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Matter & Atoms
Introduction to Matter
Virginia SOL PS.2
Learn about what defines matter and the differences between mass and weight.
History of Understanding Atoms
NGSS PS1-1
Virginia SOL PS.2 & CH.2
Learn how Democritus, Dalton, Thomson, and Rutherford changed understanding of the atom.
Introduction to Atoms
NGSS PS1-1
Virginia SOL PS.2 & CH.2
Dive deeper in your understand of matter, atoms, charge, mass number, and more!
Atoms Review
NGSS PS1-1
Virginia SOL PS.2 & CH.2
Use PhET’s Build an Atom simulation to review atomic number, mass number, and charge.
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The Periodic Table
The Periodic Table Part 1
NGSS PS1-2
Virginia SOL PS.2, PS.4 & CH.2
Learn about the atomic symbol, atomic number, period, and groups of elements on the periodic table.
The Periodic Table Part 2
NGSS PS1-2
Virginia SOL PS.2, PS.4, & CH.2
Explores the different groups of the periodic table and learn how elements within a group have similar properties.
The Periodic Table Part 3
NGSS PS1-2
Virginia SOL PS.2, PS.4, & CH.2
Review your understanding of the concepts taught in parts one and two.
Periodic Table Games
NGSS PS1-2
Virginia SOL PS.2, PS.4 & CH.2
Test your skills as you play these easy, medium, and hard periodic table games.
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Periodic Table Escape Room
NGSS PS1-2
Virginia SOL PS.2 & PS.4
Answering periodic table questions to unlock the code hidden throughout time that’s needed to unlock life-saving technology on Mars.
Periodic Table Bingo
NGSS PS1-2
Virginia SOL PS.2, PS.4 & CH.2
Each student gets their own unique bingo card as the teacher reads the provided clues from any of 12 clue sets.
Molecules
Molecules
NGSS PS1-1, 2, 3
Virginia SOL PS.3 & CH.3
Learn about and build molecules using PhET’s Build a Molecule simulation.
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What is Air
NGSS PS1-1,2,3
Virginia SOL PS.3 & CH.3
Updated! This engaging interactive lesson uses molecular models and pie charts, helping students visualize and understand the composition of air.Â
Physical & Chemical Changes
Rust Busters: Chemical Changes
NGSS PS1-1,2,3
Virginia SOL PS.3 CH.3
Featuring STEM careers in the shipbuilding industry, this interactive lesson is about how steel is made, the chemical change for the formation of rust, and rust prevention.
This STEM programming was made possible by the Virginia General Assembly for COVA STEM Hub for regional activities and programming.
Electron Configuration & Stoichiometry
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Electron Configuration
Virginia SOL CH.2d
Model the electron configurations of elements hydrogen through strontium. Play a review game to check for understanding.
Stoichiometry Made Simple
Virginia SOL CH.4
Step-by-step explanations of a the many different types of stoichiometry problems.
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Density
Introduction to Density
Virginia SOL PS.3a
This is a very short and simple interactive that introduces mass, volume, and density.
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Why Does Ice Float?
Virginia SOL PS.3a
Use PhET’s States of Matter Simulation, analyze graphs, and learn about density to explore why giant icebergs float.
Candy Shop
Virginia SOL PS.3a
Measure the mass and volume of 6 different candies to determine and compare their densities.
Density Escape Room
Virginia SOL PS.3a
It’s your birthday and you’re locked in school! Get the code needed to turn off the security system and get to your birthday party on time.
States of Matter & Thermal Energy
States of Matter
Virginia SOL PS.2c
Use your understanding of solids, liquids, gases, and plasma to make in through your science teacher’s not-so haunted house.
Updated version includes accessibility features.
Virtual Heating Ice Lab
Virginia SOL PS.1, PS.2c & CH.1
Measure, record, and graph the temperature of ice as it is heated and eventually boils. Use the graph to answer questions.
Updated version includes accessibility features.
Wild Wild Earth Part 1
Virginia SOL PS.2
Travel the world as you learn about states of matter, thermal energy, and temperature.
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Wild Wild Earth Part 2
Virginia SOL PS.2
Travel the world and learn about forms of energy, temperature, and states of matter.
Wild Wild Earth Part 3
Virginia SOL PS.2
Travel the world as you learn about heat, the states and density of water, and insulators.
Wild Wild Earth Part 4
Virginia SOL PS.5b
Travel the world as you learn about radiation, convection, and conduction.
Energy, Forces, & Motion
Energy and Its Many Forms
Virginia SOL PS.5
Explore light, chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal energy. Use PhET’s sims to explore how energy changes forms.
Potential and Kinetic Energy
Virginia SOL PS.5
Use PhET’s Skate Park simulation to explore potential and kinetic energy.
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Hands-On: Engineer Desig
Potential and Kinetic Energy
New! For this hands-on activity, students collaborate in groups to design and build catapults, using elastic potential energy to enhance their understanding of energy transformations.
Magnetism
Virginia SOL PS.9
Embark on a treasure hunt using a compass and map. Along the way, learn how compasses operate and explore the principles of magnetism and magnetic fields.
This STEM programming was made possible by the Virginia General Assembly for COVA STEM Hub for regional activities and programming.
Forces and Motion
Virginia SOL PS.8
Go on an epic adventure through Arches National Park as you answer questions about forces and motion.
Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
Virginia SOL PS.8
Review forces vocab and use Phet’s simulation to answer 3 sets of 5 questions correctly. If you do not answer the questions in a set correctly, you get to try again.
Bridges
Virginia SOL PS.8
This basic introduction to bridges emphasizes compression and tension forces and highlights four common bridge types.
This STEM programming was made possible by the Virginia General Assembly for COVA STEM Hub for regional activities and programming.
Position Vs. Time Graphs
Virginia SOL PS.8
Measure, record, and graph the distances Grasshopper and Snail travel each minute as they complete a 10 meter race. Use the graph to answer questions about the race.
Converting Distance Units
Virginia SOL PS.8
Help determine whether or not the puppy is tall enough to get into the dog park and practice converting distance unit, one step at a time.
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Waves
Mechanical Waves Escape Room
Virginia SOL PS.6
You have been abducted by aliens! You must use PhET’s Wave simulation and answer questions about mechanical waves as you work your way through the ship to the escape ship.
Electromagnetic Waves Escape Room
Virginia SOL PS.7
Ditto needs help communicating with his ship so he can get back to his friends. Use PhET’s Waves simulations and your understanding of electromagnetic waves to help Ditto get home!
Waves Communication Escape Room
Virginia SOL PS.7
The cellphones in your town have all been stolen! Using radio waves and binary code, the thief sends you the information needed to find everyone’s cellphones and be the town hero.
Frequency & Wavelength
Virginia SOL PS.6
Use PhET’s Wave on a String Simulation to investigate how increasing the frequency of a wave affects its wavelength.
