Curated OER
Floods and Flash Floods
Junior geologists, hydrologists, or meteorologists simulate what happens during the flooding of a river and demonstrate factors that contribute to flash flooding. This outstanding resource provides a vocabulary list, online resources,...
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El Nino
Explore the properties of water and the affects of El Nino. Middle schoolers will learn about the devastation an El Nino can cause as well as the definition of El Nino. Additionally, they will discover the cause of El Nino along with the...
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Comparing the Effects of El Nino and La Nina
Students examine the differences between an El Nino and La Nina year. In this investigative lesson students create maps and graphs of the data they obtained.
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Investigating the Climate System WEATHER
Young scholars research, interpret, and become able to explain general characteristics of weather in tropical regions. Students observe and compare tropical and mid-latitude weather patterns.
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Environmental Health Hazards and Children
Students are introduced to the environmental hazards their community is facing. In groups, they develop a list of the ways humans have changed the Earth and how these changes have lead to environmental hazards. They record their...
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Too Much...Or Not Enough?
Students discuss and define flooding. They identify areas in northeast Florida that may flood. Students examine droughts and explain the conditions that cause them. They examine the need for growth management in the state of Florida.
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Global Change- Time and Cycles
Students study trees and their growth. In this investigative lesson students work in groups to reconstruct a 50 year climatic history using a simulated tree ring.
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Time and Cycles - Dendrochronology
Learners investigate the lives of trees by examining ring cycles. For this plant life lesson, students identify the field of study known as dendrochronology and discover its history. Learners investigate a simulated tree ring...
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Watersheds and Wetlands
Students simulate a chemical spill. In this watersheds and wetlands lesson, students build a watershed and observe what happens when it rains. Students add wetlands to their watershed models and examine the effects of water pollution.
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Two Rivers Ran Through It
Sixth graders discover the problems that early Mesototamian farmers faced while developing agriculture in the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. They design a working model that solves those unique challenges.
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Flow Rates of Faucets and Rivers
Students work together to discover the flow rates of faucets and rivers. They relate their results to engineering and applied science concepts. They make predictions on the flow rate of a nearby river in their local community.
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It's Really Heating Up in Here!
Students create and observe a greenhouse effect model and discuss the implications of global warming theory for engineers, themselves and the Earth. They discover that Global warming is becoming an increasing concern as we learn more...
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Responses to Changes in the Environment
Fourth graders study ecosystems, and see how plants and animals must adapt to changes in their environment in order to survive. Pictures of the snow shoe hare in the winter and summer are shown. Learners determine that the change in...
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Salt Marsh in a Pan
Students create a model of a salt marsh to discover the impact of pollution and human activities on water-based habitats including bays and the ocean. They recognize the relationship between natural and developed areas. Students impact...
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Pollute Locally, Spread It Globally
Students examine the rate of pollution throughout the world through an interactive program. They define air quality and the air quality index. They examine fuel economy and its impact on the Earth and renewable and nonrenewable resources.
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Your Own El Nino
Students conduct an experiment. For this El Nino lesson, students learn where El Nino storms come from, what they consist of and what effects they have. Students also complete an experiment where they create a miniature El...
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Weathering Agent 007
Students are introduced to the concept of weathering. In groups, they use the internet to research the various types of weathering agents and their effect on different materials. Using photographs, they discuss the role humans play in...
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Does Global Warming Increase the Intensity of Atmospheric Natural Disasters?
Learners study global warming by communicating the problem, process and solutions. In this global lesson plan students use graphs, research and write a critical stance on natural disasters.
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A Priceless Collection
Learners read about and discuss life of Russian geneticist Nikolai Vavilov, define terms related to field of genetics, complete worksheets, conduct seed experiments, observe and record results, and locate seed banks on world map or globe.
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User-friendly rivers
Students explore and explain their connection to rivers through watersheds. They break into three groups. Each group needs: Blue enamel paint, Miniature objects to simulate a model river system, modeling clay, Tempera paint, Toothpicks...
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Threatened, Endangered & Extinct Lesson Plan
Students examine the basic needs of living organisms. In this science lesson, students study ecosystems and discover that organisms have basic needs that must be met.
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Build An Island
Learners explore erosion. In this science instructional activity, students build an island and observe the effects of erosion on the island. Learners discuss freshwater ecosystems in Hawaii.
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The Water Cycle
Students are introduced to the components and importance of the water cycle. They are shown how groundwater moves using a model. Students list 9 places on earth where water is found. They define the terms cycle and water cycle.
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Is it Partly Cloudy or Partly Sunny?
Young scholars investigate the concept of weather and how it is created. They review relevant vocabulary related to weather. Students predict weather given slight background knowledge. The lesson includes background information for the...