This series of activities in this unit provides background knowledge for students to ultimately understand the science of papermaking at a molecular level. These activities will include learning about carbohydrates, building models to demonstrate how polysaccharides form in condensation reactions, watching videos describing the general steps in the papermaking process, and learning about how additives to pulp can enhance the overall strength of a finished paper product. This knowledge will be used to provide the tools for students to explore papermaking in an inquiry-based format. Upon demonstration of the basics of making handmade paper with a papermaking kit, students will be challenged to change variables to determine which set of parameters results in the highest quality paper. This will truly be engineering design, but at the molecular level.

These are source data and an article from the Journal "Nature" to use with students for anchoring the effects of Global Climate change on ice durations of local lakes. The article describes ice conditions and methadologies of 6 Wisconsin Lakes. There are links to raw data that can be used to generate graphs and develop sensemaking for students.  

Physics Classroom is intended for beginning physics/physical science students of all ages and their teachers. It offers a tutorial, interactives, concept builders, Shockwave studios, multimedia studios, and much more. This free web-site contains lessons, interactives, simulations, photo galleries, laboratory exercises, and the option to purchase additional assessment materials/ and for educators.