Teacher Resources

CMASTE tries to find a niche that fits the expertise of the R & D participants directly involved in CMASTE and that fits the needs of classroom teachers. CMASTE monitors the resources and services of other partners in mathematics and science education to find the gaps—and to fill these gaps. The unique nature of CMASTE as a partner in math and science education is in its access to full time education researchers. These researchers have either done the latest research or have read it—and can translate the education research into classroom resources and services.

The resources that we distribute are copyright free for classroom use. All of our resources are available for free download from our website.

CMASTE Publications

[Grades 1-12] Perspectives on Programs for Schools in Science Centres and Museums

By Dr. Pat Rowell

This book will be of interest to educators in science centres, museums, zoos, aquaria and botanical gardens, as well as to science teachers in primary, secondary and postsecondary institutions.

Click here for more info

Mathematics Resources

A Trade Book Library for K - 12 Mathematics: A Bibliography of Children's Literature for Teaching and Learning Mathematics in Alberta Elementary and Secondary Schools

By Gladys Sterenberg and Nancy Espetveidt (c) 2008, 2nd ed.

A bibliography of children's literature for teaching and learning mathematics in Alberta elementary and secondary schools. Titles are included because they have well-developed and creative plots and charaterizations, use age-appropriate language, and facilitate the reader's ability to apply the mathematics.

PDF Version

Analyzing Students' Thinking on Mathematical Tasks: Professional Development for Elementary Teachers

By Katherine Willsom, Lorelei Gibeau and Roberta McKay (c) 2006

This monograph presents the results of a professional development project in which teachers assessed students' mathematical thinking using student written products It fosters a new attitude that values analyzing student thinking as part of everyday practice and providing appropriate strategies.

Grade level: 3 - 6

PDF Version

Teacher Vignettes: Elementary Teachers Reflect on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics

Edited by Katherine Willson and Roberta McKay (c) 2003

Fifteen Edmonton teachers write their personal experiences teaching mathematics to classes from kindergarten through grade 6. Typical vignettes deal with introducing the basics of arithmetic or dealing effectively with students of diverse abilities and backgrounds.

Grade level: K - 6

PDF Version

General Resources

A Trade Book Library for Investigating Pseudoscience: An Annotated Bibliography of Literature for Teaching and Learning about the Natures of Science by Investigating the Claims of Pseudoscience

By Dougal MacDonald (c) 2009

An annotated bibliography of literature that investigates the claims made by pseudoscience, psychics, astrologers, and other paranormal claimants. This bibliography is meant to help inform discussions of paranormal claims. Uses of the bibliography include assistance in purchasing individual books and a library of books. Many of these books are available for loan from CMASTE.

Grade level: 1 - 12

PDF Version

Pseudoscience for Learning Scientific Inquiry and Natures of Science

By Dougal MacDonald (c) 2009

This lesson package seeks to capture the excitedment that studens find when testing claims to knowledge by pseudoscience practitioners. Creating and critiquing experimental designs involve the skills, processes and problem solving outcomes tated in many curricula. Healthy skepticism is an important habit of mind for citizens of a democracy. The lessons herein promtoe inquity outcomes often overlooked an create a postiive motivational set that surprises students and teachers alike.

This resource is a companion resource to A Trade Book Library for Investigating Pseudoscience.

Grade level: 1 - 12

PDF Version

A Trade Book Library for Elementary Science: A Bibliography of Children's Literature for Teaching and Learning Science in Alberta Elementary Schools

By P.M. Rowell, M. Ebbers, P. Payne, L. Macy and B. Macdonald (c) 2008, 2nd ed.

A bibliography of children's literature in two sections: a grade-by-grade, topic-by-topic listing and an alphabetical listing with publisher details. 300 books are annotated for science concepts and/or science practices portrayed in the text. Many of these books are available for loan from CMASTE.

Grade level: 1 - 6

PDF Version Part 1 & Part 2

Elementary Science Education in Alberta Schools

By Patricia M. Rowell & Margaretha Ebbers

This report details the findings of a survey in 2004 of teachers of science in elementary classrooms in Alberta to determine their beliefs about and perceptions of science teaching. It analyses science teaching in terms of: objectives; instructional contexts; physical, institutional and social context; language practices.

Grade level: 1 - 6

PDF Version

Teacher's Guide for Using Web-Based Resources in the Science Classroom

By Sun Joo Hur (c) 2003

Increasingly, teachers will need knowledge and skills to keep up with the new information age and effectively teach in science classroom. This guidebook will be useful for teachers who are interested in the potential of the web as an effective teaching tools, but who have little working knowledge of web-based resources.

Grade level: 4 - 12

PDF Version

Experiencing Science Process Skills

By Harcharan Pardhan (c) 2001

Teaching and learning science is exciting and meaningful, when learners and teachers are actively engaged in scientific adventures This package contains a number of activities to provide opportunities for the learns to become more skillful in science processes.

Grade level: 1 - 8

PDF Version

Key Ideas in Elementary Science for Alberta Schools

By Margaretha Ebbers and Patricia M. Rowell (c) 2001

For each grade, one key idea has been used to establish links between the five topics set out in the Alberta Program of Studies. This teacher resource offers a framework for building a program in elementary science education.

Grade level: 1 - 6

PDF Version

The Indispensable Plastic Bottle

By Harcharan Pardhan (c) 2000

This collection of hands-on science activities illustrates basic concepts and principles that are taught in most science curricula. Students' sense of ownership is enhanced by constructing their own apparatus from common, inexpensive materials such as water bottles, jam jars and plastic cups.

Grade level: 1 - 8

PDF Version

Big Ideas for Making Sense of the World

By Brenda Gustafson and Pat Rowell (c) 2000

Science concepts embedded in the Elementary Science Program of Studies are organized in three main areas: Living Things, Non-Living Things, and Human Action in the Natural World. This teacher resource displays links between ideas across topics and across grades.

Grade level: 1 - 6

PDF Version

Problem Solving Through Technology

Edited by Patricia M. Rowell and Brenda J. Gustafson (c) 1998

These six case studies explore the place of design technology in the elementary program and its role in developing children's conceptual understanding and technological problem solving abilities. Children were asked to design and make structures, boats, aircraft, vehicle the move and mechanisms which use electricity.

Grade level: 1 - 6

PDF Version Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Physical Sciences

Living with Carbon Dioxide

By Patricia M. Rowell, Betty Macdonald, Joan Chambers and Anita Parker (c) 2004

One of a series of unit supplements that highlight the impact of climate change on the natural world and points to the need for action to reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions. The lessons complement the Grade 5 science topic C: Classroom Chemistry.

Grade level: 5

PDF Version

Simple Machines: A Resource for Elementary and Junior High Science and Technology Teaching

By Dougal MacDonald and Brenda Gustafson (c) 2002

This unit explores the principles and purpose of six simple machines: the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw. Students will come to understand and use such science concepts as how simple machines make work easier, a force is a push or pull, work is done when a force moves an object and the relationship between advantage or loss in force vis-a-vis distance.

Grade level: 3 - 9

PDF Version

From Mixtures to Mendeleev

By Shannon M Gentilini and David W. Blades (c) 2002

A teacher's guide to building classroom community of Grade 5 chemists.

Grade level: 5

PDF Version

Sound, Magnetism and Forces

By Harcharan Pardhan (c) 2001

A concept map if presented by each topic (sound, magnets and forces such as gravity, friction and weight) with lesson plans to present them in the classroom. Inexpensive, readily available materials are used to demonstrate these principles.

Grade level: Multi-level 1 - 8

PDF Version

Buoyancy and Boats

By Dawn Rose & Pat Rowell (c) 1997, 2nd ed.

Children explore the concepts of floating and sinking, and use the ideas they have gained to design, build, and test boats of their own. They are encouraged to use a variety of different found materials, and will have the opportunity to make their boats self-propelled.

Grade level: 2

PDF Version

Building and Testing with a Variety of Materials

By Dawn Rose & Pat Rowell (c) 1997, 2nd ed.

"The Three Little Pigs" and "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" provide the thematic framework for this unit. Children begin by exploring a number of different building materials and techniques, then go on to become bridge engineers, building and testing a variety of different bridge designs.

Grade level: 3

PDF Version

Building and Testing Vehicles That Move

By Dawn Rose and Pat Rowell (c) 1997, 2nd ed.

Children are introduced to simple construction techniques to assist them in desiging and building a wheeled vehicle powered by rubber bands. In addition tot he challenge of creating a vehicle that works, they will looks at the effects of other power sources such as gravity and hand pushing.

Grad level: 4

PDF Version

Everyone Loves a Parade: Electricity and Magnetism Mechanisms Using Electricity

By Dawn Rose and Pat Rowell

This is an integrated unit combining electricity and magnetism with mechanisms using electricity. The students are challenged to design and build a float that lights up and has moving parts powered by electricity.

Grade level: 5

PDF Version

Up, Up and Away: Flight, Air and Aerodynamics

By Dawn Rose and Pat Rowell

This integrated unit combined air and aerodynamics with flight. For centuries people have wished they could fly! Students look at birds, and air, and investigate the many different ways that people have managed to travel aloft.

Grade level: 6

PDF Version

Life and Environmental Sciences

How Does Your Garden Grow? Plant Zones and Climate Change

By Joan Chambers, Betty Macdonald, Anita Parker and Patricia M. Rowell (c) 2004

One of a series of unit supplements that highlights the impact of climate change on the natural world and points to the need for action to reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions. The lessons complement the Grade 4 science topic E: Plant Growth and Changes.

Grade level: 4

PDF Version

The Mountain Pine Beetle and Climate Change

By Joan Chambers, Betty Macdonald, Anita Parker and Patricia M. Rowell (c) 2004

One of a series of unit supplements that highlights the impact of climate change on the natural world and points to the need for action to reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions. The lessons complement the Grade 6 science topic E: Trees and Forests.

Grade level: 6

PDF Version

Orange Wings, Leopard Spots and Climate Change

By Joan Chambers, Betty Macdonald, Anita Parker and Patricia M. Rowell (c) 2004

One of a series of unit supplements that highlights the impact of climate change on the natural world and points to the need for action to reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions. The lessons complement the Grade 2 science topic E: Small Crawling and Flying Animals

Grade level: 2

PDF Version

Pikas, Penguins and Our Big Home

By Joan Chambers, Betty Macdonald, Anita Parker and Patricia M. Rowell (c) 2004

One of a series of unit supplements that highlights the impact of climate change on the natural world and points to the need for action to reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions. The lessons complement the Grade 3 science topic E: Animal Life Cycles.

Grade level: 3

PDF Version

Wetlands Ecosystems and Climate Change

By Joan M. Chambers, Carol Chambers, and Patricia M. Rowell (c) 2004

In a series of 21 lessons including field trips, this resource uses wetlands to teach the dynamics of a specific ecosystem that may be affected by global warming. It explores why wetlands are important investigates the plants and animals dependent on wetlands and the effect on Alberta wetlands of human influence and climate changes.

Grade level: 5

PDF Version Part 1 & Part 2

Plant Growth and Changes

By Sandra Guilbert and Pat Rowell (c) 1997, 2nd ed.

This is a complete unit plan that meets the specific learner expectations of Science program with an emphasis on agriculture. Each lesson is activity based, with opportunities to grow and study a variety of plants.

Grade level: 4

PDF Version

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Changing Seasons? Weather Watch and Climate Change

By Patricia M. Rowell (c) 2004

An instructional resource for teachers focusing on weather watch and climate change. It includes fall, winter, spring and summer dequences of lessons with lessons complementing primarily science topics but also touching on the social studies and language arts program of studies. The scope covers topics such as the effects of the sun's energy on daily and seasonal changes in temperature and the importance of forecasting weather.

Grade level: 5

PDF Version Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3

Mathematics

[Grades 7-9] A Collection of Connections

By Sol Sigurdson and Tom Kieren

What is the connection between mathematics and other fields of study? How can mathematics be connected with observations that students make in their daily lives, even when there is no obvious relationship? Asking “Why does a sled dog curl up?” leads directly to the mathematical idea of how a given volume can have different surface areas by changing its shape. This resource relates to six curriculum areas: rates and ratios, square roots and powers, measurement, geometry, algebra and transformations.

PDF Version

[Grades 1-12] A Trade Book Library for Mathematics: A Mathematics Bibliography of Children's Literature for Elementary and Secondary Schools.

By Gladys Sterenberg and Nancy Espetveidt

A bibliography of children’s literature for teaching and learning mathematics in Alberta elementary and secondary schools. Titles are included because they have well-developed and creative plots and characterizations, use age-appropriate language, and facilitate the reader’s ability to apply the mathematics.

PDF Version

[Grades 7-12] Applying the NCTM Standards in Alberta

Edited by Al Olson and David Reid

This paper seeks to reconcile the NCTM’s recommendations on standards of mathematics teaching with the realities of the classroom by providing activities and ideas which exemplify these teaching reforms. Five papers are included: Writing in the Mathematics Classroom, Classroom Discourse, Discourse with Graphs and Functions, What is a Variable? and Some Worthwhile Mathematical Tasks.

Not currently available

Science

[Grades 7-9] Digital Learning Objects for Science Classrooms

By The King's Center for Visualization in Science

The modules are designed to help students (ages 10 -15) understand the nature of scientific models and how a variety of 'good enough' models can be used to understand the particulate nature of matter, physical change, and chemical change.

The King's Centre for Visualization in Science Website

[Grades 1-8] Experiencing Science Process Skills

By Harcharan Pardhan

Teaching and learning science is exciting and meaningful, when learners and teachers are actively engaged in scientific adventures. This package contains a number of activities to provide opportunities for the learners to become more skilful in science processes.

PDF Version

[Grades 1-8] The Indispensable Plastic Bottle

By Harcharan Pardhan

This collection of hands-on science activities illustrates basic concepts and principles that are taught in most science curricula. Students’ sense of ownership is enhanced by constructing their own apparatus from common, inexpensive materials such as water bottles, jam jars and plastic cups.

PDF Version

[Grades 7-12] Light Tasks for Light Learning with Mirrors

By Harcharan Pardhan and Yasmeen Banoo

Using low-cost, easily available materials, these activities explore five concepts about the nature and properties of light: light carries energy, light travels in straight lines, reflected light is regular or irregular, mirrors can disperse or focus light, the nature of a mirror image depends on the shape of the mirror.

PDF Version

[Grades 4 to 9] Simple Machines

By Dougal MacDonald and Brenda Gustafson

This unit explores the principles and purpose of six simple machines: the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw. Students will come to understand and use such science concepts as how simple machines make work easier, a force is a push or pull, work is done when a force moves an object and the relationship between advantage or loss in force vis-a-vis distance.

PDF Version

[Grades 7-9] Solutions and Substances

By Sun Joo Hur

This resource presents fourteen concepts of chemical solutions in order to introduce the science of chemistry to students. Each concept is supported by one or more activities, each of which includes list of materials, step-by-step instructions, illustrations and a checkpoint.

PDF Version

[Grades 1-8] Sound, Magnetism and Forces

By Harcharan Pardhan

A concept map is presented on each topic (sound, magnets and forces such as gravity, friction and weight) with lesson plans to present them in the classroom. Inexpensive, readily available materials are used to demonstrate these principles

PDF Version

[Grades 4-12] Teacher’s Guide for Using Web-Based Resources in the Science Classroom

By Sun Joo Hur

Increasingly, teachers will need knowledge and skills to keep up with the new information age and effectively teach in the science classroom. This guidebook will be useful for teachers who are interested in the potential of the Web as an effective teaching tool, but who have little working knowledge of web-based resources.

PDF Version

Mathematics

[Grades 10-12] Chaos, Fractals, and Infinity

Edited by Judith Barnes and Thomas Kieren

What happens to the curriculum when new mathematical ideas such as chaos theory and fractal geometry come into play? These seven papers are a collection of background references which a teacher might use to build a curriculum for the classroom. They provide teachers with a variety of ideas and possibilities for student involvement through a series of questions and activities.

Contact CMASTE

[Grades 10-12] Graphing Technology in Senior High School Mathematics

Edited by Lynn Gordon Calvert and Elaine Simmt

Many mathematics teachers are aware of the benefits of using computers and other graphing technologies to motivate their students. In this resource, the work of a number of Alberta teachers shows other ways of sharing the possibilities of graphing technologies in the classroom. Among the worksheets and activities presented are emphases on guided-discover as a means to make connections between algebra and analytical geometry.

Contact CMASTE

[Grades 1-12] A Trade Book Library for Mathematics: A Mathematics Bibliography of Children's Literature for Elementary and Secondary Schools

By Gladys Sterenberg and Nancy Espetveidt

A bibliography of children’s literature for teaching and learning mathematics in Alberta elementary and secondary schools. Titles are included because they have well-developed and creative plots and characterizations, use age-appropriate language, and facilitate the reader’s ability to apply the mathematics.

PDF Version

[Grades 10-12] Try This: Investigative Projects for Senior High Pure Mathematics

By Renee Jackson and Dave Wagner

How can you encourage students to pursue an open-minded, creative and curious attitude towards mathematics? This monograph starts with “what is an investigation and how might they be used in class?” and moves through suggestions of projects, discussions and accompanying bibliography to assist the teacher to explore new approaches in the classroom.

Not currently available

[Grades 10-12] Using Literature in the Secondary School Mathematics Classroom: A Collection of Book Reviews and Teaching Activities

Edited by Elaine Stimmt and Glad Sterenberg

This collection of book reviews explores possible ways, benefits and challenges of using literary resources in secondary school mathematics. Included are picture books, puzzle books, novels and non-fiction writings. For each selection, key story ideas are summarized, explicit links to the mathematical concepts are presented, and teaching ideas are suggested.

Not currently available

[Grades 7-12] Applying the NCTM Standards in Alberta

Edited by Al Olson and David Reid

This paper seeks to reconcile the NCTM’s recommendations on standards of mathematics teaching with the realities of the classroom by providing activities and ideas which exemplify these teaching reforms. Five papers are included: Writing in the Mathematics Classroom, Classroom Discourse, Discourse with Graphs and Functions, What is a Variable? and Some Worthwhile Mathematical Tasks.

Not currently available

Science

[Grades 7-12] Digital Learning Objects for Science Classrooms

By The King's Center for Visualization in Science

The modules are designed to help students (ages 10 -15) understand the nature of scientific models and how a variety of 'good enough' models can be used to understand the particulate nature of matter, physical change, and chemical change.

The King's Center for Visualization in Science Website

[Grades 7-12] Light Tasks for Light Learning with Mirrors

By Harcharan Pardhan and Yasmeen Banoo

Using low-cost, easily available materials, these activities explore five concepts about the nature and properties of light: light carries energy, light travels in straight lines, reflected light is regular or irregular, mirrors can disperse or focus light, the nature of a mirror image depends on the shape of the mirror.

PDF Version

[Grades 10-12] Real Life Problems for Introductory General Physics

By Frank Weichman

This set of problems is intended to develop students’ skills by using physics concepts and principles to solve real-life problems. The problems are directed toward illustrating realistic situations to provide students with a better understanding of the world and the technology around them and to lead them toward the correct approach to problems which otherwise might seem intimidating.

Contact CMASTE

[Grades 4-12] Teacher’s Guide for Using Web-Based Resources in the Science Classroom

By Sun Joo Hur

Increasingly, teachers will need knowledge and skills to keep up with the new information age and effectively teach in the science classroom. This guidebook will be useful for teachers who are interested in the potential of the Web as an effective teaching tool, but who have little working knowledge of web-based resources.

Contact CMASTE

Alberta Innovates is a major supporter of mathematics and science education in Alberta. CMASTE partnered with Alberta Innovates (formerly Alberta Ingenuity) on a number of projects to create lessons that reflect ongoing research in AI research centres. Teachers spend a month or more in an Alberta Innovates research centre where they gather information relevant to Alberta curriculum outcomes. The teachers then write individual lessons that convey the nature and substance of the ongoing research. The individual lessons can be slotted into classroom unit plans as appropriate.

GlycoNet is a Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada that began in 2014. The vision of GlycoNet is to deliver solutions to important health issues and improve quality of life of Canadians through glycomics.

The mission of GlycoNet is to:

  1. ensure that the Network and Canada are internationally recognized as the leader in glycomics research;
  2. deliver exceptional training in glycomics research and entrepreneurship;
  3. bridge the translation gap between research and industry; and
  4. translate research advances into tangible benefits for Canada.

Using teachers from cooperating universities, CMASTE has worked with partner Universities to create the resources to assist in translating the research performed as part of GlycoNet to K-12 learners.

Ryerson University/University of Toronto

Students will discover non-traditional careers in the sciences and create an Adobe Sparks presentation to share their findings.

Envisioning a Career Road Ahead - teacher resource Version française

How to create an Adobe Sparks narrated slideshow Version française

Task 1 & 2: Envisioning a Career Road Ahead - student resource Version française

Task 2: Meet the Scientists - answer key Version française

Task 3: Interview with a scientist assignment Version française

Task 4: Adobe Sparks Career Assignment - rubric Version française

Learn about Ryerson University professor Dr. Warren Wakarchuk and his research in glycobiology.

Career Connection: Dr. Wakarchuk - teacher resource Version française

Career Connection worksheet - student resource Version française

Career Connection worksheet - answer key Version française

Discover how scientists separate mixtures in the laboratory, and use the same principles in a classroom investigation.

Lab Activity: Separation Exploration (Grade 11/12 Version)

Separation Exploration - teacher resource Version française

Separation Exploration - student resource Version française

Ink Chromatography lab report and rubric - student resource Version française

Separation Exploration - answer key Version française

Lab Activity: Separation Exploration (Grade 9 Version)

Separation Exploration - teacher resource Version française

Separation Exploration - student resource Version française

Ink Chromatography lab report and rubric - student resource Version française

Separation Exploration - answer key Version française

Explore the role genetics plays in the worldwide distribution of this enzyme, and use it to remove lactose from milk.

Lab Activity: Amazing Lactase-ing - teacher resource Version française

Lactase - student handout Version française

Lactase Video Lab Questions - teacher version Version française

Lactase Video Lab Questions - student version Version française

Narrative Laboratory Report - guidelines and rubric Version française

Student worksheet for HHMI Video Clips Version française

Learn about the importance of antibiotics and the emerging threat of antibiotic resistance.

Case Study: Antibiotics Version française

Antibiotics - teacher resource Version française

Antibiotics - answer key Version française

Explore the molecular interactions behind the flu.

Exploration: Influenza and Sialic Acid - teacher resource Version française

Influenza and Sialic Acid - questions and answers Version française

Learn more about the blood group antigens and the potential complications they can cause during pregnancy.

Case Study: Pregnancy Version française

Pregnancy - teacher resource Version française

Pregnancy - answer key Version française

This lesson explores the role of biotechnology in treating serious diseases.

Exploration: Therapeutic Proteins - teacher resource Version française

Therapeutic Proteins Website - answer to video questions Version française

University of Saskatchewan

Scientists at the University of Saskatchewan share their career stories and offer advice to students planning careers in the sciences.

Careers Webquest Version française

Careers Webquest - teacher resource Version française

Extension Activity Version française

Students role play to diagnose and suggest treatments for a family’s illness.

Case Study: Diagnostics and PET scans Version française

Explore this issue through a structured debate, and learn more about the protocols researchers must follow when using animals in experiments.

Ethics of Animal Testing Version française

What is cyclodextrin? Find out how this molecule is being used to clean up some of the world’s water.

Lab Investigation: Biofiltration Version française

Lab Investigation: Biofiltration - teacher resource Version française

Université Laval

Use this interactive timeline to explore how our understanding of this disease has changed through time.

HIV/AIDS Through Time Version française

HIV/AIDS Through Time TR Version française

Learn more about the development of vaccines and their components.

Manufacturing a Vaccine Version française

Manufacturing a Vaccine TR Version française

Follow Dr. Denis Giguère's career path and learn about the research going on in his lab.

Career Connection: Dr. Giguère Version française

Career Connection: Dr. Giguère TR Version française

How does a molecule discovered in a lab become a drug on our pharmacy shelves? Find out in this lesson.

Bringing New Drugs to Market Version française

Bringing New Drugs to Market TR Version française

Bringing New Drugs to Market (Rubric) Version française

Examine how infectious diseases interact with the immune system, and why vaccines can help.

Exploration Activity: Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Version française

Exploration Activity: Pathogen Quest TR Version française

Exploration Activity: Vaccination Video Questions Version française

Exploration Activity: Vaccination Video Questions TR Version française

Find out how molecules are made in the lab, and how researchers can “see” them.

Lab Activity: Seeing the Unseeable! Version française

Lab Activity: Seeing the Unseeable! TR Version française

Lab Activity: Teacher’s Guide Version française

Lab Technician Guide Version française

Pre-Lab Handout Version française

How much should a new drug cost? Explore several viewpoints in this activity.

Student Debate: Drug Affordability and Accessibility Version française

Learn how Dr. Sato found her calling.

Career Connection: Dr. Sato Version française

Career Connection: Dr. Sato TR Version française

Student Document Version française

Student Document TR Version française

University of Alberta

Explore functional groups and isomerism, and learn more about the chemistry of the thalidomide tragedy.

Case Study: Improving Human Health Version française

Case Study: Improving Human Health TR Version française

Case Study: Improving Human Health (Answer Key) Version française

An interdisciplinary activity on transcription, translation, and the chemical properties of amino acids.

Exploration: Searching for Answers at the Speed of Google Version française

Exploration: Searching for Answers at the Speed of Google TR Version française

Exploration: Searching for Answers at the Speed of Google (Answer Key) Version française

Exploration: Peer Assessment Rubric Version française

Students will learn about intermolecular forces by examining how fluids interact with different surfaces.

Lab Investigation: Factors Influencing Solvent Flow Version française

Lab Investigation: Factors Influencing Solvent Flow TR Version française

Lab Investigation: Factors Influencing Solvent Flow (Student Example) Version française

Lab Investigation: Factors Influencing Solvent Flow (Rubric) Version française

Lab Investigation: Report Guide Version française

Many molecules interact with receptors located on the cell membrane - learn why understanding this process is essential for discovering new drugs.

Webquest: Cell Membranes Version française

Webquest: Cell Membranes and Medicines TR Version française

Webquest: Cell Membrane and Medicines (Answer Key) Version française

Examine transcription and translation in the context of bacteriophages, a tool used to build large peptide libraries.

Exploration: Making Bacteriophage Version française

Exploration: Making Bacteriophage TR Version française

Exploration: Making Bacteriophage (Rubric/Answer Key) Version française

Exploration: Making Bacteriophage (Appendix 1) Version française

Exploration: Making Bacteriophage (Appendix 2) Version française

Discover a simple low-cost solution for culturing bacteria in resource-limited environments.

Adapted Primary Literature: Paper and Tape Microorganism Detectors Version française

Adapted Primary Literature: Paper and Tape Microorganism Detectors TR Version française

Adapted Primary Literature: Adapted Document Version française

Adapted Primary Literature: Original Document Version française

Find out how protein structure is determined by building a Papier Mâché model.

Protein Structure Papier Mâché Version française

Protein Structure Papier Mâché TR Version française

Create a classroom awareness campaign about the importance of vaccination.

Webquest: Vaccination Version française

Webquest: Vaccination TR Version française

Webquest: Vaccination (Rubric) Version française

Grade 4 - Plant Growth and Changes

1. Nano Comic

Here is a great comic to start the discussion of surface area Quantum Quest - A Cupful of Nano.

2. Surface Area Diagram

Image showing surface area of "regular" and "mini" marshmellows.

3. Watch Video

Show the Science Alberta Foundation video “Do You Know What Nano Means?”

4. Activity: Observing

Student Sheet for observing and predicting two types of leaves

  1. Use lotus leaves or leaves from plants that exhibit the lotus effect (kale, begonia water lily, nasturtium)
  2. Use leaves of various plant varieties that don’t show the lotus effect (lettuce, spinach, geranium, sunflower, strawberry)

5. Nano resources: NANOYOU

NANOYOU is a European nanoscience resource page that has presentations and posters, virtual and hands-on activities, and dialogue and games all about nanoscience topics.

Grade 5 - Classroom Chemistry

1. Read Article

Read this article on sunscreen to hear about nanoparticles at work: Do Nanoparticles and Sunscreen Mix?

2. Watch Video

Here is a short video from Dragonfly TV (PBS) with a demonstration on the effectiveness of sunscreens: Sunscreen by Aaron and Justin.

3. Activity: Demonstration

You can complete a similar investigation using newspaper as well.

4. Nano resources: NANOYOU

NANOYOU is a European nanoscience resource page that has presentations and posters, virtual and hands-on activities, and dialogue and games all about nanoscience topics.

Grade 6 - Trees and Forests

1. Nano Comic

Here is a great comic to start the discussion of carbon nanotubes: Quantum Quest: Enter the Nanotube

2. Nanotechnology in the Forest Sector

Click here to read about how Natural Resources Canada uses nanotechnology.

3. Watch Video

Show the Science Alberta Foundation video “Do You Know What Nano Means?”

4. Activity: Nanotechnology Basics

Here is a hands on activity student sheet to introduce how small a nanometre really is.

Grade 7 - Interactions and Ecosystems

Smart Dust

1. Review the terms ‘nano’ and ‘nanometre’

Nano: is the scientific term meaning one-billionth (1/1,000,000,000). It comes from the Greek word meaning “dwarf”.

Nanometre is one one-billionth of a metre. One centimetre equals 10 million nanometres (nm). A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nm thick. A human hair measures roughly 50,000-100,000 nm across. A fingernail grows at a rate of one nm per second.

2. Watch Video

View this video about motes (smart dust) to inspire ideas and activities.

3. Activity: Think, Pair, Share

Provide students with a copy of the student sheet to answer questions on motes (smart dust).

Grade 8 - Light and Optical Systems

1. Activity: Nanovision

Materials:

  1. Magnifying glass
  2. Dissecting microscope (either on projector or in groups)
  3. Light Compound Microscope (ether on projector or in groups)
  4. Student Sheet
  5. Images from SEM (provided)
  6. Ruler
  7. Graphene
  8. Pencil lead
  9. Clear Tape

*This can be completed in shorter time if done as a class rather than in groups.

2. Review the following terms:

  • Nano is the scientific term meaning one-billionth (1/1,000,000,000). It comes from the Greek word meaning “dwarf”.
  • A nanometre is one one-billionth of a metre. One centimetre equals 10 million nanometres (nm). A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nm thick. A human hair measures roughly 50,000-100,000 nm across. A fingernail grows at a rate of one nm per second.

Review the terminology related to object size—centimetre, millimetre, micrometre, nanometre—and their relative relationship to each other. Magnifying glasses and microscopes are used to make smaller objects appear larger.

Even the simplest optical system, the human eye, depends on lenses and light-activated detectors. Depending on the sophistication of the optical system, smaller and smaller objects can be observed using magnifiers and microscopes. But just how small can optical systems allow us to see? This activity takes students through the technological steps from unaided vision to microscopes and beyond, introducing them to the science and technology associated with nanoscale objects. This activity may be used to introduce students to basic optical instrumentation while searching for the very small.

3. In groups of three:

  1. Inspect small grains of graphite (Use a file or sandpaper to scratch off some pencil graphite mixture. Try to choose the smallest grains for observation.)
  2. Estimate thickness of a grain. (Record on student sheet)
  3. Students then examine the grain with a magnifying glass. They should observe that moving the magnifying glass further away from or closer to the sample will result in larger or smaller images, improving the magnification. At optimal magnification, students should again estimate the size of the hair and record it on the Student Sheet. If there is texture, this may be drawn as well.

4. Using dissecting microscope:

  1. Using a dissecting microscope, students repeat their observation of the grain.
  2. If the microscopes have calibrated eyepieces, then the size of the grain can be better estimated. Record any observations and the estimated size of the grain.

5. View the grain using a light compound microscope:

  1. What other things can the student see using this piece of equipment?

6. Display image taken with SEM of single grains of graphite and record observations

7. Obtain a single layer of graphene.

Steps are in this video: Making Graphene 101

8. Observe the single layer of graphene under the dissecting microscope and discuss observations.

Alternatively, use these photographs of prepared graphene.

9. Observe same sample under a light compound microscope and discuss observations.

10. Display SEM images of single layer of graphene and discuss observations.

SEM Sample:

Atomic Force Microscope Sample:

Grade 9 - Matter and Chemical Change

1. Watch Video - When Things Get Small

This is an Emmy Award winning video (28 minutes) that describes nanoscience in a fun and creative way, but also with outstanding science connections and accuracy.

What could a stadium-sized bowl of peanuts, a shrinking elephant, and a crazed hockey player have to do with nanoscience? Those are just a few of the goofy excursions that await you when witty host Adam Smith and wacky physicist Ivan Schuller take you on an irreverent, madcap, comically corny romp into the real-life quest to create the smallest magnet ever known.

2. Carbons Nanocaper

Discuss the following points prior to completing any of the learning objects.

  1. Review the terms ‘nano’ and ‘nanotechnology’
  2. Introduce the idea of carbon and carbon atoms
    1. Where is carbon found?
    2. Why is carbon so important?
    3. How can you put carbon atoms together to create different substances, allotropes, or forms?
    4. Show samples of different forms of carbon common to everyday experience (e.g. Graphite for pencils, charcoal, coal, and diamond).

Learning Object - Option 1

*Requires mini marshmallows and toothpicks

1. Create a model of carbon using marshmallows and toothpicks

2. Combine carbon models to form graphite by adding four rings together.

3. If time allows, a number of groups of students could connect their 6-ring structures to form a sheet of rings. This is a model of graphene that fits current evidence.

Learning Object – Option 2

Use the below Graphene Student sheet and Nanotube Student Sheet to complete the activity of creating a nanotube structure.

  1. In groups of 3, create a ‘zigzag’ nanotube
  2. Create an armchair nanotube

Learning Object – Option 3

*Requires copies of buckyball shapes

  1. In groups of 3, complete either the pentagon or hexagon buckyball from the Smithsonian Institution

(Have half the groups do the pentagon and the other half do the hexagon).

Science 10: Cycling of Matter in Living Systems

1. Powerpoint Introduction to Nanoscience

Student resourse produced by Nanosense (SRI International). Click on below image for link to Powerpoint presentation.

Click on below image for link to Teacher Notes (PDF) for the powerpoint presentation.

2. Learning Object

* Discussion as part of Unit C, Section 2.5. Ensure students understand cell transport and associated terminology.

  1. Have students read Student Sheet: Biomarkers, Quantum dots, and nanoshells.
  2. Think, Pair, Share: Other areas, beyond cancer that this nanotechnology could be used. Think inside the cell!

3. Learning Object

* Discussion as part of Unit D, awareness of limited fresh water.

  1. Have students read Student Sheet: Membranes for water purification, desalination
  2. Read article: http://nanotechnologytoday.blogspot.ca/2006/11/nanotech-water-desalination-membrane.html

In Groups of 3, come up with creative strategy to overcome the fresh water issue. 10 minutes to plan, 2 minutes per group to present, 2 minutes for class to determine pros and cons for that strategy.

Chemistry 20 - The Diversity of Matter and Chemical Bonding

1. Learning Object – Chemistry 20

* To be done with Chemical Bonding Unit when discussing intermolecular bonds.

**Reduce time and cost, if one class does gluing, that step may be skipped with future classes.

  1. Review intermolecular and intramolecular bonding and discuss weaknesses
  2. Using LEGO, magnets and super glue; glue magnets to various lego pieces.
  3. Instructions are on Student Sheet on page 9.

Biology 30 - Cell Division, Genetics, and Molecular Biology

**Need to attach Quantum Dot Article and Appendix A from Grade 12 as printable sheets

Learning Object 1

  1. Discuss ‘What are Quantum Dots’ and ‘How do they work’ (pg 3)
  2. Watch Video: http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology/videos/Kavli_Foundation_Introduction_to_Nanoscience.php
  3. Quantum Dot Simulation (page 4)
  4. In groups of 3, assign each group one of the following websites (10 minutes)
  5. 2 minutes per group to present, 2 minutes for class discussion per presentation.

Learning Object 2

Simulation/model of how the microfluidic flow works in a Lab on a Chip (LOC)

You can do this as a demo (prepare the chip a couple of days in advance) or as a lab.

  1. Discuss what LOC’s are. (as part of the ______unit)
  2. Follow instructions on Appendix A.

Elementary Resources

The following resources were developed by student teachers in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP). This was part of an EDEL 330 assignment to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives. They represent sample student lesson plans which utilise an Aboriginal science point of view. The authors have shared these in order for teachers to use or modify in their own community. The names of the authors and specific author requests are to be honoured when using this material.

1. [Grade 5/6] Human activity and wetland ecosystems

Authors: Priscilla Cardinal, Melissa Cardinal, Lynette Stone, Carole Kamieniecki

PDF Version

2. [Grade 5/6] Let's Approach Science from an Aboriginal Perspective

Authors: Shannon Houle & Crystal Lameman

Author's request: Explicit instructions on the Aboriginal sacredness and respect is required for this material. If non-Indigenous people wish to use it, the authors request an Indigenous Elder or Traditional Indigenous person be consulted and/or present. It must remain with good intentions & never exploited.

PDF Version

3. [Grade 1] Color: Where it all Began

Author: Joyce Vandermaas

PDF Version

4. [Grades 1-6] Useful References and Links

These references have been used by science student teachers in the ATEP program (Aboriginal Teacher Education Program). Student teachers are encouraged to submit more recent references for updates as they appear. Submissions can be sent to Dr. Frank Elliott (felliott@ualberta.ca) or to CMASTE (cmaste@ualberta.ca).

Word Version