TeachEngineering offers a robust library of K-12 STEM teaching materials that align with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Math Standards. In this curricular unit, which was developed by the University of Houston's College of Engineering and is intended for high school students, three lessons and two activities enable students to explore a diverse group of scientific topics by way of the topics' application to different parts of the Harry Potter series. The first lesson and accompanying activity have a chemistry focus, and students "learn the basics of acid/base chemistry in a fun, interactive way," by making their own invisible ink as inspired by the Marauder's Map (as well as the movie National Treasure). The second lesson focuses on genetic traits (with the parseltongue ability in Harry Potter as an example) and introduces students to Punnett squares. Finally, the third lesson explores physics concepts relating to projectile motion with Neville Longbottom's Remembrall (and the movie October Sky) for inspiration; this lesson also has an accompanying activity. In addition to learning about the scientific concepts presented in all three lessons, students also learn how those concepts are used by engineers.
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