Content Standards and Subject Area Index

The top eight categories on this page fit the National Science Education Standards. The final four categories, while subsumed within NSES content, are here listed separately to help you find what you're looking for. You'll notice that most TOPS titles fit multiple categories.

Contents

UNIFYING CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES:
(Systems, evidence, models, explanations, change...)

(K-12) Perfect Balance #31 : Force times pivot distance, on one side of a balanced beam, equals force times distance on the opposite side.
(K-12) Diving into Pressure & Buoyancy #200 : Pressure acts in all directions within a fluid and increases with depth.
(3-8) Electricity #32 : Electrons move from the negative end of a battery to the positive end through closed circuits, following paths of least resistance.
(3-8) Magnetism #33 : Like poles repel, unlike poles attract. North on a compass is attracted to magnetic north because Earth is a giant mislabeled magnet.
(3-8) Animal Survival #37 : Animal adaptations are driven by natural selection. Successful survival strategies pass from generation to generation.
(3-8) Radishes #38 : Grow your own radishes. Eat sunlight!
(3-10) Global TOPS #91 : You don't need fancy equipment to teach solid science. Fifteen everyday materials drive 100 hands-on, minds-on experiments.
(4-12) Corn & Beans #39 : Flowering plants are traditionally divided into two classes -- monocots and dicots.
(5-9) Metric Measuring #35 : Metric logic derives from a one centimeter cube of water that occupies a volume of one milliliter, and has a mass of one gram.
(5-10) Focus Pocus #42 : Water drops are shaped like tiny convex lenses. They are powerful magnifiers with short focal lengths.
(5-10) Weighing #05 : An equal-arm balance measures mass. A spring balance measures weight.
(5-10) Analysis #10 : Common household substances have acid-base properties which may be investigated with comon household pH indicators.
(5-12) Pi In the Sky #45 : Objects appear as large as the angle they subtend in your field of view. Thus, you can hide the Sun with your thumb.
(5-12) Scale the Universe #44 : Understand your place in the universe - where you fit into grand scales of space and time.
(6-10) More Metrics #36: Reach easy familiarity with commonly used metric units - meters, grams and liters - plus six commonly used derivatives.
(6-10) Measuring Length #02 : The language of metric lengths is based on decimal logic. To multiply or divide, move the decimal right or left.
(6-10) Graphing #03 : Relate the abstract shape of graph lines (straight and curved), to the concrete shape of containers (straight and curved).
(6-10) Probability #08 : Sample spaces predict ideal frequency distributions, but only after many rolls of the dice (thousands of outcomes).
(6-10) Oxidation #11 : What do a burning candle, a living person, and a rusting nail have in common?
(6-10) Solutions #12 : The diminishing size of dissolved particles determines the nature of suspensions, colloidal dispersions and true solutions.
(6-10) Cohesion/Adhesion #13 : Model hydrogen bonding - how water holds itself together.
(6-10) Balancing #04 : The sum of products (weight x pivot distance) on one side of a balance beam equals the sum of these products on the opposite side.
(6-11) Light #17 : Light behaves both as a particle and as a wave.
(6-12) Rocks and Minerals #23 : Identify igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Subdivide them by geological formation.
(7-12) Earth, Moon & Sun #40 : Model our rotating, tilted Earth. Understand why night follows day, how season follows season.
(7-12) Planets & Stars #41 : Pace off a model solar system in astronomical units (0.1 AU, 0.2 AU, 0.3 AU...), from a tennis-ball Sun to the specks and pebbles representing the planets to scale. Marvel at all the empty space.
(7-12) Math Lab # 07 : Induction says that what is true for the particulars is true in general. Such claims, while reasonable, are never absolutely certain.
(7-12) Floating and Sinking # 09 : Floating objects displace their own weight of the liquid in which they float. Sinking objects sink before this happens.
(7-12) Kinetic Model # 14 : Matter exists as a solid, liquid, or gas, depending on temperature.
(7-12) Pressure # 16 : Pressure is a Force distributed uniformly over an Area (P = F/A).
(7-12) Sound # 18 : Sound is transmitted by the mechanical vibration of matter.
(7-12) Motion # 21 : Objects at rest tend to stay at rest and objects in motion tend to stay in motion - unless acted upon by unbalanced forces.
(7-12) Machines # 22 : Machines give a force or distance advantage, but never save work.
(8-12) Pendulums # 01 : Explore change, constancy, measurement and pattern in pendulum systems.
(8-12) Metric Measure # 06 : Construct a centimeter cube made from paper. One cm equals its length. One ml equals its volume. One gram equals its mass (when filled with water).
(8-12) Heat # 15 : Radiating heat is a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to radio waves, light, and gamma rays.
(8-12) Electricity # 19 : Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Motors do the reverse.
(8-12) Magnetism # 20 : Change in a magnetic field induces electricity. Change in an electric field induces magnetism.
(9-12) Far Out Math # 43 : Slide rules multiply by adding exponents, and divide by subtracting exponents.

SCIENCE AS INQUIRY:
(Abilities and understandings...)

(K-3) Primary Lentil Science # 71 : Open, playful inquiry into science, math, social studies, language and art inside a box of swooshy, silky lentils.
(K-6) Get a Grip (workstation) # 73 : Students practice science and math inquiry skills by pouring and comparing volumes of lentils. Puzzle books foster independent learning.
(K-12) Perfect Balance # 31 : Improvise equal arm balances for serious inquiry into mass and weight.
(K-12) Diving into Pressure & Buoyancy #200 : Build a Cartesian diver and study 9 interactive variables.
(3-6) Intermediate Lentil Science # 72 : Open playful inquiry into science, math, social studies, language and art inside a box of swooshy, silky lentils.
(3-8) Electricity # 32 : Fiddle with a battery and strip of foil until you make a bulb light. Say how you did it in words and pictures. Can you build a circuit so each light turns on and off independently?
(3-8) Magnetism # 33 : What does a magnetic field look like? Graph how its strength changes with distance.
(3-8) Animal Survival # 37 : Sharpen observation and communication skills. Observe similarities and differences. Express yourself clearly.
(3-8) Radishes # 38 : How do radish seeds germinate and grow over time? Observe, measure, record, draw and graph.
(3-10) Global TOPS # 91 : Tools of inquiry: 15 simple materials (paper clips, masking tape, clothespins and such), drive 100 lessons.
(3-12) Triple Magnifier Kit # 100 : Tools of inquiry: Three magnifiers (3X, 25X, 36X) plus a sheet of starter activities for exploring the world of small - indoors and out.
(4-9) Pendulums # 34 : Study how pendulum variables affect frequency - those that really matter (length), those that don't (bob weight), and those in between (amplitude).
(4-12) Corn & Beans # 39 : Maintain a daily plant journal to track seed germination and growth. Sharpen observation skills. Develop experimental follow-through.
(5-9) Metric Measuring # 35 : Measure length, mass and volume in meters, grams and liters and their common decimal derivatives.
(5-10) Focus Pocus # 42 : Inquire into the nature of light refraction and image magnification with water drops.
(5-10) Weighing # 05 : Understand the nature of balance sensitivity and instrument bias.
(5-10) Analysis # 10 : Develop reaction tables and flow charts to test what unknowns contain (qualitative analysis) and how much they contain (quanatitative analysis).
(5-12) Pi In the Sky # 45 : Estimate the angular size of the moon in radians. Does it really seem that small?
(5-12) Scale the Universe # 44 : Draw anything large or small in clever "books of scale." Each turn of the page magnifies or reduces scale by a power of ten.
(6-10) More Metrics # 36 : Learn to measure accurately by recording all certain figures, plus one uncertain figure. (Estimate the last digit).
(6-10) Measuring Length # 02 : To read scales accurately, write all the figures you are sure about, then read between the lines to estimate the last digit.
(6-10) Graphing # 03 : Learn to collect, record, and plot data to relate graph shapes to physical shapes and systems.
(6-10) Probability # 08 : Decide whether a tack landing "heads" or "tails" is fair or biased.
(6-10) Oxidation # 11 : Sophisticated inquiry into the chemistry of oxygen using common, simple materials.
(6-10) Solutions # 12 : Inquire into the nature of solutions. Learn basic techniques for purifying water.
(6-10) Cohesion/Adhesion # 13 : Why do some liquids heap, roll, creep and soak in? Why not others?
(6-11) Balancing # 04 : Placing known weight on one side of a balance beam, calculate unknown weight on the opposite side.
(6-11) Light # 17 : Use ray diagrams to investigate and explain shadows, reflection, refraction, magnification, inverted images…
(7-12) Earth, Moon & Sun # 40 : Track the sun and moon across a graph paper sky by altitude and compass bearings.
(7-12) Planets & Stars # 41 : Locate Polaris and the celestial equator at your latitude. Track the apparent motion of the Sun and stars across day and night time skies.
(7-12) Math Lab # 07 : Recognize pattern, think inductively, generate the nth term. But be careful not to overgeneralize.
(7-12) Floating and Sinking #09 : Measure mass, volume, density and buoyancy. Understand what you're doing!
(7-12) Kinetic Model #14 : Making inferences about atoms and molecules based on indirect evidence.
(7-12) Pressure #16: Measure changes in air pressure in centimeters of water.
(7-12) Sound #18 : Generate sound vibrations, wave trains of specific amplitude (a measure of intensity) and frequency (a measure of pitch).
(7-12) Motion # 21 : Observe, analyze and graph many kinds of motion - from ambulation to acceleration.
(7-12) Machines # 22 : Multiply force by distance to calculate work and estimate efficiency.
(8-12) Pendulums # 01 : Study how pendulum variables affect its period -- those that really matter (length), those that don't (bob weight), and those in between (amplitude).
(8-12) Metric Measure # 06 : Estimate the number of rice grains in a jar by volume, by weight, by area. Three different methods yield roughly the same answer.
(8-12) Heat # 15 : One calorie is the quantity of heat needed to raise 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius. Use this definition to inquire into heat transfer and heat loss.
(8-12) Electricity # 19 : Configure series and parallel circuits. Predict the flow of current using Ohm's law.
(8-12) Magnetism #20 : Inquire into energy transfers: Generate electrical energy with mechanical energy. Do the reverse with a motor.
(9-12) Far Out Math #43 : Learn to read scales in significant figures, estimating to the last decimal place. Use scientific notation.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE:

(K-12) Perfect Balance # 31 : Explore the physics of math balances. Build equal-arm balances and develop a series of masses accurate to 0.01 grams.
(K-12) Diving into Pressure & Buoyancy #200 : A Cartesian diver floats, hovers or sinks depending on the weight of water it displaces....
(3-8) Electricity # 32 : Understand about series and parallel circuits, conductors, insulators, resistance, short circuits, fuses, and more.
(3-8) Magnetism #33 : Study permanent magnets, induced magnets, electromagnets, interacting force fields, magnetic domains, compasses, motors, and buzzers.
(4-9) Pendulums # 34 : Find how length, amplitude and bob weight affect pendulum frequency. Collect and graph data. Examine energy transfers.
(5-10) Focus Pocus # 42 : Light refraction, water drop magnification, concave and convex water lenses, focal distance, pinholes, and more.
(6-11) Balancing # 04 : Center of gravity, plumb lines, stable and unstable equilibrium positions, cantilevers, mobiles, and balance beams.
(6-11) Light # 17 : Particles, waves, shadows, reflection, refraction, color, real images, virtual images, inverted images, focal length, and symmetry.
(6-12) Rocks and Minerals #23 : Examine, test and classify rock samples.
(7-12) Floating and Sinking #09 : Mass, volume, density, displacement, buoyancy, specific gravity and more.
(7-12) Kinetic Model #14 : States of matter, thermal motion, phase changes, evaporation, humidity, bimetal strips, absolute zero.
(7-12) Pressure #16: Mechanical pressure, air pressure, water pressure, atmospheric pressure, siphons, pumps, and barometers.
(7-12) Sound # 18 : Wave trains, wave lengths, wave speed, transverse waves, longitudinal waves, resonance, and beats.
(7-12) Motion # 21 : Mass, inertia, balanced and unbalanced forces, uniform speed, acceleration, collisions, friction, air resistance, free fall, and much more.
(7-12) Machines # 22 : Weigh loads, measure effort, calculate work, and compute efficiency for levers, pulleys and inclined planes.
(8-12) Pendulums # 01 : Graph how length, amplitude and bob weight affect frequency and period. A graph is worth a thousand words!
(8-12) Heat # 15 : Conduction, convection, radiation, absorption, reflection, insulators, conductors, temperature in degrees Celsius, heat in calories…
(8-12) Electricity # 19 : Static electricity, circuits, current, voltage, resistance, Ohm's law, storage cells, ammeters, capacitors, generators and motors.
(8-12) Magnetism #20 : Lines of force, magnetic domains, angle of declination, electromagnets, solenoids, telegraphs, buzzers, motors, generators, relay switches, inverse square law…

LIFE SCIENCE:

(3-12) Triple Magnifier Kit #100 : Three handy and inexpensive magnifiers (3X, 25X, 36X) for detailed observation of specimens.
(3-8) Animal Survival # 37 : Camouflage, mimicry, predators and prey…. Master the art and science of blending and tinting colors to invent a moth that escapes the sharp eyes of Big Bird (the school principal).
(3-8) Radishes # 38 : Study growth habits and cycles, growing conditions, variables of light, water and temperature, phototropism, geotropism, hydrotropism…
(4-12) Corn & Beans # 39 : Distinguish monocots from dicots, identify and study plant structures, understand photosynthesis…
(6-10) Oxidation #11 : Compare human respiration to a burning candle and rusting steel wool.

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE:

(5-12) Pi In the Sky #45 : Create simple instruments that measure the apparent angular size of distance objects (people, telephone poles, the moon…). Use these results to estimate real size and real distance as astronomers do.
(5-12) Scale the Universe #44 : Learn to think in scale and proportion: If Mt. Everest fit into a tiny pore in my skin, then Earth would be as large as a grapefruit; I could walk to the moon in 4 giant steps; to the Sun in 18 minutes.
(6-12) Rocks and Minerals #23 : Rock classification and formation, mechanical and chemical weathering, transport and sorting, hardness, chemical composition, rock cycle, specific gravity, density, and much more.
(7-12) Earth, Moon & Sun # 40 : Azimuth, altitude, apparent size, scale models, eclipses, moon phases, solar time, star time and more.
(7-12) Planets & Stars # 41 : Model the Big Dipper, build a star locator in a baby food jar, visualize a million dots, construct a sky sphere between paper plates, model our solar system and galaxy.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

(K-12) Perfect Balance # 31 : Build an analog computer (a math balance). Construct a gram balance sensitive to 0.01grams. Invent a system of masses based on paper clips and paper squares.
(K-12) Diving into Pressure & Buoyancy #200 : Can you turn a packet of salsa into a Cartesian diver?
(3-8) Electricity # 32 : Construct bulb holders, battery holders and switches. Invent circuits and describe their properties. Beware of battery-draining short circuits!
(3-8) Magnetism #33 : Invent gadgets - compasses, electromagnets, telegraphs, buzzers, and motors. Understand how they work.
(3-8) Animal Survival # 37 : Design and build imaginary animals to survive in diverse environments. Can your creature survive a class vote?
(4-12) Corn & Beans # 39 : Build lab equipment to germinate, grow, measure, and weigh corn and beans.
(5-9) Metric Measuring # 35 : Invent a measuring system based on sugar cubes. Derive standards of length, volume and mass.
(5-10) Focus Pocus # 42 : Make a water-drop microscope. Explore the magnification properties of lens size and curvature. What are the trade-offs?
(5-10) Weighing #05 : Build an equal arm balance sensitive to 0.01 grams.
(6-10) More Metrics # 36 : Construct a microbalance using a drinking straw. Cut paper squares to weigh small objects in micrograms.
(6-10) Measuring Length # 02 : Devise inventive instruments that measure distance with greater precision (more significant figures.)
(6-10) Graphing # 03 : Distort graph shapes by mapping ordered pairs onto novel grid systems of your own design.
(6-11) Balancing # 04 : Apply the mathematics of balance beams to cantilevers and mobiles.
(6-11) Light # 17 : Invent working models of a microscope and a telescope using hand lenses in combination.
(7-12) Kinetic Model #14 : Design a hygrometer and measure humidity. Invent a bimetal strip. Build a balance to observe evaporation as it happens.
(7-12) Pressure #16: Construct air-tight and water-tight systems that pump, siphon, measure pressure, and more.
(7-12) Machines # 22 : Study levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wheels and axles, and gears.
(8-12) Electricity # 19 : Build galvanometers, variable resistors, fuses, electroscopes, wet cells, and storage cells.
(8-12) Magnetism #20 : Construct solenoids, telegraphs, buzzers, motors, generators, and relay switches.

SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES:

(K-12) Perfect Balance # 31 : Great opportunities for cross-age learning and teaching. Older students teach younger students, experience learning from the other side of the desk.
(3-8) Radishes # 38 : Study the effects of toxic stress (acidity and salinity), on the germination and growth of radish seeds.
(6-10) Measuring Length # 02 : The metric system is a decimal-based standard of measure that the whole world accepts.
(6-10) Graphing # 03 : Track the explosive exponential growth of population curves. What are the implications for the quality of life on planet Earth?
(6-10) Probability # 08 : A gambler claims that a pair of dice are "hot" or "cold." If the dice are fair, can this be true?
(6-10) Solutions #12 : Apply physical and chemical strategies to water purification.
(6-10) Cohesion/Adhesion #13 : Investigate the surface chemistry of oil spills.
(8-12) Metric Measure # 06 : If each grain of salt represents a star like our sun, and 8 tiny grains fit into a cubic millimeter, the stars in our Milky Way galaxy fill 25 cubic meters!
(8-12) Heat # 15 : Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide in particular), is creating rapid global climate change.

HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE:

(K-3) Primary Lentil Science # 71 : Sidestep ego barriers to learning by allowing students to roleplay famous scientists of the past and present.
(3-6) Intermediate Lentil Science # 72 : Side step ego barriers to learning by allowing students to role play famous scientists of the past and present.
(4-9) Pendulums # 34 : Build a working model of Foucault's pendulum.
(5-10) Focus Pocus # 42 : Build a Van Leeuwenhoek microscope.
(5-12) Pi In the Sky #45 : Ancient Arabian navigators sailed north or south until their Kamal (a rectangle of wood on a knotted string) perfectly fit between Polaris and their horizon. Then they "sailed their latitude" to home port.
(6-10) Probability # 08 : Develop a frequency distribution based on Pascal's triangle.
(7-12) Math Lab # 07 : Explore patterns and shapes of historical significance - the Fibonnacci series, Mobius strips, elipses, parabolas, and the golden mean.
(7-12) Floating and Sinking #09 : Construct a spring balance to explore Archimedes' principle of buoyancy.
(7-12) Kinetic Model #14 : Under constant pressure, a volume of air (V) shrinks in direct proportion to temperature (T). Plot T vs V, then extrapolate the straight line to absolute zero, where all thermal motion stops.
(7-12) Motion # 21 : Laws of motion observed and formulated by Sir Issac Newton still hold true today.
(9-12) Far Out Math #43 : Before calculators were invented in the 1970's, these slide rules ruled.

MATH AND MEASUREMENT:

(K-3) Primary Lentil Science # 71 : Compare volumes, write equalities and inequalities, read scales, count, estimate, graph, understand simple fractions…
(K-6) Get a Grip (workstation) # 73 : Teach basic math operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, estimation, simple algebra, by pouring and measuring volumes of lentils.
(K-12) Perfect Balance # 31 : Explore equalities and inequalities on a math balance. Improvise a decimal gram system and measure mass.
(3-6) Intermediate Lentil Science # 72 : Compare volumes, write equalities and inequalities, measure lenth, area and volume, think with fractions, estimate, graph, calibrate…
(3-10) Global TOPS # 91 : Pendulum mathematics, balance-beam equations, length, area and volume, dry and liquid measure, the decimal logic of metrics, significant figures, and more.
(3-12) Try This On for Science #95 : Math is the language of science. Experience this in 16 stand-alone lessons.
(4-9) Pendulums # 34 : Time pendulums, measure lengths, record data, graph variables, predict frequency.
(5-9) Metric Measuring # 35 : Measure length, area, volume and mass in sugar cubes (sweet measure); then water cubes (metric measure).
(5-10) Weighing #05: Measure mass and weight. Understand the difference!
(5-12) Pi In the Sky #45 : The radius of any circle fits 2¼ times around its circumference (360°). Use this principle to understand the geometry of subtended angles; the astronomy of apparent size.
(5-12) Scale the Universe #44 : Orders of magnitude, unit analysis, scaling up or down by powers of ten, metric units, log scales, scale drawings…
(6-10) More Metrics # 36 : Visualize how metric units all fit together on a giant kilometer ruler. Play metric rummy. Read scales independently and compare significant figures.
(6-10) Measuring Length # 02 : Standards of measure, metric logic, significant figures…
(6-10) Graphing # 03 : Organize, record and plot data. Relate graph line shapes to real physical systems.
(6-10) Probability # 08 : Count permutations, tally combinations, plot frequency distributions, predict outcomes.
(6-11) Balancing # 04 : Apply the law of levers (force x distance) to determine unknown weight on a balance beam.
(7-12) Math Lab # 07 : Discover patterns, generate nth terms; study ellipses, parabolas, cardioids, prime numbers, logarithms, puzzles and more.
(7-12) Floating and Sinking #09 : Calculate mass, volume, density, displacement, buoyancy and specific gravity.
(7-12) Motion # 21 : Plot time vs distance. Understand constant speed, acceleration and deceleration in terms of graph line shapes.
(8-12) Pendulums # 01 : Graph how length, amplitude, and bob weight affect (or don't affect) pendulum frequencies and periods.
(8-12) Metric Measure # 06 : Measure length, area, volume and mass. Understand metric prefixes.
(9-12) Far Out Math #43 : Logarithms, exponents, orders of magnitude, slide rules, scientific notation, log graphs…

GENERAL SCIENCE:

(K-3) Primary Lentil Science # 71 : Fill and empty, describe and draw, search and sense, problem solve, map, design, calibrate…
(K-6) Get a Grip (workstation) # 73 : Pour and compare volumes, estimate, hypothesize, test, measure, retest, calibrate, graph…
(3-6) Intermediate Lentil Science # 72 : Managing resources, classifying, orienteering, modeling, mapping, city planning, designing, calibrating, estimating…
(3-10) Global TOPS # 91 : Pendulums, electricity, magnetism, animals and plants…
(3-12) Try This On for Science #95 : Sample stand-alone science lessons adapted from 41 different TOPS titles in science and math.
(3-12) Triple Magnifier Kit #100 : Students explore the world of small using 3 magnifiers (3X, 25X, 36X) plus a sheet of starter activities.

CHEMISTRY:

(5-10) Analysis # 10 : Qualitative and quantitative analysis; acid/base indicators, titration, neutralization, pH.
(6-10) Oxidation #11 : Oxidation reactions: respiration, combustion, rusting. The chemistry of air. Controlled variables.
(6-10) Solutions #12 : Coarse and fine suspensions, dispersions, true solutions, saturation, supersaturation, solubility variables, water of hydration...
(6-10) Cohesion/Adhesion #13 : Cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, inkspot chromatography, oil slicks and light interference.

CLASS MANAGEMENT:

(1-3) Primary Alphabet Soup #64 : Use the alphabet to evaluate student skills, gather background information, communicate behavior expectations. (Ex: F is for Fire Drill.)
(1-8) A Summer Start #61 : Complete long-range lesson planning and organizing during summer vacation. Define expected behaviors, organize class space, check-list important details.
(1-8) Peaceful Procedures #63 : Efficient, stress-free ways to write lesson plans, test students, maintain records, work with family members, manage homework, establish discipline....
(4-8) Intermediate Alphabet Soup #62 : Use the alphabet to evaluate student skills, gather background information, communicate behavior expectations. (Ex: P is for Paper Heading.)

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