Lesson Plan
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The High Plains: Land of Extremes

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners complete activities surrounding the study of groundwater movement, energy resources, wind energy, and riparian areas. They debate/role-play the viewpoints of different interest groups in considering whether the black-footed...
Lesson Plan
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Dirt Babies

For Teachers 1st - 5th Standards
What exactly is a dirt baby, you might ask. Look over the plan to find out! All of the materials and procedures necessary for creating a dirt baby, such as grass seeds, dirt, and nylon stockings, are listed, along with ideas for...
Lesson Plan
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Arthropod Data Collection

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students describe the life cycle of various bugs as well as their predators and feeding habits. The class participates in a discussion of the various methods scientists use to gather data including research and experiment. After...
Lesson Plan
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Extensions - Biology Review Unit

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students engage in a variety of activities in order to review a Biology unit. For example, they research the Bird Flu, it's history, how it is spread, what has been done about it, what better options exist for controlling or removing it....
Lesson Plan
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Books for Teaching About Colors

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Young scholars explore colors through books. In this lesson students read books about colors. The lesson is divided by color and within each color there is a list of books about that color. Moreover each color section also includes an...
Lesson Plan
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A Little Alliteration

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders study rhythm, rhyme, and alliteration in poetry by completing various activities. In this language arts lesson, 2nd graders practice recognizing alliteration and then create their own poem using alliteration.
Lesson Plan
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What's Happening to Our Caterpillars?

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders participate in a activity making observations of caterpillars. They identify different changes in the life cycle of a caterpillar and also understand the final result of the life cycle ending.
Lesson Plan
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Do You See What I See?

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders view a teacher-created terrarium, and complete a KWL chart. They discuss what they can see, Students go on a nature walk and compare the schoolyard to the terrarium, discussing the roles of rocks, plants, soil, and water...
Lesson Plan
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A Day in the Life

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students use their research skills to investigate the behavior and characteristics of a rainforest animal. After creating a diary entry, they illustrate the habits and life cycle of the animal. They write the diary entry from the point...
Lesson Plan
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How Much Water Does A Tree Transpire In A Day

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students engage in a lesson of investigating the amount of water that is transpired in a one day cycle. They conduct research to find the purpose of transpiration and find information to explain the value to a plant and explain how...
Lesson Plan
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The Angiosperms

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students study angiosperms and their classifications.  In this investigative lesson students compare the sexual reproduction of angiosperms and seed formations. 
Lesson Plan
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Gardening for Beauty, Food, and Enjoyment

For Teachers 1st
First graders create their own garden. In this plant lesson plan, 1st graders discover the essential elements for a plant to grow. They planted their own garden and read the amount of space needed and the sunlight preferred for each...
Lesson Plan
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What Do Parts Do?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners review the components of the scientific inquiry method. In groups, they identify and describe the components and functions of all of the parts of a plant. Using a diagram, they label the parts of the plant chosen and share...
Lesson Plan
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Sunflowers (Grades 3-8)

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students examine sunflowers and discuss the importance of sunflower cooking oil and seeds. They view pictures, read books, sing sunflower songs, and grow flowers from sunflower seeds.
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Exploring Limu Diversity

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore limu diversity. In this ocean ecosystem lesson, students classify limu according to its physical properties. Students work in small groups to generate scientific observations and sort limu by characteristics.
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Sustainable Southern Belize: Coral Health Lesson Plan

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate coral reefs and the dangers they face by labeling and drawing.  In this oceanography lesson, 5th graders view a PowerPoint presentation of photographs of coral reefs in Belize.  Students investigate...
Lesson Plan
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Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine the role of Purple Loosestrife in Illinois and Indiana rivers. In groups, they collect a wide variety of plants in a wetland and raise beetles in a controlled environment. They introduce the loosestrife into the...
Lesson Plan
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Land Use Issues

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students discover seeds are a source of life. They also label the parts of a seed and examine the conditions which are needed for the seed to start growing. They follow the life cycle of seeds.
Lesson Plan
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Water Quality and Temperature

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Young scholars are led through three activities to explore the effect of temperature fluctuations on the growth and survival of aquatic plants, clams, and shrimp eggs.
Lesson Plan
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The Web Of Life - Overlapping Food Chains

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students perform an activity in which they discover what happens when food chains overlap in an ecosystem and discover the three components of a food web.
Lesson Plan
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Sensational Seasonal Students

For Teachers 1st
First graders analyze the seasons and cycles of the Earth. In groups, they create a seasons book on the computer using their own photographs and graphics. Using the photographs, they note the differences in clothing and activities. They...
Lesson Plan
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Recycled Water?

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students participate in a hands-on activity to investigate how water is recycled in a small environment, and determine how water is cycled on earth.
Lesson Plan
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Presto Change-o: Caterpillars to Butterflies

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students use the Internet to explore the four stages of a butterfly's life cycle. They make a model of a butterfly using macaroni, sticks and leaves.
Lesson Plan
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Bird Stories: Fact or Fiction

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students evaluate/distinguish scientific fact from fiction. They discuss similarities and differences in the life cycles of various birds. Student use the Internet as a research tool.