This page introduces science teaching materials and experiment methods that I’ve created. Originally intended as personal notes, each one is designed to be easy to use in real classes and incorporates ideas to spark students’ interest.
Table of Contents:
1. Junior High School Science Materials– Content for junior high school teachers to use in class preparation.
2. Inquiry-Based Science Materials for Junior & Senior High– Experiments that encourage deep thinking and trial and error. Can be used in both junior and senior high school.
3. High School Physics Materials– Content that helps students feel and understand the laws of physics more directly. Includes video lessons and digital physics materials for students.
I also post science videos on Youtube.
I’ve also written various reference books, so please feel free to check them out.
Junior High School Science Materials
Science experiments are full of exciting moments. However, the preparation can be surprisingly time-consuming. For example, measuring out reagents, gathering equipment, and running multiple trials to find the best conditions… I struggled with this too when I first started teaching, but I’ve learned a lot from other teachers along the way. While the teacher’s guide provides notes on preparation, it doesn’t tell you how many of each item you need, or which parts students should do versus what the teacher should prepare beforehand. Some teachers even give up on experiments due to the sheer busyness of their schedules…
With my experience, I’ve compiled a list of experiment tips. I hope this helps you prepare for experiments in less time, reduces your workload, and gives you more time to spend with your students. I’d be happy if this can be a small catalyst for change.
7th Grade
🟢 Biology (Plants & Animals)
📌 Plant Functions
- Plant Scavenger Hunt (A Walk) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Observing a Cherry Blossom Leaf 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Structure of a Flower (Azalea / Rapeseed) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Observing a Dandelion 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Structure of a Fruit and Seed (Vicia amoena / Peanut) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Observing the Roots of a Radish Sprout 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Structure of Houttuynia cordata Roots and Leaves (Dicotyledon) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Structure of Foxtail Roots and Leaves (Monocotyledon) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Observing a Pine Tree 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Structure of Plantago asiatica Roots and Leaves (A Mystery!?) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Observing Ferns 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Observing Liverworts 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Classification of Plants 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Classification of Animals (Daiso Cards) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Classification of Animals (Animal Figurines)7th Grade⭐︎
- Dissecting a Dried Sardine (Observing the Backbone) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Dissecting a Clam 7th Grade ⭐︎
🔵 Earth Science (Volcanoes & Earthquakes)
📌 Earth’s Structure and Change
- Observing Volcanic Ejecta (Volcanic Ash) 7th Grade⭐︎
- Popcorn and Volcanoes 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Volcanic Viscosity and Shape 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Classifying Volcanic Rocks and Plutonic Rocks 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Volcanic and Plutonic Rock Model Experiment with Hypo 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Transmission and Spread of Seismic Waves 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Overlaying Historical Earthquake Magnitudes on Google Earth 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Observing Liquefaction 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Longitudinal and Transverse Wave Experiment (S-waves & P-waves) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Faults 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Observing Sedimentation of Strata (Making layers with sand and water) ⭐︎
- Observing Fossils
🟡 Physics (Force, Motion, Electricity, Waves, Energy)
📌 Waves (Sound, Light, Vibration)
- Mirror Play with a Hand Mirror (Card Mirror) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Using a Half-Mirror to Check the Location of an Image ⭐︎
- Light Reflection Law Experiment (Relationship between Angle of Incidence and Angle of Reflection) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Full-Length Mirror ⭐︎
- Light Refraction Experiment (Comparing Refraction in Air, Water, and Glass) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Make Sure to Properly Teach Huygens’ Principle!7th Grade⭐︎
- Using a Water Tank for Optics 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Light Refraction with a Trapezoidal Glass ⭐︎
- Refraction Experiment with Pins 7th Grade⭐︎
- Detective Conan and Lenses ⭐︎
- Bowl and Coin 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Water CMY Cube 7th Grade ⭐︎
- How Lenses Work
- Observing Real and Virtual Images with a Convex Lens (Optical Bench) 7th Grade
- Let’s Make a Model of an Eye 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Additive Color (Three Primary Colors of Light) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Subtractive Color (Three Primary Colors of Color) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Dispersion of Light with a Prism ⭐︎
- Dispersion of Light with a Plastic Bottle
- Sound Transmission Experiment (Spoon) (Comparing Air, Water, and Solids) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Sound Transmission (Vacuum Pump) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Relationship between Pitch and String Length (Monochord)
- Digital Oscilloscope 7th Grade⭐︎
📌 Force and Motion
- Hooke’s Law⭐︎ 7th Grade
- Equilibrium of Forces (Rigid Body Equilibrium)⭐︎ 7th Grade・9th Grade・11th Grade
🟠 Chemistry (Matter, Chemical Changes, Acids & Bases)
📌 Properties of Matter
- Distinguishing White Powders 7th Grade
- Measuring Density 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Oxygen Generation and Properties of Oxygen 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Carbon Dioxide Generation and Properties 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Hydrogen Generation and Properties 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Ammonia Fountain 7th Grade ⭐︎
- State Change from Liquid to Solid “Wax” 7th Grade
- State Change of Ethanol (Volume Change) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Palmitic Acid State Change (Evaporation, Condensation, Boiling) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Distilling Wine (Separation of Mixtures (Filtration, Distillation)) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- How Sugar Dissolves (Observing Coffee Sugar dissolving – Solubility) 7th Grade ⭐︎
- Recrystallization (Sodium Chloride, Potassium Nitrate) 7th Grade ⭐︎
8th Grade
🟢 Biology (Plants & Animals)
The Saliva Experiment is particularly tricky!
- Observing Microorganisms 8th Grade ⭐︎
- Microscope Observation of Organisms Canadian Waterweed⭐︎ Onion⭐︎ Human Cheek Cells⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Observing Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms Observing Microorganisms⭐︎ Purple Tradescantia⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Proving Photosynthesis (Starch Production) Canadian Waterweed⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Substances Used in Photosynthesis with Canadian Waterweed⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Observing Transpiration (The Function of Stomata) with Purple Tradescantia⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Let’s check if plants are respiring 8th Grade
- Relationship between Transpiration and Water Absorption⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Structure of a Leaf Observing a Leaf’s Cross-Section⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Structure and Function of Stems and Roots (Xylem and Phloem) Corn⭐︎ 8th Grade
- How to Use a Microscope and Observe Cells (Onion Epidermal Cells)
📌 Animal Functions
- Digestive Enzyme Experiment (Function of Saliva)⭐︎ Detailed explanation of how to save time, etc. 8th Grade
- Lung Model⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Blood Circulation in a Medaka Fish⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Heart Model⭐︎ with a Fuel Pump 8th Grade
- Dissecting a Pig’s Heart⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Let’s examine the structure of bones and muscles with a chicken wing 8th Grade
- Dissecting and Observing a Pig’s Eyeball⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Let’s Make a Model of a Squid’s Eye⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Observing a Chicken’s Brain ⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Animal Nerves and Reactions (Ruler Drop Test) Reaction speed ⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Bill Catch (Reaction Speed)
- Let’s measure reaction time by holding hands 8th Grade
- Let’s examine the structure of a fish’s body Dissecting a Saury ⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Dissecting a Squid ⭐︎ 8th Grade
🔵 Earth Science (Weather)
📌 Meteorology and Weather
- Weather Observation 8th Grade
- Feel the Air Pressure Suction Cup⭐︎・
- Newspaper and Chopstick Trick 8th Grade
- Mass of Air 8th Grade
- Watching Weather Maps in Motion 8th Grade
- Measuring Dew Point ⭐︎ 8th Grade
- How Clouds Form (using the “Shuposhupo-kun” model) ⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Front Experiment (with the “Miruso” model)⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Observing Streak Clouds 8th Grade
🟡 Physics (Force, Motion, Electricity, Waves, Energy)
📌 Electricity and Magnetism
- Current in a Light Bulb and Motor Series and Parallel Circuits 8th Grade
- Voltage Series Circuit⭐︎・Parallel Circuit⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Let’s Make a Model! Current and Voltage
- Ohm’s Law Experiment⭐︎ (Relationship between Current, Voltage, and Resistance) 8th Grade
- How to Connect Resistors and Resistance Value⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Observing Magnetic Fields Magnets⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Magnetic Fields Created by Current⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Force Exerted on a Current by a Magnetic Field⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Motor Mechanism Experiment (Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule)⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Electromagnetic Induction⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Observing Alternating Current⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Force of Static Electricity⭐︎ 8th Grade
- How a Copy Machine Works⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Lighting a Fluorescent Lamp with Static Electricity⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Observing Cathode Rays⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Observing Radiation⭐︎ 8th Grade
🟠 Chemistry (Matter, Chemical Changes, Acids & Bases)
📌 Chemical Changes and Gas Properties
- Thermal Decomposition of Silver Oxide⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate ⭐︎8th Grade
- Let’s Make Karumeyaki (Japanese Sponge Candy)! 8th Grade
- Electrolysis of Water (Electrolysis)⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Periodicity of the Periodic Table⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Element Bingo ⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Combustion of Metals Magnesium⭐︎ Steel Wool⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Oxidation and Reduction Experiment (Oxidation of Copper, Reduction of Copper Oxide)⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Heating Iron and Sulfur ⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Making a Hand Warmer (Exothermic Reaction)⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Endothermic Reaction⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Law of Conservation of Mass Experiment (Measuring Mass Before and After a Chemical Reaction)⭐︎ 8th Grade
- Mass of Copper Oxide (Law of Definite Proportions)⭐︎ 8th Grade
9th Grade
🟢 Biology (Plants & Animals)
📌 Genetics and Evolution
- Mitosis 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Asexual Reproduction Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri⭐︎ Mother of Thousands⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Changes in Pollinated Pollen 9th Grade
- Observing Sea Urchin Development 9th Grade
- Inheritance of Traits Law of Inheritance Model Experiment (using Go stones)⭐︎ 9th Grade
- DNA Extraction Experiment (Banana, Onion) 9th Grade
- Organisms in the Soil Tullgren Funnel⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Function of Microorganisms Agar Plate Culture⭐︎ 9th Grade
🔵 Earth Science (Earth, Weather, Universe)
📌 Universe
- Sun’s Daily Motion (Transparent Hemisphere)⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Stars’ Daily Motion (Stellarium Simulation)⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Seasonal Constellations and Earth’s Revolution (Head Earth) 9th Grade
- Angle of Sunlight and Temperature Change 9th Grade
- Observing the Moon (Smart Telescope)⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Moon Phases Experiment (Recreating with a model)⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Venus Apparent Motion Model Experiment⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Observing Sunspots (Smart Telescope)⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Scaled Model of Planet Sizes and Positions (1 Dot) 9th Grade
🟡 Physics (Force, Motion, Electricity, Waves, Energy)
📌 Force and Motion
- Equilibrium of Forces (Rigid Body Equilibrium)⭐︎ 7th Grade・9th Grade・11th Grade
- Composition and Resolution of Forces (Thinking about Force Direction and Magnitude with Vectors) 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Measuring Water Pressure 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Measuring Buoyancy 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Detective Conan and Buoyancy 9th Grade
- Can a Bowling Ball Float? 9th Grade
- How to Use a Ticker Tape Timer (Analyzing Walking) 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Motion of an Object on an Inclined Plane 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Motion without Force (Horizontal Surface) 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Motion due to Gravity (Free Fall) with a Ticker Tape Timer 9th Grade
- Let’s Experience Inertia 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Law of Action and Reaction 9th Grade
- Principle of Work: Pulley Experiment (Difference between Fixed and Movable Pulleys and Change in Action) 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Lever Experiment (Investigating the relationship between the fulcrum, effort, and load) 9th Grade
- Kinetic Energy and Work 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Potential Energy and Work 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy Experiment (Pendulum) (Energy change after collision) 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Energy Conversion 9th Grade
🟠 Chemistry (Matter, Chemical Changes, Acids & Bases)
📌 Chemical Changes and Gas Properties
- Conductive Solutions 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Electrolysis of Copper Chloride 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Flame Test Experiment (Sodium, Copper, Calcium, etc.) 9th Grade 10th Grade⭐︎
- Electrolysis of Hydrochloric Acid 9th Grade
- Metals’ Tendency to Ionize 9th Grade ⭐︎
- Voltaic Pile⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Daniell Cell⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Lemon Battery⭐︎ Charcoal Battery⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Acidity, Neutrality, and Alkalinity of Solutions ⭐︎ 9th Grade
- The True Nature of Acids and Alkalies (Electrophoresis)⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Let’s measure the pH of things around us 9th Grade
- Neutralization Reaction Experiment (Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide)⭐︎ 9th Grade
- Neutralization Method using Barium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid⭐︎ 9th Grade
Unit 6 Conclusion / Other
Other
・Scratch Interactive Materials Materials using Scratch
・Geogebra Materials Materials using Geogebra
Inquiry-Based Materials (for Junior & Senior High)
I’ve developed materials that incorporate inquiry-based learning. If you have a chance to try them, please let me know!
Inquiry Level based on Banchi & Bell (2008), revised diagram
・Inquiry Material: “Can We Achieve Constant Velocity Linear Motion!?” Level 3
・Inquiry Material: “Considering Power Transmission Loss” (with Teacher’s Guide & Worksheet) Level 2
・Inquiry Material: “The Physics of Traffic Rules” (with Teacher’s Guide & Worksheet) Level 2 Emphasis on the “Expression and Communication” step of inquiry
・Material Development Seminar Level 4