Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Carbon Dioxide - Sources and Sinks

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Where does all of the carbon dioxide come from that is supposedly leading to climate change? Earth science pupils test animal, plant, and fossil fuels as sources in this investigation. Using an indicator, BTB, they are able to detect the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Carbon Dioxide

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a series of experiments to explore carbon dioxide properties. In this chemistry lesson, students explain the production and uses of this gas. They measure its amount in soda and waste product of yeast.
Lesson Plan
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Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide Cycle

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders observe a diagram of the oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle to know that when they breathe out, they exhale carbon dioxide as do animals. They observe an aquarium containing both plants and fish and discuss the cycle. They then...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Case Study of Local Trends in the Carbon Cycle

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners examine the relationship between chlorophyll and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  In this investigative lesson students study the local effects of climate change. 
Lesson Plan
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Photosynthesis: Intake of Carbon Dioxide - Production of Oxygen

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students, after a long-term observation of photosynthesis with aquatic plants, assess the benefits of photosynthesis towards all living organisms. They explain in their own words the two cycles within photosynthesis. Guided discussion...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Moebius Strips

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students make Moebius strips and use them to demonstrate the interconnectedness of an environment. They explore the natural cycles (water, oxygen/carbon dioxide, carbon, nitrogen) within the environment. They describe how the cycles are...
Lesson Plan
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Diurnal Cycling Experiments

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students carry out an experiment to monitor diurnal fluctuations in dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, and water temperature. They determine the CO2 and pH of the samples (and optionally, dissolved oxygen). Students complete their...
Lesson Plan
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What Do Plants Need?

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students experiment with plants. In this plant lesson, students research the needs of plants. Students determine if all plants have the same requirements for growth.  In small groups, students experiment with different plants.
Lesson Plan
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Oxygen Factory

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine the interdependence of the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle in an ecosystem through a laboratory investigation. After a lecture/demo, 4th graders complete the lab in groups.
Lesson Plan
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An Environmental Puzzle: The Carbon Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students are introducced to how respiration and photosysnthesis cycle carbon through ecosystems. They read background information that describes the role of the Sun as Earth's ultimate energy source and explains how the energy...
Lesson Plan
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Carbon Cycle Game

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this carbon cycle lesson plan, middle schoolers review the carbon cycle and visit stations in the room where they experience every phase in the carbon cycle. Students journal about their journey through the cycle and brainstorm...
Lesson Plan
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The Effects of Photosynthesis on Plant Growth

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are able to draw a diagram of the light reactions and briefly describe what is occurring throughout the process. They are able to explain where each reactant/product in the photosynthesis equation comes from/goes during the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biogeochemical Cycles

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars demonstrate comprehension of the energy sources of various cycles by completing mini stories. They demonstrate analysis of words by defining individual word parts and combining them to form definitions. Students...
Lesson Plan
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Carbon and Oxygen Cycles

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students construct their own diagrams outlining the pathway of carbon and oxygen in the atmosphere. Students explain their diagrams outlining the pathway and teacher checks for accuracy and completion.
Lesson Plan
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How Does Your Plant Grow?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students measure and record their height in centimeters on a graph. By integrating math and science, students collect data and apply graphing skills to the experiences they are having growing plants. Finally, students identify how to...
Lesson Plan
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Biogeochemical Cycles

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research an assigned biogeochemical cycle. In this cycle activity, students need to determine that all cycles need energy to continue. The students will look at a given cycle to describe it, research and draw an assigned cycle,...
Lesson Plan
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Prairie In A Bottle

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders observe images of prairie ecosystems and discuss the needs of living things. They create a prairie habitat in a closed jar to observe the water cycle and plant growth.
Lesson Plan
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Mussel Your Way Through Photosynthesis

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students, using zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), elodea and an indicator dye, observe and record the role of light in photosynthesis. They consider plant production of carbon dioxide and the use of live materials in biological...
Lesson Plan
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Plant Transpiration

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct various experiments to investigate plant transpiration. In this biology lesson, students explain how this process helps maintain the hydrologic cycle. They measure the rate of water loss in plants using a potometer.
Lesson Plan
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The Cricket and The Plant

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners examine determine the symbiotic relationship between plants and animals as the find ways to naturally reduce carbon dioxide emissions. They study the carbon cycle. They work with probe and graphing calculator to examine the...
Lesson Plan
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Stomata: Microscopic Openings that Let Plants Breathe

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students participate in a lab experiment to observe and measure the opening and closing of stomata. They focus on photoperiod, locate and identify stomata on a leaf and explain the role of stomata in the daily functioning of a plant.
Lesson Plan
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The Effects of Photosynthesis on Plant Growth

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars examine the process of photosynthesis; its products and reactants, and the sequence of the process. They diagram the light reactions, record observations of plants, and discuss how difficult it is to measure plant growth...
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Terrestrial Sequestration - Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students investigate how plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. In this biology lesson, students differentiate photosynthesis and cellular respiration. They discuss the important role of plants in the environment.
Lesson Plan
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Plants and Animals Depend Upon One Another

For Teachers 1st
First graders study plants and animals and how they depend on one another. They also study that plants give energy to animals and provide oxygen needed for life. Finally, 1st graders give examples of the roles plants and animals play...