Lab Organizer

1A. Diffusion through Membranes
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the ionic concentration of various solutions.
- Study the effect of concentration gradients on the rate of diffusion.
- Determine if the diffusion rate for a molecule is affected by the presence of a second molecule.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
1B. Osmosis
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to investigate the relationship between water movement and solute concentration.
- Determine the water potential of potato cells.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
2A. Enzyme Action: Testing Catalase Activity
In this experiment, you will
- Use an Oxygen Gas Sensor to measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various enzyme concentrations.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for this enzyme when different concentrations of enzyme react with H₂O₂.
- Measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various temperatures.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each temperature.
- Measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various pH values.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each pH value.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: O₂ Gas Sensor
2B. Enzyme Action: Testing Catalase Activity
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various enzyme concentrations.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for this enzyme when different concentrations of enzyme react with H₂O₂.
- Measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various temperatures.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each temperature.
- Measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various pH values.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each pH value.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
3. Mitosis & Meiosis
In this experiment, you will
- Examine and compare the phases of mitosis in animal and plants cells.
- Determine the relative time cells spend in each phase of mitosis.
- Prepare microscope slides of mitotic cells using onion Allium root tips.
- Follow the processes of mitosis and meiosis in the life cycle of Sordaria.
- Examine the arrangement of Sordaria ascospore microscopically to determine the frequency of crossing over.
- Calculate the distance, in map units, between a specific gene and the chromosome centromere.
No sensors required for this lab.
4A. Plant Pigment Chromatography
In this experiment, you will
- Separate plant pigments.
- Calculate the R_f values of the pigments.
No sensors required for this lab.
4B. Photosynthesis
In this experiment, you will
- Separate plant pigments.
- Calculate the R_f values of the pigments.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
5A. Cell Respiration (CO₂ and O₂)
In this experiment, you will
- Measure gas production.
- Study the effect of temperature on cell respiration.
- Determine whether germinating peas and non-germinating peas respire.
- Compare the rates of cell respiration in germinating and non-germinating peas.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor, O₂ Gas Sensor
5B. Cell Respiration (CO₂)
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Colorimeter to measure color changes due to photosynthesis.
- Study the effect of light on photosynthesis.
- Study the effect that the boiling of plant cells has on photosynthesis.
- Compare the rates of photosynthesis for plants in different light conditions.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor
5C. Cell Respiration (O₂)
In this experiment, you will
- Measure gas production.
- Study the effect of temperature on cell respiration.
- Determine whether germinating peas and non-germinating peas respire.
- Compare the rates of cell respiration in germinating and non-germinating peas.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: O₂ Gas Sensor
5D. Cell Respiration (Pressure)
In this experiment, you will
- Measure gas production.
- Study the effect of temperature on cell respiration.
- Determine whether germinating peas and non-germinating peas respire.
- Compare the rates of cell respiration in germinating and non-germinating peas.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Gas Pressure Sensors
6A. pGLO™ Bacterial Transformation
In this experiment, you will
- Use a plasmid vector to transform bacteria with genes for Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and antibiotic resistance in a controlled experiment.
- Describe the biological process involved in transforming bacterial cells.
- Use the heat shock method of transforming E.coli.
- Calculate your transformation efficiency.
Requires: Blue Digital Bioimaging System
6B. Analysis of Precut Lambda DNA
Restriction enzymes have become an indispensable tool of molecular researchers over the past fifty years. This unique group of enzymes function as molecular scissors when applied to nucleic acids, in this case DNA. Forms of this special class of protein have been isolated from several species of bacteria and are employed to make predictable, precise cuts in experimental DNA samples. Currently, over two hundred different restriction enzymes are available to researchers, each keying on a unique nucleotide recognition sequence. The mode of action of a restriction enzyme is to attach and scan a strand of DNA looking for the presence of a specific nucleotide sequence. When found, the DNA is cleaved at two opposite positions of the recognition site on the sugar-phosphate backbone.
During this lab activity, prepared samples of bacteriophage lambda DNA (λ DNA) are used to perform agarose gel electrophoresis. The samples result from λ DNA being digested with different restriction enzymes. The individual digests of this bacteriophage, a 48,502 base pair linear DNA segment, use two common restriction enzymes; EcoRI and HindIII. One of samples is digested by EcoRI while another is cut by HindIII. There is a sample that is formed from a dual digest that has both enzymes acting simultaneously on λ DNA. As a control, an uncut form of λ DNA is also used.
The technique of agarose gel electrophoresis relies on an electric field being applied to a charged gel matrix containing polar molecules. The response of these molecules to the electric field induces them to migrate through the gel to the pole with an opposite charge. The rate of molecular movement in a gel is determined by the charge, shape, structure and weight of the molecule being studied. Negatively charged phosphate groups are present in DNA nucleotides causing the molecule to migrate toward the positive end of the gel chamber. DNA fragments maintain the same charge, shape, and structure, so base pair number differentiates the molecules migration through the gel.
During this exercise, gel electrophoresis will be performed using the E-Gel Pre-Cast Agarose Electrophoresis System with SYBR Safe stain. The Blue Digital Bioimaging System and Logger Pro software will also be used to capture and analyze a digital photograph of your electrophoresis results.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: White Digital Bioimaging System, Blue Digital Bioimaging System
6B. Forensic DNA Fingerprinting
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: White Digital Bioimaging System, Blue Digital Bioimaging System
7. Genetics of Drosophila
In this experiment, you will
- Learn basic handling and culture techniques for working with Drosophila.
- Apply concepts and principles of Mendelian inheritance patterns.
- Diagram monohybrid, dihybrid, and sex-linked crosses.
- Gain experience sorting, sexing, and crossing Drosophila through two generations.
- Perform a chi-square statistical analysis of experimental results.
No sensors required for this lab.
8. Population Genetics and Evolution
In this experiment, you will
- Investigate a genetically inherited trait and apply the Hardy-Weinberg Principle to a population.
- Calculate allele frequencies and genotypes for a population using the Hardy-Weinberg formula.
- Compare allele frequencies within the classroom to North American averages.
- Demonstrate the stability of allele frequencies over five generations in an ideal Hardy-Weinberg population.
- Examine the effects of natural selection, heterozygous advantage, and genetic drift on allele frequencies in a simulated mating exercise.
No sensors required for this lab.
9. Transpiration
In this experiment, you will
- Observe how transpiration relates to the overall process of water transport in plants.
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure the rate of transpiration.
- Determine the effect of light intensity, humidity, wind, and temperature on the rate of transpiration of a plant cutting.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Biology ProScope HR Kit
10A. Blood Pressure as a Vital Sign
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of blood pressure.
- Compare blood pressure before and after exposure to cold stimulus.
- Observe an example of sympathetic nervous system activation (“fight or flight” response).
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Blood Pressure Sensor
10B. Heart Rate and Physical Fitness
In this experiment, you will
- Determine the effect of body position on heart rates.
- Determine the effect of exercise on heart rates.
- Determine your fitness level.
- Correlate the fitness level of individuals with factors such as smoking, the amount of daily exercise, and other factors identified by students.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
11. Animal Behavior
In this experiment, you will
- Observe and note general behavior characteristics of pillbugs.
- Hypothesize as to whether pillbugs have adapted to perceive and react to certain environmental changes.
- Design an experiment to determine how pillbugs respond to environmental changes.
- Examine similarities and differences between male and female Drosophila.
- Observe courtship and mating rituals between male and female Drosophila as an example of a strict behavioral pattern.
- Hypothesize as to whether fruit flies respond to certain environmental changes.
No sensors required for this lab.
12A. Dissolved Oxygen in Water
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Dissolved Oxygen Probe to measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Study the effect of temperature on the amount of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Predict the effect of water temperature on aquatic life.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
12B. Primary Productivity
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Dissolved Oxygen Probe to measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Study the effect of temperature on the amount of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Predict the effect of water temperature on aquatic life.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe, Primary Productivity Kit
13. The Visible Spectra of Plant Pigments
In this experiment, you will
- Measure and analyze the visible light absorbance spectra of pigments from spinach and carrots.
- Study the effect of temperature on the amount of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Measure and analyze blue and yellow food coloring to compare with the plant pigments.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus
14. Determination of Chlorophyll in Olive Oil
In this experiment, you will
- Measure and analyze the visible light absorbance spectra of three standard olive oils: extra virgin, regular, and light.
- Measure the absorbance spectrum of an “unknown” olive oil sample.
- Identify the unknown olive oil as one of the three standard types.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus
15. Enzyme Analysis using Tyrosinase
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
16. Introduction to Neurotransmitters using AChE
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
17. Macromolecules: Experiments with Protein
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter

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1. The Determination of a Chemical Formula
In this activity, you will
- Use a Pressure Sensor to measure your grip strength.
- See which of your hands has the greater grip strength.
- Learn what happens to your grip strength as time goes by.
- Compare your grip strength with your classmates.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
No sensors required for this lab.
2. The Determination of the Percent Water in a Compound
In this experiment, you will
- Carefully heat a measured sample of a hygroscopic ionic compound.
- Determine the water of hydration of the compound.
- Complete the chemical formula of the compound.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
No sensors required for this lab.
3. The Molar Mass of a Volatile Liquid
In this experiment, you will
- Evaporate a sample of a liquid substance and measure certain physical properties of the substance as it condenses.
- Determine the molar mass of an unknown liquid.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
4. Using Freezing-Point Depression to Find Molecular Weight
In this experiment, you will
- Determine the freezing temperature of the pure solvent, lauric acid.
- Determine the freezing temperature of a mixture of lauric acid and benzoic acid.
- Calculate the freezing point depression of the mixture.
- Calculate the molecular weight of benzoic acid.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
5. The Molar Volume of a Gas
In this experiment, you will
- Measure the gas production of a chemical reaction by a pressure change.
- Determine the molar volume of the gas produced in the reaction.
- Calculate the molar volume of a gas at STP.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
6. Standardizing a Solution of Sodium Hydroxide
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide to a target molar concentration.
- Determine the concentration of your NaOH solution by titrating it with a solution of potassium hydrogen phthalate, abbreviated KHP, with an exact molar concentration.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor, Drop Counter
7. Acid-Base Titration
In this experiment, you will
- Accurately conduct acid-base titrations.
- Determine the equivalence point of a strong acid-strong base titration.
- Determine the equivalence point of a weak acid-strong base titration.
- Calculate the molar concentrations of two acid solutions.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor, Drop Counter
8. An Oxidation-Reduction Titration: The Reaction of Fe2+ and Ce4+
In this experiment, you will
- Conduct the potentiometric titration of the reaction between ferrous ammonium sulfate hexahydrate and ammonium cerium (IV) nitrate.
- Measure the potential change of the reaction.
- Determine the molar concentration of iron (II) ions in a sample of ferrous ammonium sulfate hexahydrate.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: ORP Sensor, Drop Counter
9. Determining the Mole Ratios in a Chemical Reaction
In this experiment, you will
- Measure the enthalpy change of a series of reactions.
- Determine the stoichiometry of an oxidation-reduction reaction in which the reactants are known but the products are unknown.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
10. The Determination of an Equilibrium Constant
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare and test standard solutions of FeSCN²⁺ in equilibrium.
- Test solutions of SCN⁻ of unknown molar concentration.
- Determine the molar concentrations of the ions present in an equilibrium system.
- Determine the value of the equilibrium constant, K_eq, for the reaction.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
11. Investigating Indicators
In this experiment, you will
- Conduct strong acid-strong base titrations using solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, and three different indicator solutions.
- Select the proper indicator to use with a titration involving a weak acid or a weak base, based on your observations and measurements.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor, Drop Counter
12. The Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide
In this experiment, you will
- Conduct the catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide under various conditions.
- Calculate the rate constant for the reaction.
- Determine the rate law expression for the reaction.
- Calculate the activation energy for the reaction.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
13. Determining the Enthalpy of a Chemical Reaction
In this experiment, you will
- Use Hess's law to determine the enthalpy change of the reaction between aqueous ammonia and aqueous hydrochloric acid.
- Compare your calculated enthalpy change with the experimental results.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
14A. Separation and Qualitative Analysis of Cations
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare and analyze a solution that contains ten selected cations.
- Analyze an unknown solution that contains a selection of cations.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
14B. Separation and Qualitative Analysis of Anions
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare and analyze a solution that contains six selected anions.
- Analyze an unknown solution that contains a selection of anions.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
15A. The Synthesis of Alum
In this experiment, you will
- Synthesize a sample of potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate (alum).
- Observe and record the process of synthesizing a compound.
- Calculate the percent yield of your synthesis.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
15B. The Analysis of Alum
In this experiment, you will
- Determine the melting temperature of a sample of alum.
- Determine the water of hydration of a sample of alum.
- Determine the percent sulfate of a sample of alum.
- Verify the chemical formula of a sample of alum.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
16. Conductimetric Titration and Gravimetric Determination of a Precipitate
In this experiment, you will
- Measure the conductivity of the reaction between sulfuric acid and barium hydroxide.
- Use conductivity values as a means of determining the equivalence point of the reaction.
- Measure the mass of a product of the reaction as a means of determining the equivalence point of the reaction gravimetrically.
- Calculate the molar concentration of a barium hydroxide solution.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe, Drop Counter
17. Determining the Concentration of a Solution: Beer's Law
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare and test the absorbance of five standard copper (II) sulfate solutions.
- Calculate a standard curve from the test results of the standard solutions.
- Test the absorbance of a copper (II) sulfate solution of unknown molar concentration.
- Calculate the molar concentration of the unknown CuSO4 solution.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
18. Liquid Chromatography
In this experiment, you will
- Conduct an isocratic, liquid-chromatographic separation.
- Conduct a step gradient, liquid-chromatographic separation.
- Complete the necessary measurements and calculations to evaluate the components of a mixture that have been separated by liquid chromatography.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
No sensors required for this lab.
19. Buffers
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare and test two acid buffer solutions.
- Determine the buffer capacity of the prepared buffers.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
20. Electrochemistry: Voltaic Cells
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare a Cu-Pb voltaic cell and measure its potential.
- Test two voltaic cells that use unknown metal electrodes and identify the metals.
- Prepare a copper concentration cell and measure its potential.
- Prepare a lead concentration cell and measure its potential.
- Use the Nernst equation to calculate the K_sp of PbI₂.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Voltage Probe
21. Electroplating
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare and operate an electrochemical cell to plate copper onto a brass surface.
- Measure the amount of copper that was deposited in the electroplating process.
- Calculate the amount of energy used to complete the electroplating process.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Current Probe
22. The Synthesis and Analysis of Aspirin
In this experiment, you will
- Synthesize a sample of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
- Calculate the percent yield of your synthesis.
- Measure the melting temperature of your aspirin sample.
- Conduct a colorimetric analysis of your aspirin sample.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Colorimeter, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, SpectroVis Plus
23. Determining the K_sp of Calcium Hydroxide
In this experiment, you will
- Titrate a saturated Ca(OH)₂ solution with a standard HCl solution.
- Determine the [OHM⁻] for the saturated Ca(OH)₂ solution.
- Calculate the K_sp of Ca(OH)₂.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
24. Determining K_a by the Half-Titration of a Weak Acid
In this experiment, you will
- Conduct a reaction between solutions of a weak acid and sodium hydroxide.
- Determine the half-titration point of an acid-base reaction.
- Calculate the pK_a and the K_a for the weak acid.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
25. The Rate and Order of a Chemical Reaction
In this experiment, you will
- Conduct the reaction of KI and FeCl₃ using various concentrations of reactants.
- Determine the order of the reaction in KI and FeCl₃.
- Determine the rate law expression for the reaction.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
26. The Enthalpy of Neutralization of Phosphoric Acid
In this experiment, you will
- Measure the temperature change of the reaction between solutions of sodium hydroxide and phosphoric acid.
- Calculate the enthalpy, ΔH, of neutralization of phosphoric acid.
- Compare your calculated enthalpy of neutralization with the accepted value.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
27. α, β, and γ
In this experiment, you will
- Develop a model for the relative absorption of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation by matter.
- Use a radiation counter to measure the absorption of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation by air, paper, and aluminum.
- Analyze the count rate data to test for consistency with your model.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Vernier Radiation Monitor
28. Radiation Shielding
In this experiment, you will
- Develop a model for the absorption of beta radiation by matter.
- Use a radiation counter to study how the radiation emitted by a beta source is absorbed by cardboard.
- Test the model against experimental data to determine its validity.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Vernier Radiation Monitor
29. The Base Hydrolysis of Ethyl Acetate
In this experiment, you will
- Conduct the base hydrolysis of ethyl acetate under various conditions.
- Calculate the rate law constant, k, for the reaction.
- Determine the rate law expression for the reaction.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
30. Exploring the Properties of Gases
In this experiment, you will
- Conduct a set of experiments, each of which illustrates a gas law.
- Gather data to identify the gas law described by each activity.
- Complete the calculations necessary to evaluate the gas law in each activity.
- From your results, derive a single mathematical relationship that relates pressure, volume, temperature, and number of molecules.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
31. Determining Avogadro's Number
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare an electrochemical cell to oxidize a copper electrode.
- Measure the amount of copper that was deposited in the electroplating process and determine the average current used.
- Calculate a value for Avogadro's number and compare it to the accepted value.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Current Probe
32. Potentiometric Titration of Hydrogen Peroxide
In this experiment, you will
- Examine and compare the phases of mitosis in animal and plants cells.
- Determine the relative time cells spend in each phase of mitosis.
- Prepare microscope slides of mitotic cells using onion Allium root tips.
- Follow the processes of mitosis and meiosis in the life cycle of Sordaria.
- Examine the arrangement of Sordaria ascospore microscopically to determine the frequency of crossing over.
- Calculate the distance, in map units, between a specific gene and the chromosome centromere.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: ORP Sensor, Drop Counter
33. Determining the Half-Life of an Isotope
In this experiment, you will
- Use an isogenerator to produce radioactive barium-137 for analysis.
- Use a radiation counter to measure the decay of a sample of barium-137.
- Calculate the decay constant and half-life of barium-137.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Vernier Radiation Monitor
34. Vapor Pressure and Heat of Vaporization
In this experiment, you will
- Measure the pressure inside a sealed vessel containing a volatile liquid over a range of temperatures.
- Determine the relationship between pressure and temperature of the volatile liquid.
- Calculate the heat of vaporization of the liquid.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
35. Rate Determination and Activation Energy
In this experiment, you will
- React solutions of crystal violet and sodium hydroxide at four different temperatures.
- Measure and record the effect of temperature on the reaction rate and rate constant.
- Calculate the activation energy, E_a, for the reaction.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Colorimeter, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, SpectroVis Plus

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1. Energy in Food
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature changes.
- Monitor the energy given off by food as it burns.
- Determine and compare the energy content of different foods.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
2. Limitations on Cell Size: Surface Area to Volume
In this experiment, you will
- Use agar cubes cut into various size blocks to simulate cells.
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the quantity of ions in a solution.
- Determine the relationship between the surface area and volume of a cell.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
3. Acids and Bases
In this experiment, you will
- Add an acid to a material and note the extent that it resists changes in pH.
- Add a base to a material and note the extent that it resists changes in pH.
- Work with classmates to compare the ability of different materials to resist pH changes.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
4. Diffusion through Membranes
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the ionic concentration of various solutions.
- Study the effect of concentration gradients on the rate of diffusion.
- Determine if the diffusion rate for a molecule is affected by the presence of a second molecule.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
5. Conducting Solutions
In this experiment, you will
- Write equations for the dissolving of substances in water.
- Use a Conductivity Probe to test the electrical conductivity of solutions.
- Determine whether molecules or ions are responsible for electrical conductivity of solutions.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
6A. Enzyme Action: Testing Catalase Activity
In this experiment, you will
- Use an Oxygen Gas Sensor to measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various enzyme concentrations.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for this enzyme when different concentrations of enzyme react with H₂O₂.
- Measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various temperatures.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each temperature.
- Measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various pH values.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each pH value.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: O₂ Gas Sensor
6B. Enzyme Action: Testing Catalase Activity
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various enzyme concentrations.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for this enzyme when different concentrations of enzyme react with H₂O₂.
- Measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various temperatures.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each temperature.
- Measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various pH values.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each pH value.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
7. Photosynthesis
In this experiment, you will
- Separate plant pigments.
- Calculate the R_f values of the pigments.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
8. The Effect of Alcohol on Biological Membranes
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Colorimeter to measure the color intensity of beet pigment in alcohol solutions.
- Test the effect of three different alcohols on membranes.
- Test the effect of different alcohol concentrations on membranes.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
9. Biological Membranes
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Colorimeter to measure color changes due to disrupted cell membranes.
- Determine the effect of osmotic balance on biological membranes.
- Determine the effect of detergents on biological membranes.
- Determine the effect of pH on biological membranes.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
10. Transpiration
In this experiment, you will
- Observe how transpiration relates to the overall process of water transport in plants.
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure the rate of transpiration.
- Determine the effect of light intensity, humidity, wind, and temperature on the rate of transpiration of a plant cutting.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Biology ProScope HR Kit
11A. Cell Respiration (O₂)
In this experiment, you will
- Measure gas production.
- Study the effect of temperature on cell respiration.
- Determine whether germinating peas and non-germinating peas respire.
- Compare the rates of cell respiration in germinating and non-germinating peas.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: O₂ Gas Sensor
11B. Cell Respiration (CO₂)
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Colorimeter to measure color changes due to photosynthesis.
- Study the effect of light on photosynthesis.
- Study the effect that the boiling of plant cells has on photosynthesis.
- Compare the rates of photosynthesis for plants in different light conditions.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor
11C. Cell Respiration (Pressure)
In this experiment, you will
- Measure gas production.
- Study the effect of temperature on cell respiration.
- Determine whether germinating peas and non-germinating peas respire.
- Compare the rates of cell respiration in germinating and non-germinating peas.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Gas Pressure Sensors
11D. Cell Respiration (CO₂ and O₂)
In this experiment, you will
- Measure gas production.
- Study the effect of temperature on cell respiration.
- Determine whether germinating peas and non-germinating peas respire.
- Compare the rates of cell respiration in germinating and non-germinating peas.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor, O₂ Gas Sensor
12A. Respiration of Sugars by Yeast
In this experiment, you will
- Use a CO₂ Gas Sensor to measure concentrations of carbon dioxide.
- Determine the rate of respiration by yeast while using different sugars.
- Determine which sugars can be used as a food source by yeast.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor
12B. Sugar Fermentation
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure the pressure change caused by carbon dioxide released during fermentation.
- Determine the rate of fermentation.
- Determine which sugars yeast can metabolize.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
13. Population Dynamics
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Colorimeter to monitor a closed population of yeast.
- Use a microscope to monitor a closed population of yeast.
- Compare the population estimates obtained using the two different techniques.
- Practice making dilutions for population counts.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
14. Interdependence of Plants and Animals
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Dissolved Oxygen Probe to measure the dissolved oxygen in water.
- Use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of water.
- Use pH measurements to make inferences about the amount of CO₂ dissolved in water.
- Determine whether snails consume or produce oxygen and CO₂ in water.
- Determine whether plants consume or produce oxygen and CO₂ in the light.
- Determine whether plants consume or produce oxygen and CO₂ in the dark.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe, pH Sensor
15. Biodiversity and Ecosystems
In this experiment, you will
- Examine how biodiversity affects an environment's temperature.
- Determine how animal diversity changes in different environments.
- Work with your classmates to compare biodiversity in areas with different plant patch sizes.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
16A. Effect of Temperature on Respiration
In this experiment, you will
- Use a CO₂ Gas Sensor to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide produced during respiration.
- Determine the rate of respiration of yeast at different temperatures.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor
16B. Effect of Temperature on Fermentation
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure the change in pressure due to carbon dioxide released during respiration.
- Determine the rate of fermentation of yeast at different temperatures.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
17. Aerobic Respiration
In this experiment, you will
- Measure changes in dissolved oxygen concentration.
- Study the effect of temperature on cellular respiration.
- Make a plot of the rate of cellular respiration as a function of temperature.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
18. Acid Rain
In this experiment, you will
- Measure pH.
- Study the effect of dissolved CO₂ on the pH of distilled water.
- Study the effect on pH of dissolving H₂SO₄ in various waters.
- Learn why some bodies of water are more vulnerable to acid rain than others.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
19. Dissolved Oxygen in Water
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Dissolved Oxygen Probe to measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Study the effect of temperature on the amount of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Predict the effect of water temperature on aquatic life.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
20. Watershed Testing
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Conductivity, and pH Probe to make on-site measurements.
- Calculate the water quality based on your findings.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe, Dissolved Oxygen Probe, pH Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
21. Physical Profile of a Lake
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Water Depth Sampler to collect water samples at different depths in the lake.
- Measure DO, pH, and TDS of the collected water samples.
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure water temperature at various depths.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe, Dissolved Oxygen Probe, pH Sensor, Extra Long Temperature Probe
22. Osmosis
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to investigate the relationship between water movement and solute concentration.
- Determine the water potential of potato cells.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
23A. Effect of Temperature on Cold-Blooded Organisms
In this experiment, you will
- Use an O₂ Gas Sensor to measure concentrations of oxygen gas.
- Determine the rate of respiration by crickets at different temperatures.
- Determine the effect of temperature on metabolism of crickets.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: O₂ Gas Sensor
23B. Effect of Temperature on Cold-Blooded Organisms
In this experiment, you will
- Use a CO₂ Gas Sensor to measure concentrations of carbon dioxide.
- Determine the rate of respiration by crickets at different temperatures.
- Determine the effect of temperature on metabolism of crickets.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor
24A. Lactase Action
In this experiment, you will
- Use a CO₂ Gas Sensor to measure concentrations of carbon dioxide.
- Determine the rate of respiration by crickets at different temperatures.
- Determine the effect of temperature on metabolism of crickets.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor
24B. Lactase Action
In this experiment, you will
- Test the action of lactase.
- Use glucose test paper to monitor the presence of glucose.
- Determine if yeast can metabolize glucose, lactose, or galactose.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
25. Primary Productivity
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Dissolved Oxygen Probe to measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Study the effect of temperature on the amount of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Predict the effect of water temperature on aquatic life.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe, Primary Productivity Kit
26. Control of Human Respiration
In this experiment, you will
- Monitor the respiratory rate of an individual.
- Evaluate the effect of holding of breath on the respiratory cycle.
- Evaluate the effect of rebreathing of air on the respiratory cycle.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Respiration Monitor Belt
27. Heart Rate and Physical Fitness
In this experiment, you will
- Determine the effect of body position on heart rates.
- Determine the effect of exercise on heart rates.
- Determine your fitness level.
- Correlate the fitness level of individuals with factors such as smoking, the amount of daily exercise, and other factors identified by students.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
28. Monitoring EKG
In this experiment, you will
- Use the EKG Sensor to graph your heart's electrical activity.
- Determine the time interval between EKG events.
- Calculate heart rate based on your EKG recording.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: EKG Sensor
29. Ventilation and Heart Rate
In this experiment, you will
- Monitor the heart rate of the test subject using the Exercise Heart Rate Monitor.
- Evaluate the effects of hyperventilation and hypoventilation on heart rate.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
30. Oxygen Gas and Human Respiration
In this experiment, you will
- Use an O₂ Gas Sensor to determine residual oxygen levels in exhaled air.
- Evaluate how internal O₂ and CO₂ concentrations influence breathing patterns.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: O₂ Gas Sensor
31A. Photosynthesis and Respiration (O₂)
In this experiment, you will
- Use an O₂ Gas Sensor to measure the amount of oxygen gas consumed or produced by a plant during respiration and photosynthesis.
- Determine the rate of respiration and photosynthesis of a plant.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: O₂ Gas Sensor
31B. Photosynthesis and Respiration (CO₂)
In this experiment, you will
- Use a CO₂ Gas Sensor to measure the amount of carbon dioxide consumed or produced by a plant during respiration and photosynthesis.
- Determine the rate of respiration and photosynthesis of a plant.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor
31C. Photosynthesis and Respiration (CO₂ and O₂)
In this experiment, you will
- Use an O₂ Gas Sensor to measure the amount of oxygen gas consumed or produced by a plant during respiration and photosynthesis.
- Use a CO₂ Gas Sensor to measure the amount of carbon dioxide consumed or produced by a plant during respiration and photosynthesis.
- Determine the rate of respiration and photosynthesis of a plant.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor, O₂ Gas Sensor

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1. Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions
In this experiment, you will
- Study one exothermic and one endothermic reaction.
- Become familiar with using Logger Pro.
- Collect and display data on a graph.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
2. Freezing and Melting of Water
In this experiment, you will
- Collect temperature data during the freezing and melting of water.
- Analyze graphs to determine the freezing and melting temperatures of water.
- Determine the relationship between the freezing and melting temperatures of water.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
3. Another Look at Freezing Temperature
In this experiment, you will
- Observe what happens when phenyl salicylate freezes.
- See the effect on the freezing temperature when a small amount of benzoic acid is dissolved in the phenyl salicylate.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
4. Heat of Fusion of Ice
In this experiment, you will
- Determine the energy (in Joules) required to melt one gram of ice.
- Determine the molar heat of fusion for ice (in kJ/mol).
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
5. Find the Relationship: An Exercise in Graphing Analysis
In this experiment, you will determine several mathematical relationships using graphical methods.

Recommended for Grades 9-12.
No sensors required for this lab.
6. Boyle's Law: Pressure-Volume Relationship in Gases
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor and a gas syringe to measure the pressure of an air sample at several different volumes.
- Determine the relationship between pressure and volume of the gas.
- Describe the relationship between gas pressure and volume in a mathematical equation.
- Use the results to predict the pressure at other volumes.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
7. Pressure-Temperature Relationship in Gases
In this experiment, you will
- Study the relationship between the temperature of a gas sample and the pressure it exerts.
- Determine from the data and graph, the mathematical relationship between the pressure and absolute temperature of a confined gas.
- Find a value for absolute zero on the Celsius temperature scale.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
8. Fractional Distillation
In this experiment, you will
- Observe what happens when a liquid-liquid mixture is heated and allowed to boil over a period of time.
- Determine percent composition of ethanol and water in the fraction from its density.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
9. Evaporation and Intermolecular Attractions
In this experiment, you will
- Study temperature changes caused by the evaporation of several liquids.
- Relate the temperature changes to the strength of intermolecular forces of attraction.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
10. Vapor Pressure of Liquids
In this experiment, you will
- Investigate the relationship between the vapor pressure of a liquid and its temperature.
- Compare the vapor pressure of two different liquids at the same temperature.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
11. Determining the Concentration of a Solution: Beer's Law
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare NiSO₄ standard solutions.
- Use a Colorimeter to measure the absorbance value of each standard solution.
- Find the relationship between absorbance and concentration of a solution.
- Use the results of this experiment to determine the unknown concentration of another NiSO₄ solution.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
12. Effect of Temperature on Solubility of a Salt
In this experiment, you will
- Study the effect of changing temperature on the amount of solute that will dissolve in a given amount of water.
- Plot a solubility curve.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
13. Properties of Solutions: Electrolytes and Non-Electrolytes
In this experiment, you will
- Write equations for the dissociation of compounds in water.
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the conductivity of solutions.
- Determine which molecules or ions are responsible for conductivity of solutions.
- Investigate the conductivity of solutions resulting from compounds that dissociate to produce different numbers of ions.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
14. Conductivity of Solutions: The Effect of Concentration
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the conductivity of solutions.
- Investigate the relationship between the conductivity and concentration of a solution.
- Investigate the conductivity of solutions resulting from compounds that dissociate to produce different number of ions.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
15. Using Freezing Point Depression to Find Molecular Weight
In this experiment, you will
- Determine the freezing temperature of pure lauric acid.
- Determine the freezing temperature of a solution of benzoic acid and lauric acid.
- Examine the freezing curves for each.
- Calculate the experimental molecular weight of benzoic acid.
- Compare it to the accepted molecular weight for benzoic acid.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
16. Energy Content of Foods
In this experiment, you will
- Determine the energy released from various foods as they burn.
- Look for patterns in the amounts of energy released during burning of different foods.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
17. Energy Content of Fuels
In this experiment, you will
- Compare the heat of combustion for paraffin wax and ethanol.
- Calculate the heat of combustion and percent efficiency for both fuels.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
18. Additivity of Heats of Reaction: Hess's Law
In this experiment, you will
- Combine equations for two reactions to obtain the equation for a third reaction.
- Use a calorimeter to measure the temperature change in each of three reactions.
- Calculate the heat of reaction, ΔH, for the three reactions.
- Use the results to confirm Hess's law.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
19. Heat of Combustion: Magnesium
In this experiment, you will
- Combine three chemical equations to obtain a fourth.
- Use prior knowledge about the additivity of reaction heats.
- Determine the heat of combustion of magnesium ribbon.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
20. Chemical Equilibrium: Finding a Constant, Kc
In this experiment, you will determine the equilibrium constant, Kc, for the following chemical reaction:

Fe³⁺(aq) + SCN⁻(aq) ↔ FeSCN²⁺(aq) iron(III) thiocyanate thiocyanoiron(III)
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
21. Household Acids and Bases
In this experiment, you will
- Use litmus paper and a pH Sensor to determine the pH values of household substances.
- Add cabbage juice to the same substances and determine different red cabbage juice indicator colors over the entire pH range.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
22. Acid Rain
In this experiment, you will
- Generate three gaseous oxides, CO₂, SO₂, and NO₂.
- Simulate the formation of acid rain by bubbling each of the three gases into water and producing three acidic solutions.
- Measure the pH of the three resulting acidic solutions to compare their relative strengths.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
23. Titration Curves of Strong and Weak Acids and Bases
In this experiment, you will
- Observe differences in shapes of titration curves when various strengths of acids and bases are combined.
- Learn about the function and selection of appropriate acid-base indicators.
- Learn how to interpret the shape of a titration curve.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
24. Acid-Base Titration
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various enzyme concentrations.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for this enzyme when different concentrations of enzyme react with H₂O₂.
- Measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various temperatures.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each temperature.
- Measure the production of oxygen gas as hydrogen peroxide is destroyed by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various pH values.
- Measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each pH value.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor, Drop Counter
25. Titration of a Diprotic Acid: Identifying an Unknown
In this experiment, you will identify an unknown diprotic acid by finding its molecular weight.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor, Drop Counter
26. Using Conductivity to Find an Equivalence Point
In this experiment, you will
- Hypothesize about the conductivity of a solution of sulfuric acid and barium hydroxide at various stages during the reaction.
- Use a Conductivity Probe to monitor conductivity during the reaction.
- See the effect of ions, precipitates, and water on conductivity.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe, Drop Counter
27. Acid Dissociation Constant, Ka
In this experiment, you will
- Gain experience mixing solutions of specified concentration.
- Experimentally determine the dissociation constant, K_a, of an acid.
- Investigate the effect of initial solution concentration on the equilibrium constant.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
28. Establishing a Table of Reduction Potentials: Micro-Voltaic Cells
In this experiment, you will establish the reduction potentials of five unknown metals relative to arbitrarily chosen metal.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Voltage Probe
29. Lead Storage Batteries
In this experiment, you will
- Construct a lead storage cell.
- Use a Voltage Probe to measure a cell's voltage.
- Use the cell to power an electric motor.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Voltage Probe
30. Rate Law Determination of the Crystal Violet Reaction
In this experiment, you will
- Observe the reaction between crystal violet and sodium hydroxide.
- Use a Colorimeter to monitor the absorbance of the crystal violet solution with time.
- Graph Absorbance vs. time, ln Absorbance vs. time, and 1/Absorbance vs. time.
- Determine the order of the reaction.
- Determine the rate constant, k, and the half-life for this reaction.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
31. Time-Release Vitamin C Tablets
In this experiment, you will
- Compare the behavior of timed-release vitamin C tablets with regular vitamin C tablets when each is added to distilled water.
- Use a pH Sensor to monitor the pH value of the two different types of vitamin C tablets over an elapsed time of approximately twelve minutes.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
32. The Buffer in Lemonade
In this experiment, you will
- Use a pH Sensor to monitor pH as you titrate a given volume of the commercial brand of lemonade drink.
- Use a pH Sensor to monitor pH as you titrate an unbuffered solution of 0.010 M citric acid.
- Compare the results of the unbuffered solution with the lemonade buffer system.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
33. Determining the Free Chlorine Content of Swimming Pool Water
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare free chlorine standard solutions.
- Use a Colorimeter to measure the absorbance of each standard solution.
- Plot a graph of absorbance of free chlorine vs. concentration.
- Use a Colorimeter and your Beer's law plot to determine the amount of free chlorine in a sample of swimming pool or hot tub water.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
34. Determining the Quantity of Iron in a Vitamin Tablet
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare Fe²⁺ standard solutions.
- Use a Colorimeter to measure the absorbance of each standard solution.
- Plot a graph of absorbance of Fe²⁺ vs. concentration.
- Use a Colorimeter and your Beer's law plot to determine the quantity of iron in a vitamin tablet.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: SpectroVis Plus, Colorimeter
35. Determining the Phosphoric Acid Content in Soft Drinks
In this experiment, you will
- Use a pH Sensor to monitor pH during the titration of phosphoric acid in a cola soft drink.
- Using the titration equivalence point, determine the molarity of H₃PO₄.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
36. Microscale Acid-Base Titration
In this experiment, you will
- Perform a microscale acid-base titration.
- Monitor pH.
- Determine the approximate concentration of the acid used in the titration.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor

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1. Introduction to Data Collection
In this experiment, you will
- Become familiar with the Logger Pro computer program.
- Use a Temperature Probe to make measurements.
- Analyze a graph of the data.
- Use this graph to make conclusions about the experiment.
- Determine the response time of a Temperature Probe.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
2. Exploring Magnetism
In this experiment, you will
- Investigate the response of a Magnetic Field Sensor in the presence of a magnet under various conditions.
- Investigate the relationship between the orientation of the sensor and the strength of the magnetic field.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
3. Where IS North?
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Magnetic Field Sensor to measure the magnetic field of the Earth.
- Calculate magnetic declination for your location.
- Measure the magnetic inclination of your location.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
4. Searching for Iron Ore
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Magnetic Field Sensor to map the magnetic field of a sample iron ore formation.
- Use a Magnetic Field Sensor locate a buried iron ore formation.
- Explain your results.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
5. Sea Floor Spreading
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Magnetic Field Sensor to measure magnetic field.
- Map sea floor spreading.
- Interpret your results.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
6. Soil pH
In this experiment, you will
- Use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of soil samples.
- Identify any nutritional problems plants would have in that soil.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
7. Soil Salinity
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the salinity of soil samples.
- Predict plant response to the salinity of the soil.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
8. Soil and Acid Rain
In this experiment, you will
- Use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of acid rain.
- Use a pH Sensor to measure the change in pH as acid rain passes through soil.
- Interpret your results.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
9. Soil Temperature
In this experiment, you will
- Simulate temperature changes over a two-day period.
- Use Temperature Probes to measure the temperature of soils at different depths.
- Explain your results.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 3 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
10. Temperature
In this project, you will use a weather station to monitor weather data over an extended period of time.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
11. pH
In this experiment, you will use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of a body of water.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
12. Turbidity
In this experiment, you will use a Turbidity Sensor to measure the turbidity of a water sample. Turbidity is a measure of water's lack of clarity.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Turbidity Sensor
13. Total Dissolved Solids
In this experiment, you will use a Conductivity Probe to measure the total dissolved solids in a water sample.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
14. Water Treatment
In this experiment, you will
- Use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of the pre-treatment and post-treatment samples.
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) of the pre-treatment and post-treatment samples.
- Use a Turbidity Sensor to measure the turbidity of the pre-treatment and post-treatment samples.
- Use the test results to see how much the treatment improved the quality of the drinking water sample.
- Compare the drinking water sample to EPA standards shown in the introduction.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe, pH Sensor, Turbidity Sensor
15. Salinity of Ocean Water
In this experiment, you will
- Measure salinity of water sample using Conductivity Probe.
- Determine the effect of evaporation on the salinity of ocean water.
- Determine the salinity change when a river flows into an ocean.
- Calculate salinity changes.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
16. Acid Rain and Its Effect on Surface Water
In this experiment, you will
- Use a pH Sensor to measure pH.
- Use a pH Sensor to study the effect of dissolved CO₂ on the pH of distilled water.
- Study the effect on pH of dissolving H₂SO₄ in various waters.
- Learn why some bodies of water are more vulnerable to acid rain than others.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
17. Freezing of Ocean Water
In this experiment, you will
- Observe the freezing of fresh water and ocean water.
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure temperature.
- Determine the freezing temperature of fresh and ocean water.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
18. Desalination
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the salinity of water before and after desalination.
- Distill saltwater.
- Calculate the percent of salts removed from the sample.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
19. Mapping the Ocean Floor
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to measure distances.
- Map simulated ocean floors.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
20. Are All Sunglasses Created Equal?
In this experiment, you will
- Use a UVB Sensor to measure UVB light.
- Determine the percent UVB light that is blocked by various kinds of sunglasses and regular eyeglasses.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: UVB Sensor
21. Comparing Sunscreens
In this experiment, you will
- Use a UVB Sensor to measure UVB light.
- Determine the amount of UVB light allowed through five different sunscreens.
- Analyze the trend of UVB light vs. SPF values.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: UVB Sensor
22. UV Light and Clothing
In this experiment, you will
- Use a UVB Sensor to measure UVB light.
- Determine the amount of UVB light allowed through various fabrics.
- Determine whether the UVB-blocking abilities of fabrics change when wet.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: UVB Sensor
23. Reflection and Absorption of Light
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Light Sensor to measure the amount of reflected light.
- Calculate percent reflectivity of various colored paper.
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure the energy absorbed from light.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Light Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
24. The Greenhouse Effect
In this experiment, you will
- Use Temperature Probes to measure temperatures in a model greenhouse and a control.
- Use the results to make conclusions about the greenhouse effect.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
25. Land and Sea Breezes
In this experiment, you will
- Use Temperature Probes to measure the temperature of land and water.
- Calculate temperature changes.
- Apply your results to local weather patterns.
- Predict the occurrence of land and sea breezes.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
26. Relative Humidity
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Determine relative humidity.
- Explain your results.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
27. Dew Point
In this experiment, you will
- Compare room temperature to the temperature of air next to a can of ice water.
- Record the temperature of water while ice is slowly added.
- Observe the formation of condensation.
- Determine the dew point temperature.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
28. Wind Chill
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure the effect of wind on the temperature of a warm body.
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure the effect of wind on the temperature of the air.
- Interpret your results.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
29. Seasons and Angle of Insolation
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Temperature Probe to monitor simulated warming of your city by the sun in the winter.
- Use a Temperature Probe monitor simulated warming of your city by the sun in the summer.
- Measure the angle of insolation.
- Determine the relationship between temperature change and angle of insolation.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
30. Fossil Fuels
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure the temperature of water.
- Use a balance.
- Determine the energy content of fuels.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
31. Solar Homes
In this experiment, you will
- Use Temperature Probes to measure temperature.
- Find the relationship between thermal mass and the ability of a solar home to retain heat.
- Design, build, and test a model solar home.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
32. Photovoltaic Cells
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Current Probe to measure current output.
- Use a Voltage Probe to measure voltage output.
- Use a Light Sensor to measure light intensity.
- Calculate power output.
- Calculate efficiency.
- Investigate the relationship between wavelength of light and power output.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Current Probe, Voltage Probe
33. Wind Power
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Current Probe to measure current output.
- Use a Voltage Probe to measure voltage output.
- Calculate power output.
- Determine the relationship between power output and wind speed.
- Determine the relationship between power output and rotor shape.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Current Probe, Voltage Probe
P1. Air Temperature
In this experiment, you will
- Use Temperature Probes to collect and analyze air temperature measurements for 23 hours.
- Collect and analyze air temperature measurements at different heights above the ground.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
P2. Air Temperature and Relative Humidity
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Temperature Probe and Relative Humidity Sensor to collect and analyze outdoor air temperature and relative humidity for 23 hours.
- Determine if there is relationship between relative humidity and air temperature.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Relative Humidity Sensor
P3. Ground Temperature
In this experiment, you will
- Use Temperature Probes to collect and analyze ground temperature measurements for 23 hours.
- Collect temperature measurements at different depths in the ground, 1 cm below the surface and 10 cm below the surface.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
P4. Barometric Pressure
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Barometer to collect and analyze barometric pressure for 2 days.
- Make observations of current weather conditions.
- Compare your data to weather conditions.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Barometer
P5. Measuring Particulates
In this experiment, you will
- Collect particulate matter from the air.
- Use a Light Sensor to determine the amount of light blocked by the particulate matter.
- Calculate the percent light transmittance for various locations.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Light Sensor
P6. Weather Stations
In this project, you will use a weather station to monitor weather data over an extended period of time.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Davis Vantage Pro2 Wireless Weather Station

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1. Learning to Use Go!Temp
In this activity, you will
- Measure the temperature of your hand.
- Explore graphs produced by moving a Go!Temp between baths of different temperatures of water.
- Learn to write detailed "steps" for creating an M or W on the graph.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
2. How Do Mittens Keep You Warm?
In this activity, you will
- Find the temperature of the classroom and the temperature of your hand.
- Try to predict temperature changes that happen when the Go!Temp is placed in various locations.
- Test how warm mittens help your hands stay warm.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
3. Baggie Mittens
In this activity, you will
- Compare mittens made of plastic baggies containing different types of insulation.
- Determine how long would it take for a person's hand to get cold wearing different kinds of mittens.
- Use graphs to get information about the different materials' performance.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
4. The Sole Purpose
In this activity, you will
- Predict which shoe sole will get the hottest and which will stay the coolest.
- Compare the temperatures of different line graphs and analyze your data.
- Discuss the purpose of each type of shoe, and why the sole is made from that material.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
5. Cool Reaction!
In this activity, you will
- Produce a reaction between baking soda and vinegar.
- Measure the changing temperature of a reaction.
- Make observations.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
6. Cold as Ice
In this activity, you will
- See how salt affects the temperature of freezing water.
- See how low you can decrease the temperature of liquid water.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
7. Are We Cool or What?
In this experiment, you will
- Learn to use the Go!Temp temperature probe and Logger Lite software.
- Measure the changing temperature of your hand under different conditions.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
8. Why Do We Need Thermometers?
In this activity, you will
- Determine if touch is adequate to determine temperature.
- Explain the need for a thermometer.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
9. Celsius or Fahrenheit. What's the Difference?
In this activity, you will
- Take the temperature of a variety of items using two different temperature scales.
- Compare the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
10. Getting it Just Right!
In this activity, you will
- Record what happens to temperature as different amounts of warm water and cold water are mixed together.
- Try to predict the temperature of a mixture of certain amounts of warm water and cold water.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
11. Go!Temp Spends the Night
In this activity, you will
- Set up Logger Lite to collect data overnight.
- Make estimates based on the data you collected.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
12. Hold Everything! Comparing Insulators
In this activity, you will
- Compare temperature readings from two different cups when hot or cold water is added to them.
- Determine which material is a better conductor, and which is a better insulator.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
13. Keepin' it Cool! Design Your Own Thermos
In this activity, you will
- Use what you learned about heat to design a thermos that will keep cold water cold for as long as possible.
- Measure the changing temperature of the water in the thermos.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
14. I'm Melting! Water Changes States
In this activity, you will
- Observe the melting of ice cubes over a period of time.
- Learn about the properties of solid water and liquid water.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
15. Solid, Liquid, Gas: Water Can Do it All!
In this experiment, you will
- Determine the temperature at which ice melts.
- Determine the temperature at which water boils.
- Make observations about water as it goes from a solid to a liquid, and then to a gas.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Temp
16. Learning to Use the Pressure Sensor
In this activity, you will
- Learn to use the Gas Pressure Sensor.
- Measure the changing pressure as you move the plunger on a syringe.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
17. Get a Grip!
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure your gripping power.
- See which of your hands has the greater gripping power.
- Learn what happens to your gripping power as time goes by.
- Compare your gripping power with your classmates.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
18. Under Pressure
In this activity, you will
- Record what happens to the air pressure when you combine vinegar and baking soda in a plastic water bottle.
- Find out what happens when you mix different amounts of vinegar and baking soda together.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
19. Bubbles in Your Bread
In this activity, you will
- Use a Pressure Sensor to measure the pressure caused by the production of CO₂.
- Make observations about how temperature affects rising dough.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
20. Learning to Use Go! Motion
In this activity, you will
- Learn to use Go! Motion.
- Measure the distance between a book and the Go! Motion.
- Match a shape by moving a book up and down above a Go! Motion.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Motion
21. e-Motion
In this activity, you will
- Explore the different lines and curves produced by moving in front of the Go! Motion.
- Learn to write detailed steps for creating an M or W shape on the graph.
- Match different letter and designs drawn on the graph.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Motion
22. Batty About Science
In this activity, you will
- You will lean how bats sense their prey by pretending that the Go! Motion is a bat and that you are its prey.
- Discover how this movement is graphically represented.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Motion
23. Spring into Action!
In this activity, you will
- Graph vertical simple harmonic motion.
- Find how long it takes to make one complete cycle, or period.
- Find out how the period is affected by pulling the spring further down.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Motion
24. Air Ball!
In this activity, you will
- Record what happens to the bounce height of a basketball as you vary the pressure of the air inside it.
- Graph your data.
- Draw conclusions based on your data.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Motion, Gas Pressure Sensor
25. Driving with Energy
In this activity, you will
- Vary the amount of potential energy in a toy car.
- Use Go! Motion to measure the movement of a toy car.
- Define kinetic and potential energy.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Motion
26. Weigh Station - All Trucks Stop!
In this activity, you will
- Use Go! Motion to measure the time it takes a truck to go down a ramp.
- Predict what will happen as you add weight to the truck.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Go!Motion
27. Learning to Use the Force Sensor
In this activity, you will
- Learn to use the Force Sensor.
- Measure the changing forces as you pull and push on the Force Sensor.
- Match shapes using what you have learned about the Force Sensor.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
28. Lift the Load
In this activity, you will
- Make a lever.
- Measure the amount of force needed to lift up a book when applying a force at different positions on the lever.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
29. What a Drag!
In this activity, you will
- Make observations and predictions about shoes.
- Measure the force needed to pull different shoes across a surface.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
30. Oh! My Aching Back! How Ramps Make Lifting Easier
In this activity, you will
- Lift your backpack to a chair in two different ways.
- Measure the force needed for each way of lifting.
- Make observations.
- Think of ways ramps are used to help people move things more easily.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
31. Learning to Use the Light Probe
In this activity, you will
- Learn to use the Light Probe.
- Measure different light levels in your room.
- Make letters on the screen.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: TI Light Probe
32. Distance From the Sun
In this activity, you will
- Make a simulation of the planets of our solar system to scale.
- Measure the amount of light from a light source at different distances.
- Draw conclusions about conditions on other planets.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: TI Light Probe
33. Summer and Winter
In this activity, you will
- Observe the differences in the light level during summer and winter.
- Draw conclusions about what effect light has on weather and temperature.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: TI Light Probe
34. Sunshine on My Shoulders
In this activity, you will
- Measure the light intensity as it passes through layers of different kinds of fabrics.
- Predict which fabric will block the most light.
- Draw conclusions about which fabric would be best for a shirt.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: TI Light Probe
35. Reflectivity of Light
In this activity, you will
- Use a Light Probe to measure reflected light.
- Make conclusions based on your data.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: TI Light Probe
36. Learning to Use the Magnetic Field Sensor
In this activity, you will
- Learn how to use a Magnetic Field Sensor.
- Measure the magnetic field of a bar magnet.
- Identify the north and south poles of a bar magnet.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
37. Exploring the Poles
In this activity, you will
- Make observations about the poles of differently shaped magnets.
- Diagram the position of the poles of differently shaped magnets.
- Draw conclusions about the poles of magnets
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
38. Making Magnets
In this activity, you will
- Make observations about the magnetic fields of objects.
- Use a permanent magnet to make a temporary magnet.
- Use a Magnetic Field Sensor to measure the magnetic field of magnets.
- Look for relationships between the permanent magnet and temporary magnet.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
39. Electromagnets
In this activity, you will
- Make an electromagnet using a steel nail, wire and a D battery.
- Measure the strength of the magnet as you wrap more wire around the nail.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
40. Learning to Use the Voltage Probe
In this activity, you will
- Learn to use the Voltage Probe.
- Measure the voltage of a battery.
- Match patterns on the screen.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Differential Voltage Probe
41. Are All Batteries the Same?
In this activity, you will
- Make observations about the size of different batteries.
- Use a probe to measure the voltage of various batteries.
- Make simple circuits with batteries and bulbs.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Differential Voltage Probe, TI Light Probe
42. Stacked Batteries
In this activity, you will
- Measure the voltages of batteries as they are stacked together.
- Compare the voltages of different types of stacked batteries.
- Draw conclusions about batteries in electronic devices.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Differential Voltage Probe
43. All Worn Out!
In this activity, you will
- Measure the voltage of batteries as they discharge.
- Predict how different size batteries will behave when being discharged.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Differential Voltage Probe
P1. Weather Stations
In this project, you will use a weather station to monitor weather data over an extended period of time.
Recommended for Grades K-5.
Requires: Davis Vantage Pro2 Wireless Weather Station

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1. Physical Properties of Water
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe and data-collection software—experience that will be helpful later as you investigate a physical property of water. You will measure temperature continuously before, during, and after warming a Temperature Probe in your hand. You will then gain experience selecting data ranges, determining statistics, and determining linear fits of selected data using data-collection software.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Investigations
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe as you determine the temperature change when 2.00 g of baking soda is added to and reacts with 50.0 mL of vinegar.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
3. An Investigation of Urea-Containing Cold Packs
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe as you determine the temperature change as a sample of urea dissolves in water.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
4. Conductivity of Aqueous Solutions
In this experiment, you will investigate some properties of strong electrolytes, weak electrolytes, and nonelectrolytes by observing the behavior of these substances in aqueous solution. You will investigate these properties using a Conductivity Probe.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
5. Identifying a Pure Substance
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe and data-collection software as you determine the boiling temperature of 2-propanol.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
6. Investigating the Energy Content of Foods
In the Preliminary Activity, you will determine the energy content of a peanut. You will first use the energy from a burning peanut to heat a known quantity of water. By monitoring the temperature of the water, you can find the amount of heat transferred to it.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
7. Investigating the Energy Content of Fuels
In the Preliminary Activity, you will determine the heat of combustion of paraffin wax (in kJ/g). You will first use the energy from burning paraffin wax to heat a known quantity of water. By monitoring the temperature of the water, you can find the amount of heat transferred to it.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
8. Evaporation and Intermolecular Attractions
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe while you determine the temperature change as ethanol, C₂H₅OH, evaporates.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
9. Enthalpy Changes
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe and a calorimeter as you determine the enthalpy change as a hydrochloric acid solution is neutralized by a solution of sodium hydroxide.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
10. Reaction Stoichiometry
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe, data-collection software, and the continuous variations method as you determine the sodium hydroxide to acetic acid mole ratio in the chemical equation for the reaction between sodium hydroxide and acetic acid.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
11. Beer's Law Investigations
The primary objective of this Preliminary Activity is to determine the concentration of an unknown copper (II) sulfate solution.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Colorimeter
12. Colligative Properties of Solutions
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain additional experience using a Temperature Probe as you determine the boiling point of water.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
13. Long Term Water Monitoring
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe, a Conductivity Probe, and a pH Sensor as you measure the temperature, conductivity, and pH of a water sample provided by your instructor. If a Turbidity Sensor and a Dissolved Oxygen Probe are available, you will also measure the turbidity of and the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water sample. You may or may not choose to use all five of the sensors as you subsequently research your chosen question.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe
14. Vapor Pressure and Heat of Vaporization Investigations
In the Preliminary Activity, you will determine the vapor pressure of ethanol at room temperature using a Gas Pressure Sensor and a Temperature Probe. You will first measure air pressure at room temperature. You will then add ethanol to the flask and, once equilibrium has been established, measure the total pressure exerted by air and ethanol vapor. You will then subtract air pressure from the total pressure to determine the vapor pressure of ethanol at that temperature.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Gas Pressure Sensor
15. Acid-Base Properties of Household Products
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a pH Sensor as you measure the pH of three solutions: baking soda, milk, and a soft drink. You will then classify the three solutions as acidic, basic, or neutral.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: pH Sensor
16. The Effect of Acid Deposition on Aqueous Systems
Acid deposition is a topic of much concern in today's world. It can kill fish and other water life by lowering the pH of lakes and rivers. The pH scale is a measure of acidity. A pH value of 7 is neutral, values lower than 7 are increasingly acidic, and values higher than 7 are increasingly basic. Acid deposition is more harmful in some areas than others because some water resists changes in pH better than others. This ability to resist pH change is called buffering capacity. In Part I of the Preliminary Activity, you will use a pH Sensor to monitor pH as dilute sulfuric acid is added drop wise to a water sample.

General water hardness is related to the dissolved minerals in the water. In Part II of the Preliminary Activity, you will use a Conductivity Probe to determine the conductivity of water from the same source.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, pH Sensor
17. Acid-Base Titrations
A titration is a process used to determine the volume of a solution needed to react with a given amount of another substance. In the Preliminary Activity, you will titrate a solution of the strong acid hydrochloric acid, HCl, with a solution of the strong base sodium hydroxide, NaOH.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: pH Sensor
18. Conductimetric Titrations
You will determine the volume of NaOH titrant used at the equivalence point using the intersection of the linear fits of the two branches of the resulting curve. The volume of NaOH titrant used at the equivalence point will be used to determine the molarity of the HCl.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
19. Oxidation-Reduction Titrations
In the Preliminary Activity, you will be titrating commercial bleach with hydrogen peroxide of known molarity in order to determine the molarity of the bleach sample.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: ORP Sensor
20. Investigating Voltaic Cells
In the Preliminary Activity, you will prepare a semi-microscale voltaic cell in a 24-well test plate. A voltaic cell is constructed by using two metal electrodes and solutions of their respective salts (the electrolyte component of the cell) with known molar concentrations. You will use a Voltage Probe to measure the potential of a voltaic cell with zinc and copper electrodes.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Voltage Probe
21. Baking Soda and Vinegar Investigations Revisited
In the Preliminary Activity, you will use a Temperature Probe as you determine the enthalpy of solution for baking soda.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Gas Pressure Sensor, pH Sensor
22. Reaction Rates
In the Preliminary Activity, you will use a Gas Pressure Sensor to monitor the pressure increase due to the production of oxygen gas inside an Erlenmeyer flask as potassium iodide catalytically decomposes hydrogen peroxide.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Gas Pressure Sensor
23. Enzyme Activity
In the Preliminary Activity, you will use catalase in yeast to catalytically decompose hydrogen peroxide. You will determine the rate of enzyme activity by measuring the pressure of oxygen gas produced as H₂O₂ is decomposed.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Gas Pressure Sensor
24. Sugar Fermentation by Yeast
In the Preliminary Activity, you will use a Gas Pressure Sensor to monitor the pressure inside a test tube as yeast metabolizes glucose anaerobically. When data collection is complete, you will perform a linear fit on the resultant graph to determine the fermentation rate.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Gas Pressure Sensor
25. Nuclear Radiation
In this Preliminary Activity, you will use a radiation monitor to determine the absorption of beta radiation by paper and by aluminum.
Recommended for Grades 9-16.
Requires: Vernier Radiation Monitor

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1. Seasons and Angle of Insolation
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Temperature Probe to monitor simulated warming of your city by the sun in the winter.
- Use a Temperature Probe monitor simulated warming of your city by the sun in the summer.
- Measure the angle of insolation.
- Determine the relationship between temperature change and angle of insolation.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
2. A Local Weather Study
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience measuring temperature, relative humidity, UV radiation.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about weather before you choose and investigate a researchable question.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Relative Humidity Sensor, UVB Sensor
3. Investigating Dissolved Oxygen
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Dissolved Oxygen Probe as you determine the DO level of a water sample provided by your teacher.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about dissolved-oxygen issues in the environment before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with dissolved oxygen.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe
4. Water Quality
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Dissolved Oxygen Probe while Determining the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in a water sample provided by your teacher and then using that DO to determine the percent saturation of DO. You will also gain experience using a Temperature Probe, a Conductivity Probe, a Turbidity Sensor, and a pH Sensor.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about water quality issues before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with water quality.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe, Dissolved Oxygen Probe, Turbidity Sensor
5. Long Term Water Monitoring
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Dissolved Oxygen Probe while determining the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in a water sample provided by your teacher. You will also gain experience using a Temperature Probe, a Conductivity Probe, a Turbidity Sensor, and a pH Sensor. You may or may not choose to use all five of the sensors as you subsequently research your chosen question.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about water issues before you choose and investigate a researchable question that involves longterm data collection.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe, Dissolved Oxygen Probe, Turbidity Sensor
6. Water Treatment
In this experiment, you will
- Use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of the pre-treatment and post-treatment samples.
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) of the pre-treatment and post-treatment samples.
- Use a Turbidity Sensor to measure the turbidity of the pre-treatment and post-treatment samples.
- Use the test results to see how much the treatment improved the quality of the drinking water sample.
- Compare the drinking water sample to EPA standards shown in the introduction.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe, pH Sensor, Turbidity Sensor
7. Investigating Salinity
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Conductivity Probe while determining the salinity of a saltwater sample provided by your teacher.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about salinity before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with that subject.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
8. Soil Temperature
In this experiment, you will
- Simulate temperature changes over a two-day period.
- Use Temperature Probes to measure the temperature of soils at different depths.
- Explain your results.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 3 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
9. Soil Salinity
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the salinity of soil samples.
- Predict plant response to the salinity of the soil.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
10. Soil pH
In this experiment, you will
- Use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of soil samples.
- Identify any nutritional problems plants would have in that soil.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
11. Soil Moisture
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Soil Moisture Sensor and learn soil moisture measuring technique as you determine the volumetric soil water content of a soil sample.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about soil moisture and factors that affect it before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with soil moisture.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Soil Moisture Sensor
12. Soil and Acid Rain
In this experiment, you will
- Use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of acid rain.
- Use a pH Sensor to measure the change in pH as acid rain passes through soil.
- Interpret your results.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
13. Managing Garden Soil Moisture
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Soil Moisture Sensor and learn soil moisture measuring technique as you determine the soil moisture of a soil sample.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about soil and managing soil moisture before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with the management of soil moisture.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Soil Moisture Sensor
14. Cell Respiration (CO₂)
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Colorimeter to measure color changes due to photosynthesis.
- Study the effect of light on photosynthesis.
- Study the effect that the boiling of plant cells has on photosynthesis.
- Compare the rates of photosynthesis for plants in different light conditions.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor
15. Biodiversity in Ecosystems
In this experiment, you will learn how biodiversity affects an environments physical factors such as temperature, relative humidity, light, and soil temperature. You will learn how animal diversity varies in different environments, and, with your classmates, you will compare biodiversity in areas with different plant patch sizes.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Light Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Relative Humidity Sensor, Soil Moisture Sensor
16. Biochemical Oxygen Demand
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Dissolved Oxygen Probe as you determine the DO level of a water sample provided by your teacher.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about BOD before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with BOD.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe
17. Water Cycle Column Investigations
In this experiment, you will use a Water Cycle Column and probeware as you investigate the hydrologic cycle and related concepts.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Relative Humidity Sensor, Soil Moisture Sensor, pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe, Light Sensor, CO₂ Gas Sensor
18. Decomposition Column Investigations
In this experiment, you will use a Decomposition Column and probeware as you investigate decomposition and related concepts. CO2 Gas Sensors, Light Probes, Relative Humidity Sensors, pH Sensors, Temperature Probes, and other sensors can be used to collect meaningful data in Decomposition Column investigations.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Relative Humidity Sensor, pH Sensor, Light Sensor, CO₂ Gas Sensor
19. Ecocolumn Investigations
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Soil Moisture Sensor and learn soil moisture measuring technique as you determine the volumetric soil water content of a soil sample.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Relative Humidity Sensor, Soil Moisture Sensor, pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe, Light Sensor, CO₂ Gas Sensor
20. Global Warming
In this experiment you and your classmates will investigate the greenhouse effect and the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
21. UV Investigations
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a UVB Sensor and learn UV intensity measuring technique as you determine outdoor UVB intensity at your location.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about ultraviolet radiation and ozone depletion before you choose and investigate a researchable question.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: UVB Sensor
22. Comparing Sunscreens
In this experiment, you will
- Use a UVB Sensor to measure UVB light.
- Determine the amount of UVB light allowed through five different sunscreens.
- Analyze the trend of UVB light vs. SPF values.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: UVB Sensor
23. Primary Productivity
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Dissolved Oxygen Probe to measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Study the effect of temperature on the amount of dissolved oxygen in water.
- Predict the effect of water temperature on aquatic life.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe, Primary Productivity Kit
24. Modeling Population Growth
In the Preliminary Activity, you will use a spreadsheet to model a simple exponential growth for one species. You will then explore the effects of carrying capacity, competition, and predators on population growth.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about population growth before you choose and investigate a researchable question.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
No sensors required for this lab.
25. Insulation Study
In the Preliminary Activity, you will monitor the temperature of a bottle of warm water as it cools for three minutes and determine its cooling rate.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about insulation before you choose and investigate a researchable question.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
26. Fossil Fuels
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure the temperature of water.
- Use a balance.
- Determine the energy content of fuels.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
27. Energy Conversion
In this experiment you will investigate the relationship between the power rating of a light bulb and the amount of light that it produces.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Light Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
28. Wind Power
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Current Probe to measure current output.
- Use a Voltage Probe to measure voltage output.
- Calculate power output.
- Determine the relationship between power output and wind speed.
- Determine the relationship between power output and rotor shape.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Current Probe, Voltage Probe
29. Photovoltaic Cells
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Current Probe to measure current output.
- Use a Voltage Probe to measure voltage output.
- Use a Light Sensor to measure light intensity.
- Calculate power output.
- Calculate efficiency.
- Investigate the relationship between wavelength of light and power output.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Current Probe, Voltage Probe
30. Investigation of Passive Solar Heating
In the Preliminary Activity, you will monitor temperature and determine the cooling rate of a model solar house that has been heated by a lamp representing the sun.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about passive solar heating before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with heat retention in solar houses.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
31. The Effect of Acid Deposition on Aquatic Ecosystems
You will use reference sources to find out more about acid deposition before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with acid deposition.
Requires: pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe
32. Measuring Particulates
In this experiment, you will
- Collect particulate matter from the air.
- Use a Light Sensor to determine the amount of light blocked by the particulate matter.
- Calculate the percent light transmittance for various locations.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Light Sensor
33. Investigating Indoor Carbon Dioxide Concentrations
In this experiment, you will use reference sources to find out more about environmental problems, choose a researchable question, do the Preliminary Activity, and then you will do your research.
Requires: CO₂ Gas Sensor
34. A Pollution Study
In this experiment, you will use reference sources to find out more about environmental problems, choose a researchable question, do the Preliminary Activity, and then you will do your research.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, Relative Humidity Sensor, Soil Moisture Sensor, pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe, Dissolved Oxygen Probe, Turbidity Sensor, CO₂ Gas Sensor

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1. Tracks of a Killer
- Determine if there is a relationship between the length of a person's stride and his or her height.
- Determine if there is a relationship between the size of a person's shoes and his or her height.
- Efficiently gather data to test for correlations between height, shoe size, and stride length.
- Use a linear regression model of the data to predict height based on stride length.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
No sensors required for this lab.
2. Bouncing Back
- Explore the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to find buried materials.
- Detect the presence of an object using a motion detector.
- Distinguish between different-shaped objects using a motion detector.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Motion Detector
3. Name That Tune
- Explore the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to find buried materials.
- Detect the presence of an object using a motion detector.
- Distinguish between different-shaped objects using a motion detector.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Microphone
4. Making Cents of Math: Linear Relationship between Weight and Quantity
- Identify counterfeit coins based on the characteristic property of density.
- Model data using a linear equation.
- Interpret the slope and intercept values from a linear model.
- Identify a characteristic property of a substance.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
5. The Ink is Still Wet
- Identify an unknown ink by its light absorbance characteristics.
- Measure a solution's absorbance of different colors (wavelengths) of light.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Colorimeter
6. Measuring Momentum
In this experiment, you will
- Measure velocity using a Motion Detector.
- Calculate average velocities.
- Determine the relationship between velocity and release point.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
7. Drug Tests
- Identify an unknown powder using physical and chemical properties.
- Distinguish between physical and chemical properties.
- Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative observation.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe
8. No Dumping
- Identify characteristics of different soils to demonstrate that a suspect has been at a scene.
- Use characteristic properties to identify a sample.
- Measure the pH of soils.
- Measure the water absorbency of soils.
- Measure the conductivity of soils.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe
9. Killer Cup of Coffee
- Use Beer's law to determine the concentration of simulated iron(III) thiocyanate (FeSCN²⁺) in an unknown solution.
- Use colorimetry to determine the concentration of a colored species in a solution.
- Use a linear relationship to model the data (Beer's law).
- Learn the importance of carefully prepared standards.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Colorimeter
10. Dropped at the Scene
- Determine the height of a source of blood spatters or drops.
- Graph data to find quantitative relationships.
- Create a standard reference curve for comparison with unknown data.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
No sensors required for this lab.
11. Ashes to Ashes
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
12. Hit and Run
- Simulate the use of an event data recorder (EDR) in order to show how the evidence gathered by this device can be used for legal purposes.
- Show how accident scenes can be recreated through an analysis of the data that are gathered by an EDR.
- Learn how distance traveled, velocity, and acceleration are related to one another.
- Learn how the appearance of an acceleration, velocity, or distance vs. time graph can be used to predict the appearance of the other graphs.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
13. Life in the Fast Lane
- Determine the speed of a vehicle before its brakes were applied.
- Determine the coefficient of friction between a vehicle and a road surface.
- Convert between SI units and Imperial units.
- Rearrange equations to solve for different variables.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
14. Chill Out: How Hot Objects Cool
- Determine the time of death of a person who has died within the last few hours.
- Create a temperature vs. time graph for cooling.
- Model the temperature data with an exponential function.
- Use the model to estimate time of death.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe

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1. Warming Function of Nasal Passageways
In this experiment, you will
- Compare the temperature of air that has passed through the nasal passageways with air that has not.
- Evaluate the contribution of nasal passages vs. lungs to the warming of the air we breathe.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Surface Temperature Sensor
2. Effect of Vascularity on Skin Temperature Recovery
In this experiment, you will
- Compare the rate of recovery from cold in two different skin regions.
- Correlate rate of recovery with vascularity.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Surface Temperature Sensor
3. Heart Rate as a Vital Sign
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of heart rate.
- Compare heart rate before and after exposure to cold stimulus.
- Observe an example of sympathetic nervous system activation ("fight or flight response").
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
4. Heart Rate and Exercise
In this experiment, you will
- Determine the effect of exercise on heart rate.
- Correlate the fitness level of individual with amount of daily exercise.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
5. Heart Rate Response to Baroreceptor Feedback
In this experiment, you will
- Observe pulse response to sudden squatting.
- Observe pulse response to sudden standing from a squatting position.
- Correlate pulse response to sympathetic nervous system function.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
6. Effect of Coughing on Heart Rate
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of the heart rate at rest.
- Observe the change in heart rate that occurs with repetitive coughing.
- Correlate heart rate response to autonomic nervous system activity.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
7. Blood Pressure as a Vital Sign
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of blood pressure.
- Compare blood pressure before and after exposure to cold stimulus.
- Observe an example of sympathetic nervous system activation (“fight or flight” response).
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Blood Pressure Sensor
8. Blood Pressure and Exercise
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of blood pressure.
- Compare changes in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures with exercise.
- Use blood pressure readings and pulse to infer changes in cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance with exercise.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Blood Pressure Sensor
9. Diurnal Blood Pressure Variation
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of blood pressure measured at different times of the day.
- Analyze the variability of blood pressure readings individually and as a class.
- Correlate your findings with variables that may have influenced your blood pressure.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Blood Pressure Sensor
10. Heart Rate and Blood Pressure as Vital Signs
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of heart rate and blood pressure.
- Compare heart rate and blood pressure before and after exposure to cold stimulus.
- Observe an example of sympathetic nervous system activation ("fight or flight response").
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Blood Pressure Sensor, Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
11. Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Exercise
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphic representation of heart rate and blood pressure.
- Determine the effect of exercise on heart rate, and systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures.
- Use blood pressure readings and pulse to infer changes in cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance with exercise.
- Correlate the fitness level of individuals with amount of daily exercise.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Blood Pressure Sensor, Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
12. Analyzing the Heart with EKG
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time.
- Learn to recognize the different wave forms seen in an EKG, and associate these wave forms with activity of the heart.
- Determine the heart rate by determining the rate of individual wave forms in the EKG.
- Compare wave forms generated by alternate EKG lead placements.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: EKG Sensor
13. Introduction to EMG
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of the electrical activity of a muscle.
- Associate amount of electrical activity with strength of muscle contraction.
- Compare masseter muscle function during different types of chewing activity.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: EKG Sensor
14A. Neuromuscular Reflexes (with Accelerometer)
In this experiment, you will
- Graph the electrical activity of a muscle activated by a reflex arc through nerves to and from the spinal cord.
- Compare the relative speeds of voluntary and reflex muscle activation.
- Associate muscle activity with involuntary activation.
- Observe the effect of central nervous system influence on reflex amplitude.
- Calculate the approximate speed of a nerve impulse.
- Compare reflex response and electrical amplitude in different subjects.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: 25-g Accelerometer, EKG Sensor
14B. Neuromuscular Reflexes (without Accelerometer)
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of the electrical activity of a muscle activated by a reflex arc through nerves to and from the spinal cord.
- Associate muscle activity with involuntary activation.
- Observe the effect of central nervous system influence on reflex amplitude.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: EKG Sensor
15. Muscle Function Analysis
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of the electrical activity of a muscle.
- Associate muscle activity with movement of joints.
- Correlate muscle activity with injury.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: EKG Sensor
16. Grip Strength Comparison
In this experiment, you will
- Measure and compare grip strength of your right and left hands.
- Correlate grip strength with gender and certain physical characteristics.
- Compare the pinch strengths of the individual fingers of the dominant hand.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Hand Dynamometer
17. Grip Strength and Muscle Fatigue
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of the electrical activity of a muscle.
- Correlate grip strength measurements with electrical activity data.
- Correlate measurements of grip strength and electrical activity with muscle fatigue.
- Observe the effect on grip strength of a conscious effort to overcome fatigue.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Hand Dynamometer
18. EMG and Muscle Fatigue
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of the electrical activity of a muscle.
- Correlate grip strength measurements with electrical activity data.
- Correlate measurements of grip strength and electrical activity with muscle fatigue.
- Observe the effect on grip strength of a conscious effort to overcome fatigue.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: EKG Sensor, Hand Dynamometer
19. Lung Volumes and Capacities
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of lung capacities and volumes.
- Compare lung volumes between males and females.
- Correlate lung volumes with clinical conditions.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Spirometer
20. Respiratory Response to Physiologic Challenges
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of normal tidal volume.
- Compare tidal volumes generated by various physiologic challenges.
- Correlate your findings with real-life situations.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Spirometer
21. Analysis of Lung Function
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of a flow volume loop.
- Find the forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1) and the forced vital capacity (FVC).
- Calculate FEV1/FVC.
- Find the peak expiratory flow rate (PEF).
- Create flow volume loops for several clinical scenarios.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Spirometer
22. Oxygen and Aerobic Metabolism
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of tidal volume and change in O₂ concentration with breathing at rest and after exercise.
- Calculate oxygen consumption at rest and after exercise.
- Correlate your findings with clinical situations.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: O₂ Gas Sensor, Spirometer, O₂ Gas Sensor to Spirometer Adapter
23. Oxygen Extraction by the Lungs
In this experiment, you will
- Measure the concentration of exhaled oxygen.
- Observe the efficiency of oxygen extraction by the lungs as the inhaled oxygen concentration is reduced.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: O₂ Gas Sensor
24. Effect of "Dead Space" on Oxygen Exchange
In this experiment, you will
- Simulate different volumes of dead space.
- Measure the oxygen concentration within the dead space.
- Correlate dead space volume with a variety of physiologic challenges.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: O₂ Gas Sensor

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1. A Hot Hand
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Calculate temperature averages.
- Compare results.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
2. Heating of Land and Water
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Calculate temperature changes.
- Apply your results.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
3. The Greenhouse Effect
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperatures as a model greenhouse and a control are heated.
- Determine the temperature changes for the two containers.
- Use the results to make conclusions about the greenhouse effect.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
4. Relative Humidity
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Determine relative humidity.
- Explain your results.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
5. Soil Study
In this experiment, you will
- Measure the pH of soil samples.
- Determine the amount of water retained by soil samples.
- Compare soil samples.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: pH Sensor
6. Absorption of Radiant Energy
In this experiment, you will
- Monitor temperature change due to radiant energy absorption.
- Calculate temperature changes.
- Interpret your results.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
7. Reflectivity of Light
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Light Sensor to measure reflected light.
- Calculate percent reflectivity of various colors.
- Make conclusions using the results of the experiment.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Light Sensor
8. Schoolyard Study
In this experiment, you will
- Measure ground and air temperatures at various locations along a transect.
- Observe and classify the living organisms at those locations.
- Determine if there are temperature differences between the ground and air above it.
- Organize and present your results.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Light Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
9. A Good Sock
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Calculate temperature changes.
- Make a bar graph.
- Compare the insulating properties of cotton and wool.
- Investigate the effect of water on insulation.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
10. What Causes the Seasons?
In this experiment, you will
- Monitor simulated warming of your city by the sun in the winter.
- Monitor simulated warming of your city by the sun in the summer.
- Interpret your results.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
11. Solar Homes
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Find the relationship between thermal mass and the ability of a solar home to retain heat.
- Design, build, and test a model solar home.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
12. Ocean Floor Mapping
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to measure distances.
- Map simulated ocean floors.
- Analyze graphs to find the heights of objects on a simulated ocean floor.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Motion Detector
13. Boiling Temperature of Water
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to measure distances.
- Map simulated ocean floors.
- Analyze graphs to find the heights of objects on a simulated ocean floor.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
14. Freezing and Melting of Water
In this experiment, you will
- Observe the boiling of water.
- Measure temperature.
- Analyze data.
- Use your data and graph to make conclusions about boiling.
- Determine the boiling temperature of water.
- Apply the concepts studied in a new situation.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
15. How Low Can You Go?
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Find the normal melting temperature of ice.
- See the effect of adding salt on ice's melting temperature.
- Plan and test an experiment to find the salt and ice combination that will make the coldest temperature.
- Compete with other groups trying to reach the coldest temperature.
- Apply the results of the experiment.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
15B. Ziplock Ice Cream
You are going to make ice cream by cooling a milk, sugar, and vanilla mixture in a bag surrounded by a bag with an ice and salt mixture. The ice cream mixture will be cooled enough to freeze as heat is transferred from it to the ice and salt mixture.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
No sensors required for this lab.
16. A Good Cold Pack
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure temperature.
- Determine temperature changes as solid substances dissolve in water.
- Design and test a plan for making the best cold pack.
- Report your results.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
17. Lemon "Juice"
In this experiment, you will
- Build several cells.
- Measure and display cell voltages.
- Discover which combinations produce a voltage.
- Decide which combination makes the "best" battery.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Voltage Probe
18. Get a Grip!
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure your gripping power.
- See which of your hands has the greater gripping power.
- Learn what happens to your gripping power as time goes by.
- Compare your gripping power with your classmates.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
19. Fun with Pressure
In this experiment, you will
- Measure pressure.
- Apply your knowledge of gases.
- Have a little fun.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
20. Water Hardness Study
In this experiment, you will
- Use soap to find water hardness.
- Use a Conductivity Probe to find water hardness.
- Find the hardness of the water in your school.
- Apply what you learn as you do a water-hardness study.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
21. Diffusion: How Fast?
In this experiment, you will
- Measure conductivity.
- Measure the diffusion of salt through a membrane.
- See the effect of salt concentration on diffusion rate.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
22. A Water Field Study
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure water temperature.
- Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the conductivity of water.
- Use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of water.
- Make visual observations at the test sites.
- Compare water quality.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Conductivity Probe, pH Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
23. Cooling Rates: Shaq vs. Susie
In this experiment, you will
- Predict which cools faster, a large body or a small one.
- Use Temperature Probes to test your prediction.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
24. Yeast Beasts in Action
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor to measure pressure.
- Measure and compare yeast activity in acidic, neutral, and basic mixtures.
- Make a conclusion about yeast activity.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
25. Heart Rate and Body Position
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor or Exercise Heart Rate Monitor to measure your heart rate while sitting, lying, and standing.
- Analyze the results of your experiment.
- Compare your results with those of other students.
- Answer the question posed in the introduction.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
26. Heart Rate and Exercise
In this experiment, you will
- Use an Exercise Heart Rate Monitor to measure your heart rate.
- Determine the effect of exercise on your heart rate.
- Determine your recovery time.
- Compare your results with those of other students.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor
27. Mapping a Magnetic Field
In this experiment, you will
- Measure and graph magnetic field strength at points along a bar magnet.
- Analyze data.
- Make conclusions about the magnetic field at various points on a bar magnet.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
28. Electromagnets
In this experiment, you will
- Build an electromagnet.
- Measure magnetic field strength.
- Make conclusions about the relationship between number of wire winds and magnetic field strength.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
29. Frictional Forces
In this experiment, you will
- Measure sliding friction.
- Measure friction between a wooden block and smooth-surface wood.
- Measure friction between a wooden block and rough-surface wood.
- Make predictions about other surfaces.
- Test your predictions.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
30. First-Class Levers
In this experiment, you will
- Measure force.
- Calculate actual mechanical advantage (AMA).
- Calculate ideal mechanical advantage (IMA).
- Calculate percent difference.
- Make conclusions about levers.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
31. Pulleys
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Force Sensor to measure force.
- Calculate actual mechanical advantage and ideal mechanical advantage.
- Determine efficiency.
- Make conclusions about pulley systems.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
32. Buoyancy
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Force Sensor to measure the weights of objects in and out of water.
- Determine the buoyant force of water on each object.
- Determine the weight of water displaced by each object.
- Compare buoyant force to weight of water displaced for each object.
- Use the results of the experiment to explain why objects sink or float.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
33. Graphing Your Motion
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to measure position, velocity, and acceleration.
- Produce graphs of your motion.
- Analyze the graphs you produce.
- Match position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
34. Measuring Momentum
In this experiment, you will
- Measure velocity using a Motion Detector.
- Calculate average velocities.
- Determine the relationship between velocity and release point.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
35. The Indy 100
In this experiment, you will
- Prepare a car for a race.
- Measure velocity using a Motion Detector.
- Determine the fastest car in your class.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Motion Detector
35B. Pencil Car
In this activity, you will make a car for the race in Experiment 35, The Indy 100.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
No sensors required for this lab.
36. Crash Dummies
In this experiment, you will
- Measure velocity.
- Measure distances an action figure is thrown.
- Calculate averages.
- Graph the results.
- Make conclusions from your results.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Motion Detector
37. Falling Objects
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to measure position and velocity.
- Produce position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
- Analyze and explain the results.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
38. A Speedy Slide
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to determine your speed going down a slide.
- Experiment with ways to increase your speed going down the slide.
- Explain your results.
Recommended for Grades 5-8.
Requires: Motion Detector

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1. α, β, and γ
In this experiment, you will
- Develop a model for the relative absorption of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation by matter.
- Use a radiation counter to measure the absorption of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation by air, paper, and aluminum.
- Analyze the count rate data to test for consistency with your model.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Vernier Radiation Monitor
2. Distance and Radiation
In this experiment, you will
- Develop a model for the distance-dependence of gamma radiation emitted from a point source.
- Use a counter to measure radiation emitted by a gamma source as a function of distance.
- Analyze count rate data in several ways to test for consistency with the model.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Vernier Radiation Monitor
3. Lifetime Measurement
In this experiment, you will
- Use a radiation counter to measure the decay constant and half-life of barium-137.
- Determine if the observed time-variation of radiation from a sample of barium-137 is consistent with simple radioactive decay.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Vernier Radiation Monitor
5. Background Radiation Sources
In this experiment, you will
- Concentrate naturally occurring radioactive substances using a charged balloon.
- Use a radiation counter to detect emissions from naturally occurring radioactive substances.
- Determine the effective lifetime of the collection of radon decay products.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Vernier Radiation Monitor
6. Radiation Shielding
In this experiment, you will
- Develop a model for the absorption of beta radiation by matter.
- Use a radiation counter to study how the radiation emitted by a beta source is absorbed by cardboard.
- Test the model against experimental data to determine its validity.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Vernier Radiation Monitor

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1. Temperature Probe Response Time
In this experiment, you will
- Make measurements.
- Analyze a graph of the data.
- Use this graph to make conclusions about the experiment.
- Determine the response time of a Temperature Probe.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
2. Boiling Temperature of Water
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to measure distances.
- Map simulated ocean floors.
- Analyze graphs to find the heights of objects on a simulated ocean floor.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
3. Freezing and Melting of Water
In this experiment, you will
- Observe the boiling of water.
- Measure temperature.
- Analyze data.
- Use your data and graph to make conclusions about boiling.
- Determine the boiling temperature of water.
- Apply the concepts studied in a new situation.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
4. Evaporation of Alcohols
- Identify the likely accelerant in an arson.
- Identify a solution, based on evaporation rate.
- Understand that evaporation rate is a characteristic property of a liquid.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
5. Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions
In this experiment, you will
- Observe two chemical reactions.
- Measure temperature changes.
- Determine the change in temperature, Î”t, for each of the reactions.
- Identify endothermic and exothermic reactions.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
6. Neutralization Reactions
In this experiment, you will
- Use conductivity to determine the strengths of acids and bases.
- Use litmus paper to distinguish acids and bases.
- Measure temperatures of reactants and products of neutralization reactions.
- Study the relationship between acid and base strength and heat released during neutralization.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
7. Mixing Warm and Cold Water
In this experiment, you will
- Construct and use a simple calorimeter.
- Measure temperature.
- Mix cold and warm water.
- Determine heat lost by cooling water.
- Determine heat gained by warming water.
- Compare heat lost by cooling water and heat gained by warming water.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
8. Heat of Fusion
In this experiment, you will
- Use a calorimeter.
- Make temperature measurements.
- Analyze the data collected.
- Determine heat of fusion for ice (in J/g).
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
9. Energy Content of Fuels
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Analyze data.
- Use a balance.
- Determine energy content.
- Compare the energy content of different fuels.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
10. Energy Content of Foods
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Analyze data.
- Use a balance.
- Determine energy content.
- Compare the energy content of different foods.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
11. Absorption of Radiant Energy
In this experiment, you will
- Monitor temperature change due to radiant energy absorption.
- Calculate temperature changes.
- Interpret your results.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
12. An Insulated Cola Bottle
In this experiment, you will
- Investigate the insulating properties of aluminum foil, paper (cardboard), and plastic (Styrofoam).
- Measure temperatures.
- Determine change in temperature, Δt.
- Make a bar graph of the Δt values.
- Compare the effectiveness of different insulation materials.
- Build a well-insulated cola bottle.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
13. A Good Sock
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Calculate temperature changes.
- Make a bar graph.
- Compare the insulating properties of cotton and wool.
- Investigate the effect of water on insulation.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
14. Insolation Angle
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Graph temperature data.
- Determine the relationship between angle and temperature change.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
15. Solar Homes and Heat Sinks
In this experiment, you will
- Measure temperature.
- Graph temperature data.
- Determine the relationship between thermal mass and the ability of a solar home to retain heat.
- Design and build a model solar home.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Stainless Steel Temperature Probes
16. Conducting Solutions
In this experiment, you will
- Write equations for the dissolving of substances in water.
- Use a Conductivity Probe to test the electrical conductivity of solutions.
- Determine which, molecules or ions, are responsible for electrical conductivity of solutions.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
17. Conductivity of Saltwater: The Effect of Concentration
In this experiment, you will
- Measure conductivity.
- Record data.
- Graph this data.
- Use the data and graph to make conclusions about conductivity.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
18. Acid Strengths
In this experiment, you will
- React zinc metal with various acids.
- Measure electrical conductivity.
- Investigate the relationships among acid strength, electrical conductivity, degree of ionization, and chemical activity.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
19. Frictional Forces
In this experiment, you will
- Measure sliding friction.
- Measure friction between a wooden block and smooth-surface wood.
- Measure friction between a wooden block and rough-surface wood.
- Make predictions about other surfaces.
- Test your predictions.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
20. First-Class Levers
In this experiment, you will
- Measure force.
- Calculate actual mechanical advantage (AMA).
- Calculate ideal mechanical advantage (IMA).
- Calculate percent difference.
- Make conclusions about levers.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
21. Pulleys
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Force Sensor to measure force.
- Calculate actual mechanical advantage and ideal mechanical advantage.
- Determine efficiency.
- Make conclusions about pulley systems.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
22. An Inclined Plane
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Force Sensor to measure force.
- Compare forces.
- Calculate work and efficiency.
- Make conclusions using the results of the experiment.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor
23. Reflectivity of Light
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Light Sensor to measure reflected light.
- Calculate percent reflectivity of various colors.
- Make conclusions using the results of the experiment.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Light Sensor
24. Polaroid Filters
In this experiment, you will
- Measure the intensity of transmitted light.
- Study the transmission of light by Polaroid filters.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Light Sensor
25. How Bright is the Light?
In this experiment, you will
- Measure light intensity.
- Graph and analyze data.
- Make conclusions about the relationship between light intensity and distance.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Light Sensor
26. Electromagnets: Winding Things Up
In this experiment, you will
- Build an electromagnet.
- Measure magnetic field strength.
- Graph the results.
- Make conclusions about the relationship between number of wire winds and magnetic field strength.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
27. Magnetic Field Explorations
In this experiment, you will
- Measure magnetic field strength.
- Graph and analyze data.
- Make conclusions about the relationship between magnetic field strength and distance.
- Measure and graph magnetic field strength at points along a bar magnet.
- Make conclusions about the magnetic field at various points on a bar magnet.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
28. Household Acids and Bases
In this experiment, you will
- Test household solutions with litmus paper.
- Test household solutions using red-cabbage juice indicator.
- Determine the pH values of household solutions.
- Classify household substances as acids or bases.
- Determine the different red cabbage juice indicator colors over the entire pH range.
- Use red cabbage juice indicator to test other household substances.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
29. Acid Rain
In this experiment, you will
- Measure pH.
- Study the effect of dissolved CO₂ on the pH of distilled water.
- Study the effect on pH of dissolving H₂SO₄ in various waters.
- Learn why some bodies of water are more vulnerable to acid rain than others.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
30. Gas Pressure and Volume
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Gas Pressure Sensor and a gas syringe to measure the pressure of an air sample at several different volumes.
- Make a table of the results.
- Graph the results.
- Predict the pressure at other volumes.
- Describe the relationship between gas pressure and volume with words and with a mathematical equation.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
31. Gas Temperature and Pressure
In this experiment, you will
- Use a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of an air sample at several different temperatures.
- Measure temperature.
- Make a table of the results.
- Graph the results.
- Predict the pressure at other temperatures.
- Describe the relationship between gas pressure and temperature with words and with a mathematical equation.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
32. Fun with Pressure
In this experiment, you will
- Measure pressure.
- Apply your knowledge of gases.
- Have a little fun.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Gas Pressure Sensor
33. Lemon "Juice"
In this experiment, you will
- Build several cells.
- Measure and display cell voltages.
- Discover which combinations produce a voltage.
- Decide which combination makes the "best" battery.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Voltage Probe
34. Lead Storage Batteries
In this experiment, you will
- Build a lead storage cell.
- Use an interface box to charge the cell.
- Measure the cell's voltage before and after use.
- Use the charged cell to power an electric motor.
- Make conclusions using the results of the experiment.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Voltage Probe
35. Graphing Your Motion
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to measure position, velocity, and acceleration.
- Produce graphs of your motion.
- Analyze the graphs you produce.
- Match position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
36. Measuring Momentum
In this experiment, you will
- Measure velocity using a Motion Detector.
- Calculate average velocities.
- Determine the relationship between velocity and release point.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
37. It's Race Day
In this contest, you will
- Apply motion concepts.
- Measure velocity.
- Have a little fun.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
38. Momentum: A Crash Lesson
In this experiment, you will
- Measure velocity.
- Measure mass.
- Calculate momentum.
- Graph data.
- Make conclusions about momentum.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
39. Newton's Second Law
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to determine acceleration.
- Record data.
- Graph data.
- Make conclusions about the relationship between mass and acceleration.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
40. Falling Objects
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Motion Detector to measure position and velocity.
- Produce position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
- Analyze and explain the results.
Recommended for Grades 5-12.
Requires: Motion Detector

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1. Graph Matching
- Analyze the motion of a student walking across the room.
- Predict, sketch, and test position vs. time kinematics graphs.
- Predict, sketch, and test velocity vs. time kinematics graphs.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
2. Back and Forth Motion
- Qualitatively analyze the motion of objects that move back and forth.
- Analyze and interpret back and forth motion in kinematics graphs.
- Use kinematic graphs to catalog objects that exhibit similar motion.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
3. Cart on a Ramp
- Collect position, velocity, and acceleration data as a cart rolls up and down a ramp.
- Analyze the position vs. time, velocity vs. time, and acceleration vs. time graphs.
- Determine the best fit equations for the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
- Determine the mean acceleration from the acceleration vs. time graph.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
4. Determining g on an Incline
- Use a Motion Detector to measure the speed and acceleration of a cart rolling down an incline.
- Determine the mathematical relationship between the angle of an incline and the acceleration of a cart rolling down the ramp.
- Determine the value of free fall acceleration, g, by extrapolating the acceleration vs. sine of track angle graph.
- Determine if an extrapolation of the acceleration vs. sine of track angle is valid.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
5. Picket Fence Free Fall
- Measure the acceleration of a freely falling body (g) to better than 0.5% precision using a Picket Fence and a Photogate.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Photogate
6. Ball Toss
- Collect position, velocity, and acceleration data as a ball travels straight up and down.
- Analyze the position vs. time, velocity vs. time, and acceleration vs. time graphs.
- Determine the best fit equations for the position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs.
- Determine the mean acceleration from the acceleration vs. time graph.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
7. Bungee Jump Accelerations
- Use an Accelerometer to analyze the motion of a bungee jumper from just prior to the jump through a few oscillations after the jump.
- Determine where in the motion the acceleration is at a maximum and at a minimum.
- Compare the laboratory jump with an actual bungee jump.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Low-g Accelerometer
8. Projectile Motion
- Measure the velocity of a ball using two Photogates and software for timing.
- Apply concepts from two-dimensional kinematics to predict the impact point of a ball in projectile motion.
- Take into account trial-to-trial variations in the velocity measurement when calculating the impact point.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: 2 Photogates
9. Newton's Second Law
- Collect force and acceleration data for a cart as it is moved back and forth.
- Compare force vs. time and acceleration vs. time graphs.
- Analyze a graph of force vs. acceleration.
- Determine the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor, Low-g Accelerometer
10. Atwood's Machine
- Use a Photogate to study the acceleration of an Atwoods machine.
- Determine the relationships between the masses on an Atwoods machine and the acceleration.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Photogate
11. Newton's Third Law
- Observe the directional relationship between force pairs.
- Observe the time variation of force pairs.
- Explain Newtons third law in simple language.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: 2 Dual-Range Force Sensors
12. Static and Kinetic Friction
- Use a Dual-Range Force Sensor to measure the force of static friction.
- Determine the relationship between force of static friction and the weight of an object.
- Measure the coefficients of static and kinetic friction for a particular block and track.
- Use a Motion Detector to independently measure the coefficient of kinetic friction and compare it to the previously measured value.
- Determine if the coefficient of kinetic friction depends on weight.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor, Motion Detector
13. Air Resistance
- Observe the effect of air resistance on falling coffee filters.
- Determine how the terminal velocity of a falling object is affected by air resistance and mass.
- Choose between two competing force models for the air resistance on falling coffee filters.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
14. Pendulum Periods
- Measure the period of a pendulum as a function of amplitude.
- Measure the period of a pendulum as a function of length.
- Measure the period of a pendulum as a function of bob mass.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Photogate
15. Simple Harmonic Motion
- Measure the position and velocity as a function of time for an oscillating mass and spring system.
- Compare the observed motion of a mass and spring system to a mathematical model of simple harmonic motion.
- Determine the amplitude, period, and phase constant of the observed simple harmonic motion.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
16. Energy of a Tossed Ball
- Measure the change in the kinetic and potential energies as a ball moves in free fall.
- See how the total energy of the ball changes during free fall.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
17. Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion
- Examine the energies involved in simple harmonic motion.
- Test the principle of conservation of energy.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
18. Momentum, Energy and Collisions
- Observe collisions between two carts, testing for the conservation of momentum.
- Measure energy changes during different types of collisions.
- Classify collisions as elastic, inelastic, or completely inelastic.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Motion Detector
19. Impulse and Momentum
- Measure a carts momentum change and compare to the impulse it receives.
- Compare average and peak forces in impulses.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Dual-Range Force Sensor, Motion Detector
20. Centripetal Accelerations on a Turntable
- Measure centripetal acceleration on a record turntable.
- Determine the relationship between centripetal acceleration, radius, and angular velocity.
- Determine the direction of centripetal acceleration.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Low-g Accelerometer
21. Accelerations in the Real World
- Measure acceleration in a real-world setting.
- Compare the acceleration measured to the value calculated from other data.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Low-g Accelerometer
22. Ohm's Law
- Determine the mathematical relationship between current, potential difference, and resistance in a simple circuit.
- Compare the potential vs. current behavior of a resistor to that of a light bulb.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Current Probe, Differential Voltage Probe
23. Series and Parallel Circuits
- To study current flow in series and parallel circuits.
- To study voltages in series and parallel circuits.
- Use Ohms law to calculate equivalent resistance of series and parallel circuits.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Current Probe, Differential Voltage Probe
24. Capacitors
- Measure an experimental time constant of a resistor-capacitor circuit.
- Compare the time constant to the value predicted from the component values of the resistance and capacitance.
- Measure the potential across a capacitor as a function of time as it discharges and as it charges.
- Fit an exponential function to the data. One of the fit parameters corresponds to an experimental time constant.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Differential Voltage Probe
25. The Magnetic Field in a Coil
- Use a Magnetic Field Sensor to measure the field at the center of a coil.
- Determine the relationship between magnetic field and the number of turns in a coil.
- Determine the relationship between magnetic field and the current in a coil.
- Explore the Earths magnetic field in your room.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
26. The Magnetic Field in a Slinky
- Determine the relationship between magnetic field and the current in a solenoid.
- Determine the relationship between magnetic field and the number of turns per meter in a solenoid.
- Study how the field varies inside and outside a solenoid.
- Determine the value of μ0, the permeability constant.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
27. Electrical Energy
- Measure the power and electrical energy used by an electric motor.
- Measure the gain in potential energy of a mass lifted by the motor
- Calculate the efficiency of the motor.
- Study the efficiency of the electric motor under different conditions.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Current Probe, Differential Voltage Probe
28. Polarization of Light
- Observe the change in light intensity of light passing through crossed polarizing filters.
- Measure the transmission of light through two polarizing filters as a function of the angle between their axes and compare it to Maluss law.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Light Sensor
29. Light, Brightness and Distance
Determine the mathematical relationship between intensity and the distance from the light source.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Light Sensor
30. Newton's Law of Cooling
- Use a Temperature Probe to record the cooling process of hot water.
- Test Newtons law of cooling using your collected water temperature data.
- Use Newtons law of cooling to predict the temperature of cooling water at any time.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
31. The Magnetic Field of a Permanent Magnet
- Use a Magnetic Field Sensor to measure the field of a small magnet.
- Compare the distance dependence of the magnetic field to the magnetic dipole model.
- Measure the magnetic moment of a magnet.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Magnetic Field Sensor
32. Sound Waves and Beats
- Measure the frequency and period of sound waves from tuning forks.
- Measure the amplitude of sound waves from tuning forks.
- Observe beats between the sounds of two tuning forks.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Microphone
33. Speed of Sound
- Measure how long it takes sound to travel down and back in a long tube.
- Determine the speed of sound.
- Compare the speed of sound in air to the accepted value.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Microphone
34. Tones, Vowels and Telephones
- Use a Microphone to analyze the frequency components of a tuning fork and your voice.
- Record overtones produced with a tuning fork.
- Examine how a touch-tone phone works.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Microphone
35. Mathematics of Music
- Determine the frequencies of the notes of a musical scale.
- Examine the differences and ratio between these notes.
- Determine the mathematical patterns used in musical scales.
Recommended for Grades 9-12.
Requires: Microphone

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1. Temperature
In this project, you will use a weather station to monitor weather data over an extended period of time.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
2. pH
In this experiment, you will use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of a body of water.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
3. Turbidity
In this experiment, you will use a Turbidity Sensor to measure the turbidity of a water sample. Turbidity is a measure of water's lack of clarity.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Turbidity Sensor
4. Total Solids
You will determine the total solids in a sample of water by adding a precise amount of water to a carefully cleaned, dried, and weighed beaker. The water is then evaporated away using a drying oven and the beaker is reweighed. The difference in mass before and after is the mass of the total solids. Calculations are made to convert the change in mass to mg/L total solids.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
No sensors required for this lab.
5. Dissolved Oxygen
Measurements can be made at the site by either placing the Dissolved Oxygen Probe directly at into the stream away from the shore or by collecting a water sample with a container or cup and then taking measurements with the Dissolved Oxygen Probe back on the shore.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe
6. Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Included in this test are the procedures for High and Low BOD levels. Decide beforehand, based on expected BOD levels, which procedure is appropriate for the water you are testing.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Dissolved Oxygen Probe
7. Ortho- and Total Phosphates
Orthophosphate concentration is determined by means of a chemical reaction resulting in a color change dependent on the concentration of orthophosphates present. The intensity of the color is then measured with a Vernier Colorimeter.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Colorimeter
8. Nitrate
The tests described here are used to measure the concentration of nitrate ions, NO₃⁻, in a water sample. The concentration of nitrate will be expressed throughout this section in units of mg/L NO₃⁻-N. The unit, NO₃⁻-N, means simply "nitrogen that is in the form of nitrate."
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Nitrate Ion-Selective Electrode
9. Fecal Coliform
This test uses the membrane filtration technique to measure quantity of fecal coliform bacteria present in a water sample.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
No sensors required for this lab.
10. Ammonium Nitrogen
A Vernier Ammonium Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) is used to measure the concentration of ammonium nitrogen in the water, either on site or after returning to the lab.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Ammonium Ion-Selective Electrode
11. Alkalinity
Alkalinity is measured by titrating a water sample with sulfuric acid. The Vernier pH Sensor is used to monitor pH during the titration.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: pH Sensor
12. Total Dissolved Solids
In this experiment, you will use a Conductivity Probe to measure the total dissolved solids in a water sample.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe
13. Calcium and Water Hardness
Vernier Calcium Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) is used to measure the calcium ion concentration in the water, in mg/L as Ca²⁺, either on site or after returning to the lab.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Calcium Ion-Selective Electrode
14. Total Water Hardness
In this test, total hardness will be determined.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
No sensors required for this lab.
15. Chloride and Salinity
- Vernier Chloride Ion-Selective Electrode is used to measure the chloride ion concentration in the water (in mg/L) either on site or after returning to the lab.
- A Vernier Conductivity Probe is used to measure the salinity value of the water (in ppt).
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Chloride Ion-Selective Electrode
16. Stream Flow
The cross-sectional area will be determined for a stream site using a tape measure and meter stick. Measurements will be made at equal intervals across the stream cross-section. Flow velocity will be measured using the Vernier Flow Rate Sensor at each of the intervals along the cross section. Using these measurements, the stream flow will be calculated.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Flow Rate Sensor

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1. Introduction to Data Collection
In this experiment, you will
- Become familiar with LabQuest.
- Use a LabQuest and a Temperature Probe to make measurements.
- Analyze a graph of the data.
- Use this graph to make conclusions about the experiment.
- Determine the response time of a Temperature Probe.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Stainless Steel Temperature Probe
2. Investigating Electricity
- To study current flow in series and parallel circuits.
- To study voltages in series and parallel circuits.
- Use Ohm's law to calculate equivalent resistance of series and parallel circuits.
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: 2 Current Probes, Differential Voltage Probe
3. Water Quality Testing
Recommended for Grades 6-12.
Requires: Conductivity Probe, Stainless Steel Temperature Probe, pH Sensor

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