Middle School STEM Modules
The goal of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Mobile Laboratory is to provide equipment and the learning environment ideal for helping students understand and solidify fundamental scientific theories in physics, biology and chemistry alongside hands-on experimentation. Listed below are the various science modules performed with students.
Modules
 |
DNA: Exposed! (6th & 7th)Students will be introduced to basic molecular biology skills in this activity. Using strawberries as a starting material, students will isolate and precipitate the strawberry DNA. Students will be able to take the strawberry DNA with them!
|
 |
Macroinvertebrate Identification (6th & 7th)Students will identify a diverse array of macroinvertebrates native to the Rio Grande Valley by their morphology and will classify them following taxonomic guidelines. This activity will introduce students to entomology and taxonomy.
|
 |
Serial Dilutions and Plate Streaking (8th & 9th)When microbiologists culture bacteria or fungi, they perform serial dilutions and plate streaking to isolate colony-forming units. During this activity, students will learn these crucial microbiology skills and culture their own bacterial colonies.
|
 |
Cabbage pH Indicator (8th and 9th)Scientists use pH indicators to determine the acidity or alkalinity of substances. Students will make their own pH indicator using cabbage and determine the identity of 3 unknown samples.
|
 |
Electrochemistry (6th and 7th)Students will perform an oxidation-reduction chemical reaction. As the reaction takes place, students will observe how the movement of electrons from one element to another generates electricity.
|
|
The Magnetic Motor (6th & 7th)This activity will introduce students to the relationship between magnetism and electricity and allow them to explore the wonders of engineering! Students will experiment with one of the applications of magnetism and build their own magnetic motor.
|
 |
Voltage and Resistance (8th & 9th)Students will apply Ohm’s law in this activity by experimenting with the use of different resistors and their effect on the voltage of a simple circuit. This activity will allow students to have a hands-on experience of the relationship between voltage and resistance.
|