This is an inquiry-based unit designed to encourage students to figure out key scientific concepts on their own, rather than receiving them through direct instruction.
It uses the phenomenon of the auroras to pique curiosity and serve as the anchor for exploring a core idea in science: using models to understand complex systems.
Throughout the unit, students explore broad concepts like matter and energy, as well as more specific topics including atomic structure, the periodic table, atomic absorption and emission, hydrogen fusion, SI unit conversion and covalent bonding. It doesn’t require any previous knowledge of these topics since all of the fundamental concepts are introduced during the unit.
To support student learning and skill development, the unit includes a range of engaging activities that promote thinking, problem solving, structured note-taking, and vocabulary building.
Here’s what’s included in the resource pack:
Materials required:
Prior Student Knowledge Required: None.
I think it’s an exciting and thought-provoking unit, and I hope your students enjoy diving into it as much as I enjoyed creating it!
It uses the phenomenon of the auroras to pique curiosity and serve as the anchor for exploring a core idea in science: using models to understand complex systems.
Throughout the unit, students explore broad concepts like matter and energy, as well as more specific topics including atomic structure, the periodic table, atomic absorption and emission, hydrogen fusion, SI unit conversion and covalent bonding. It doesn’t require any previous knowledge of these topics since all of the fundamental concepts are introduced during the unit.
To support student learning and skill development, the unit includes a range of engaging activities that promote thinking, problem solving, structured note-taking, and vocabulary building.
Here’s what’s included in the resource pack:
- A 50-page learning guide that introduces key skills and concepts.
- Worksheets and quizzes for formative assessment.
- A summative test and practice version with suggested answers.
- A Slides presentation to help clarify ideas in class.
- A Google Form that students can use to reflect on their learning.
Materials required:
- A variety of salt solutions (eg. barium nitrate, strontium nitrate, copper nitrate, sodium nitrate, lithium nitrate).
- A Bunsen burner.
- Matches/lighter.
- Nichrome wire or equivalent that can be safely placed in a Bunsen burner for flame tests.
- Coloured plastic counters or any small coloured objects.
- Students will need access to a personal computing device.
Prior Student Knowledge Required: None.
I think it’s an exciting and thought-provoking unit, and I hope your students enjoy diving into it as much as I enjoyed creating it!