The Mysterious Powder (MYP)
A simulated environmental problem is the setting for this unit in which students investigate properties of certain substances and practice steps of a well-designed investigation. The students explore six common powders through a variety of observations and tests including iodine, phenolphthalein, and phenol red, then apply what they have learned and the skills they have acquired to identify a mysterious powder. This unit is part of the Insights series developed by the Educational Development Center with funding from the National Science Foundation.

Bubbleology (BUB)
Students use liquid soap solutions and bubbles to learn about investigative design. Following an initial exploration of bubbles, students determine what characteristics of a bubble are optimal, learn about the "life cycle" of a bubble, and collect data to compare two different solutions of bubble mix. Students then pose their own questions about bubbles and design investigations to answer those questions. This unit is part of the Great Expectations in Math and Science series produced by the Lawrence Hall of Science with support from the University of California, Berkeley.

Microworlds (MIC)
This unit enables students to explore lenses and how they produce magnified images. Beginning with easy specimens to observe through a magnifying lens, students work up to more and more difficult objects and organisms, eventually using a microscope to observe the most challenging ones such as Volvox or Blepharisma. In Montgomery County Public Schools, students go on to utilize laboratory microscopes to investigate further microorganisms found in the local environment. This unit is part of the Science and Technology for Children series developed by the National Science Resources Center, with funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences.