. Then, you look up the thickness of a block of aluminum at room temperature and identify it as 2.70 g/cm³. Finally, calculate the percent error of your assessment.

1. Subtract one value from the other one: 2.68 – 2.70 = -0.02
2. You may discard any negative sign: 0.02. This is the error.
3. Divide the error by the actual value: 0.02/2.70 = 0.0074074
4. Multiply this number by 100% to get the percent error:
   0.0074074 x 100% = 0.74%. Considerable statistics are essential in science. If you report an answer employing too many or too few, it may be deemed incorrect, even if you set up the problem accurately.

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An independent variable is a variable that is changed or controlled in an experiment to observe and test the effects on the dependent variable.

A dependent variable is tested and assessed in an experiment.

Remember that the dependent variable is dependent on the independent variable. Therefore, when the researcher changes the independent variable, its effect on the dependent variable is observed and documented.

Independent vs. Dependent Variable

• There can be several variables in an experiment; however, the two key variables always present are the independent and dependent variables.
• The independent variable is the variable that the researcher changes or controls.
• The dependent variable is the element that the research measures. It changes in reaction to the independent variable or is dependent upon it.

Independent and Dependent Variable Cases

For example, a researcher wants to determine if one drug is more effective than another at regulating high blood pressure. Again, the independent variable is the drug, while the patient blood pressure is the dependent variable. In some ways, this experiment resembles the one with breakfast and test scores. However, when comparing two treatments, such as drug A and drug B, it’s usual to add another variable called the control variable. The control variable, which in this case is a placebo that contains the same inactive ingredients as the drugs, makes it possible to tell whether either drug affects blood pressure.

How to Tell the Variables Apart

The independent and dependent variables may be viewed as cause and effect. If the independent variable changes, a product is seen in the dependent variable. The values of both variables may be altered in an experiment and are recorded. The disparity is that the independent variable is the variable controlled by the researcher, while the value of the dependent variable can change in response to the independent variable.

Independent vs. Dependent Variable Key Takeaways

• The independent and dependent variables are critical in a science experiment.
• The independent variable is the one the researcher can manipulate. The dependent variable changes based on the behavior and action of the independent variable.
• The two variables may be linked by cause and effect. For example, if the independent variable is altered, the dependent variable is impacted.

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Memorize Using Mnemonic Devices

You can utilize a mnemonic to make the memorization process easier. The symbols for the elements are linked with words that form a phrase. If you can learn the terms and know the abbreviations for the elements, then you can learn their organization. Below you will find a tremendous mnemonic device for learning the first 20 elements on the periodic table.

Hi! – H
He – He
Lies – Li
Because – Be
Boys – B
Can – C
Not – N
Operate – O
Fireplaces – F

New – Ne
Nation – Na
Might – Mg
Also – Al
Sign – Si
Peace – P
Security – S
Clause – Cl

A – Ar
King – K
Can – Ca

The First 20 Elements

1. Hydrogen – H
2. Helium – He
3. Lithium – Li
4. Beryllium – Be
5. Boron – B
6. Carbon – C
7. Nitrogen – N
8. Oxygen – O
9. Fluorine – F
10. Neon – Ne
11. Sodium – Na
12. Magnesium – Mg
13. Aluminum (or Aluminium) – Al
14. Silicon – Si
15. Phosphorus – P
16. Sulfur – S
17. Chlorine – Cl
18. Argon – Ar
19. Potassium – K
20. Calcium – Ca

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General Science Trivia

• Which planet is farthest from the sun?

Neptune is the planet furthest away from the sun and is followed by Uranus. Mercury, however, is the planet closest to the sun. 

• Which land animal is the fastest?

Cheetahs are the fastest animals on land. They can reach speeds of 75mph.

• Why is Charles Darwin famous?

Darwin is most associated with natural selection. 

• What’s the name of the clouds seen on sunny days?

Cumulus clouds are often seen on sunny days and are the fluffiest clouds too. 

• Which color absorbs and reflects lights?

Black tends to absorb lights, while white reflects light. 

Biology Trivia 

• In the human body, what’s the name of the smallest bone?

One of the smallest bones in the body is the staples which are found in the ear.

• Who’s considered to be the world’s first biologist?

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is the first biologist. 

• Name the three plant cells.

Chloroplast, vacuole, and the cell wall are the three components of plant cells. 

• What are the names of a butterfly’s life cycle?

A butterfly has four stages those are the egg, larva, pupa, and adult. 

• How does a plant feed?

Plants are fed through photosynthesis which is the process where the sun is converted into sugar. 

Chemistry Trivia

• Who developed the Periodic table, and how many elements does it have?

Dmitry Mendeleev developed the periodic table in 1869, and there are 118 elements currently in the table.

• What’s the only metal that forms a liquid when at room temperature?

Mercury is the only metal that can turn into liquid form at room temperature. 

• What has no definite shape but always has a definite volume?

Liquids always have a definite volume, even though their shapes can vary. 

• pH 1 solutions are a what?

pH solutions on the scale between 0 and 7 are acids, and pH solutions between 7 and 14 are known as bases. 

• What happens if a glass is filled with water and ice cubes?

The ice will melt and overflow. 

Earth Science Trivia

• How are the planets, except for Earth, named?

Every planet, except for the Earth, is named after a God or Goddess of Greek or Roman origins.

• What is the estimated age of the Earth?

It’s thought the Earth is at least 4.5 billion years old. 

• Which gas is found mostly in the atmosphere of Earth?

The Earth’s atmosphere is made up of 20% oxygen and 78% nitrogen. 

• Where does the Earth’s energy come from?

The sun is thought as the primary source of energy for planet Earth.

• Which continent is the coldest on Earth?

Antarctica often has a temperature of -128.6 degrees. 

Physics Trivia

• What are Isaac Newton’s laws named?

Laws of motion were first found in 1686.

• What does the speed of light travel at?

299,792,458 meters per second.

• Who came up with the theory of relativity?

In 1922 Albert Einstein proved his theory and was a Nobel prize winner. 

• Name the first device that recorded sound.

Phonographs were first used in 1877 and invented by Thomas Edison. 

• What is the Unit that measures electricity?

Energy consumption is measured by watts. 

These fun facts will inspire your students to learn more about science. 

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1. Static Electricity Race

This clever science game teaches children about static electricity. Start by cleaning and drying aluminum cans, marking a “start” and “finish” line, and giving each racer a balloon. The game’s object: Move your aluminum can to the finish line by using the electric charges on the balloon! Children can make the charge by rubbing the balloon on different items and holding it against the can. Learn more at That After School Life.

2. Five Senses Scavenger Hunt

Not only does this game encourage children to get outside, but it also teaches them about the five senses. Brainstorm a scavenger hunt that requires the five senses. You can also print out free copies at Childhood 101, which contains things like “find something bumpy,” ”

3. Body Part Bingo

Once they reach nine, children can start learning about anatomy. “Human Body Bingo” can help teach the concept. Copy these free printable bingo sheets from Darcy & Brian; they’re made with cute animated drawings of a body part. Gather playing pieces before starting the game.

4. Egg Drop Experiment

Encourage your children to create a protective “case” for a hard-boiled egg. Once the egg is safely secured, they can drop it from varying heights in the hopes that the case will prevent the egg from cracking. The player with the most indestructible contraption wins the game! Your children will learn about force and momentum as they brainstorm ways to slow down the velocity, soften the landing, and relieve pressure on the egg.

5. Paper Airplane Contest

Making paper airplanes is a childhood pastime. But did you know that these flying objects can teach lessons on physics and aerodynamics? Like normal airplanes, paper airplanes are beholden to gravity, lift, thrust, and drag. Introduce a “paper airplane contest” to see which of your children can create the most aerodynamic plane. They’ll learn that the flaps and folds really do matter!

6. Guess My Rock

Place your observational skills to the test with this game, which teaches geology and earth science. Begin by laying out about 12 rocks you’ve foraged from your yard or a nearby park. One child can choose a rock, and the other can ask “yes or no” questions to predict which rock it is. The questions must use geological terms.

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3 distinct portals—Science A-Z, Gizmos, and Science 4-Us—offer educators and parents exposure to the best online learning materials. These contain many books, experiments, classes, and other resources to make science accessible to all learners.

Climate Kids

This website, provided by NASA, exposes budding children to scientific concepts found in nature. You can study the condensed principles through exercises, films, and games using current and real-time information on changing climate. The fascinating courses range from “10 Interesting Things About Glaciers” to “Make Sun S’mores,” which teaches how to harvest solar electricity.

Community Resources for Science

Have trouble with distant education? Articles on this amazing website comprise “Science Is A Family Affair” and “Teaching Science At Home: A Survival Guide for Parents.” We’re all in it together, so take a big inhale and plunge in.

CreositySpace

An innovative, learner-directed science program introduces science to ALL K–5 children. When children ask, “What would I like to be when I enter adulthood?” you can also take advantage of their inventiveness and interest.

Kids Discover Online

You can utilize this collection’s scientific and political studies materials for people of all ages and reading abilities because they can be differentiated by reading ability. You can seek complimentary unrestricted entry to Kids Discover Online here for schools and districts that were shut because of the epidemic.

National Science Digital Library

You can thoroughly search among the wide categories of this digital library’s resources for anything you require because it is robust and easy to use. You can get class ideas, homework, and exercises from a diverse range of other materials in this sizable archive of sources.

National Geographic Education

Watch the regular presentations on the website to learn about interesting subjects like “Deep See Amphipods” and “The Power of Microbes.” Moreover, explore various subjects, such as the environment, earth science, and more. Additionally, look through the lesson plans, tasks, maps, images, movies, and other activities.

Science Friday

On Scientific Friday, you’ll find amazing programs, such as the brand-new “Science Diction,” which is ideal for language geeks. You have accessibility to courses that may be filtered by age level, length, and topic under the “Educate” section. Youngsters can obtain excellent hands-on knowledge through projects like “Make Your Sauropod Poop!” and “A DIY Groundwater Model.”

Studies Weekly Online

Are you prepared to create your online classroom? Utilizing blended learning methodologies, Studies Weekly enables you to design individualized, standards-based courses. These teaching strategies aim to improve students’ knowledge, abilities, and attitudes.

The Stardust Mystery

While exposing them to fresh and (often) difficult subjects, digital learning games may truly keep kids interested. Time-traveling, entertaining, informative, and informative experiences are the focus of The Stardust Mystery. Additionally, “Mission: KT” will teach kids more about the demise of the dinosaurs, and “Building the Universe” will guide them into what happened after the Big Bang. The website also provides clips about science, literature, and avatars.

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Best websites for science videos

Youth Science

Younger students will be captivated by a YouTube channel that showcases entertaining experimentations, interesting facts, and do-it-yourself initiatives thanks to awesome video content like “How to Read Hieroglyphics” and a Junior Vets sequence (which includes videos from Robert Irwin, the late Steve Irwin of The Crocodile Hunter fame).

OK, Sandbox, go!

Some of today’s most fascinating music videos have been made by The OK Go. These popular science tutorial clips on topics like gravity, algebra, simple devices, detectors, chain reactions, and much more feature their particular brand of brilliance. Videos, exercises, and PDF teaching materials provide additional resources.

Science Mysteries

Who’s up for some mystery-solving? This website promotes using rational thought and problem-solving techniques in practical situations by younger children. For instance, “Have dragons ever existed?” “How can bacteria enter your body?” “Whose idea was the pizza?” Working with online video mini-lessons created for grades K–5, you’ll start some interesting dialogues. 

Nature is active throughout.

These movies take youngsters on a fascinating adventure with materials for grades 3-5. Will they kayak through tropical rainforests along the shore? How about learning about the corals’ hidden existence in the Dominican Republic? These courses on the website that are standards-oriented cover all of that and more!

Max Science

This YouTube channel promotes studying science with dirty, humorous, and enjoyable brand-new films every Thursday! Would you like to see a pasta-based bridge? Can you construct a rocket vehicle? They cannot get more of this charismatic presenter and his incredibly fun activities!

Kids’ SciShow

This fantastic YouTube channel “explores all those intriguing subjects that leave us wondering, ‘Why?'” Each Tuesday and Thursday, watch brand-new movies with Jessi and her robotic mouse, Squeaks, as they explore a variety of fascinating subjects. The “World’s Ugliest Animal” and “The Coolest Machine Ever,” for instance.

Top Websites for Science Projects

Noah Project

This website links learners and educators worldwide and assists children in understanding their responsibility as “global citizens.” Finding and recognizing wildlife will be emphasized. Additionally, kids can select a task, carry out the study, investigate their local area, and add to the worldwide reservoir. To share is to care!

Biological Supply Company of Carolina

Looking for K–5 scientific projects that are grade-specific? Bring “Weather and Sky” to your preschool class, or teach 4th graders about our “Changing Earth.” The reading pieces, at-home science exercises, news stories about science, and PDF downloads that you can access on this website will help you feel ready.

Families with Technovation

Youngsters are the tomorrow, as this website says. Machine intelligence is too.  And over 80% of parents know that tech will become an increasingly important part of their child’s upbringing. Additionally, this website offers information for preparing for careers in the coming. Provide at-home activities for elementary school pupils to participate in. They’ll turn everyday items into intriguing creations by following a series of films or mini-projects as a reference. Examples of projects involve sound producers, small aircraft, and no-wire circuits.

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STEAM classes are a top priority, not just in Georgia but everywhere.

STEAM’s History

It’s hard to believe, but we’ve been teaching STEAM education for nearly twenty years. Since its inception in 2001, science, tech, engineering, and mathematics integration has come a long way. In the beginning, the approach to teaching these four disciplines was called SMET. U.S. National Science Foundations members rearranged the letters, thereby creating STEAM. Although STEAM classes have become a banner for attracting inquisitive learners, there’s more work to do in this field.

Not all schools offer STEAM programs to their learners. Funding the classes can drain the budget, and scheduling classes can be difficult.

The benefits of STEAM classes

There are most benefits to learners taking STEAM classes. The integrated curriculum approach helps learners understand how different disciplines are connected and support each other. Most learners take on their STEAM projects in makerspaces that inspire creativity a. They have conducted research and analyzed its results, made with 3D printers, and collaborated with subject matter experts in the field. STEAM encourages hands-on learning in a team approach. This teamwork approach requires a willingness to work for the team’s good, not just the individual’s good.

STEAM Revelations

Science, tech, engineering, and mathematics integration is not without surprises. In some instances, STEAM has made great strides. In others, STEAM has fallen woefully behind current trends.

Having a STEAM background can be financially productive. A university degree in STEAM is less costly than an engineering degree, but STEAM learners often earn more money annually than their non-STEAM peers. In fact, STEAM learners earn an average of $54,745 a year. Learners without STEAM experience earn $40,505 on average. Many of these earners are male; women hold only 15% of STEAM jobs. Minorities are historically underrepresented in STEAM fields. Asians are over-represented.

The Future of STEAM

STEAM is becoming a powerful industry, and with good reason. This field is still growing and evolving.  It is expected that STEAM industries will produce nine million jobs by the year 2022.

Our task is to make sure that STEAM attracts and retains diversity. Finding unique perspectives and problem-solving is how we can disrupt learning and living to produce a better quality of life for all.

To prepare our learners for a future in STEAM, we require help from educators, parents, and the community. We have to motivate, inspire, and encourage our kids to participate in a future that is already here.

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