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Ecology
Sixth graders are introduced to online research and beginning PowerPoint presentations that are integrated. They pass a plant and photosynthesis. Students locate information on a self selected animal online. They give a PowerPoint...
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The Human Organism
Eighth graders investigate animal behavior by studying the lives of three female behavior scientists. In this human organism lesson students do different activities that inquire and approach each females work.
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Pond Exploration
Students take a hands-on approach to explore the world beneath the water in this activity. They examine the creatures they catch to study about the adaptations these animals have that allow them to survive in this harsh environment. They...
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Animals: Here and Now
Discuss and identify natural habitats of animals commonly found in zoos. The class constructs and displays small "zoo like" models to show a chosen animal habitat. They write a short story or diary about an animal or pet of their choice....
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How Does Radiation Affect You?
Students identify the use and misuse of radiation. They examine human activities that add to the exposure of radiation. They also discover how it can be useful in saving lives.
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Transport
Students analyze wind barbs and determine which way the wind is blowing and how hard the wind is blowing. They access near real time wind data and pollutant animations to track the transport and destination of pollutants.
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Household Pests
Sixth graders discover the various habitat requirements for assorted household pests from ants to wasps. They conduct various activities including researching the life cycles moths, cockroaches, and mosquitoes
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Furbearers of Illinois
Learners study fur bearing animals of Illinois. They research a specific furbearer (it's habitat, diet, current hunting regulations regarding the animal, conservation organizations that help the animal, etc.) and give a presentation on...
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Chinese Calendar
Third graders listen to a Mak Kam's, "My Chinatown: One Year in Poems," before locating China on a map. They discuss the Chinese language and culture, comparing it to the American culture. They determine which animal sign they were born...
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Cavern Life
Young scholars describe elements and conditions that effect cavern life. They explain the three cavern zones and the differences of each zone. They perform various activities based on grade level.
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Saving Hawaii
Students engage in a lesson about the a proposal for a sanctuary in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. They write a letter to the President of The United States in opposition to the proposal based upon classroom activities and research.
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Land Use Issues
Learners participate in activities in which they examine land use. They examine the types of animals in a surrounding and how they blend in with the environment. They also examine food resources.
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A Rainbow Under the Sea: How Do Animals Survive in the Ocean?
Second graders, with adult help, create a PowerPoint presentation on a selected ocean animal.
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Endangered Species Furniture Project
Students work in groups to research an endangered species. They then refinish and paint a piece of furniture and incorporate facts and references about the animal they have researched.
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Creature of the Week
Students explore the habits and biology of the wildlife that resides in their area. They fill in a Creature of the Week sheet for a different animal each week using field guides and textbooks.
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Land Use
Students examine ecosystems that covered Illinois 200 years ago, investigate some living and non-living components of ecosystems, identify components of prairie system, create food webs, and observe human effects on environment. Lessons...
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Survival in the Open Ocean
Students examine how scientists conduct pelagic research and identify pelagic predators as they study the open-ocean ecosystem. They discuss and conduct small group research of this environment in order to produce a presentation.
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White-Tailed Deer
Middle schoolers investigate the importance of white-tailed deer and their impact on forest environments. They visit learning centers to simulate being a white-tailed deer and work in groups. After visiting a forest they share their...
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ABC...1, 2, 3...Green, Red, Blue...Do You Have a Clue?... IT'S PATTERNS
Second graders view clips from the animated series Math Monsters, and discuss the many ways patterns can be found in the world around us. Following the video portion of the lesson, 2nd graders visit a variety of Web sites to assess their...
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Think Green
Students experience and practice compositing and recycling through hands-on-activities. They distinguish between which items from their trash can be recycled, composted and reused. The process for making recycled paper is also covered in...
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The Everglades
Young scholars research the Everglades. In this Everglades instructional activity, students select an animal or plant to research and work collaboratively in small groups to prepare a presentation.
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Outdoor Observation
Students examine their outside environment. They use their senses to make observations of the four seasons. They keep a chart of all of the data they have collected.
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Marine Animals on the Move
Students complete a project based on collecting satellite data aimed at finding connections between organisms and the environment. They create a final project working with a partner to share with the class.
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Make Way for Wild Migrants
Young scholars discuss the threats facing migratory species and track the seasonal journeys of wildlife in real space and in cyberspace. Once they have gathered information from several sources, they create a portfolio to share with...