middle school curriculum topics
Biotechnology
This curriculum unit allows students to explore the diverse field of biotechnology through a simulation of a veterinary health issue. Students must test, diagnose and make treatment recommendations for Sparky the cat. Through the process, students discover and apply their knowledge of genetics, heredity, DNA, dominant and recessive traits, Mendel’s Laws, punnet squares and more to understand current and future uses of biotechnology.
Chemistry with a Conscience
This project based learning unit places students in the role of chemists creating shampoo. Students are introduced to green chemistry and sustainability alongside a variety of NGSS aligned physical science concepts and practices: acids, bases, pH, reactions, solutions, etc.
Enrichment
The lessons featured have been designed to introduce green chemistry and sustainable science at community outreach events and tailored to informal educators. Each lesson may be adapted to various level, settings and timeframes.
Green Math & Engineering
This is a STEM unit designed to empower students to be innovators as they design their own prototype home. Students use math, engineering and sustainable science criteria to make informed decisions using data, solve problems and understand the real-world impact of building materials.
Sustainable Invention
This Sustainable Invention: An Exploration of Bioplastics unit has been developed to introduce middle school students and educators to sustainable invention and green chemistry principles. This unit builds on the Green Chemistry JVInvenTeamsTM Activity Guide. This Sustainable Invention unit seeks to further work to address the challenges of integrating invention education into middle school science curricula and advance STEM pedagogy.
Sustainability & STEM
This STEM unit features interactive labs and activities based on examples of sustainable design from leading industry innovators: Steelcase Inc., Ecovative and Sharklet. Students are introduced to a more environmentally-friendly polyester manufacturing process, mushroom materials and material that mimics shark’s skin by preventing bacteria from growing. By utilizing engineering practices and green chemistry principles, students design a replacement to traditional cell phone cases using renewable resources.
Inventing Green
The new JV InvenTeam Green Chemistry Activity Guide will encourage students to use green chemistry principles to invent bioplastics. Students will learn how chemists can apply green chemistry principles to invent products and materials that reduce harmful impacts on humans and the environment. Educators and students will be lead through a 7-part project to explore sustainable invention.
