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Salinity
Students take a provided ocean Trivia Quiz in order to start a discussion of the ocean. They then perform an experiment on how the amount of salt in the ocean affects it and varies from ocean to ocean.
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Letter A Alligator Theme
Students complete a variety of activities related to the letter A. They trace the letter A on a worksheet, paint the letter A, create an apple print painting, cut out and glue magazine pictures of things starting with the letter A, and...
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The Mighty Hudson Stretches its Mussels
Students brainstorm possible causes of zebra mussel migration and population expansion. They identify the key causes and effects of the disturbance of the Hudson River ecosystem and research causes and effects in the disturbances of...
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City Life In Europe
Students explore Paris. In this geography skills lesson, students watch "City Life in Europe," and conduct further research on the city of Paris and the country of France. Students create postcards that feature Parisian landmarks.
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Where Is Japan? How Are We Alike And Different?
First graders use literature, maps, and globes to explain how physical environments in various parts of the world are similar to and different from one's own, and that certain areas have common characteristics and can be called regions.
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Geology Rocks
Students discuss information relating to Illinois geology. They examine top mineral resources in Illinois to find detailed information about geodes and where they can be found. Students complete geode lab to explore external structure of...
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The Silk Road, An Ancient Internet
Students examine how goods and ideas moved along an ancient trade route between China and Europe. They make charts of items, ideas, etc. that were transported along the Silk Route.
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"Global Relations"
Students explain the difference between each of three major ecosystems. They determine the flow of water in the St. Mary's River as it flows out of the river into the bay, and finally out into the Atlantic Ocean and identify where...
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The Tank
Students have a better grasp of the ecosystem of the St. Mary's river. They analyze how the tank is meant to be a miniature of the river. Students inquire how to take care of the tank and its inhabitants. They are introduced to Fundulus...
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Run-off Race
Students create wetland models in pans and use them to experiment to see how plants help slow the flow of runoff water and keep our waterways clean.
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Mapping The Ocean Floor
Young scholars explore and analyze the bottom structure of underwater habitats. They describe and explain what can't see through the collection and correlation of accurate data. Learners assess that technology is utilized as a tool for...
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Land Use and Nitrogen
Students consider the effects of development on water quality. They test nitrogen levels in waters before and after development, investigate wastewater treatment options and research best management practices to reduce nitrogen loads.
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Watershed Island
Learners make a clay model and a geographic map of a watershed. They talk about the differences between the two representations and the potential human threats to watersheds.
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Watershed Components
Eighth graders examine the components of a watershed. They view overheads, discuss the hydrologic cycle, and observe a demonstration of a soil erosion box.
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Pond Ecosystem Field Trip
Students investigate the environment by participating in a class trip. In this pond ecosystem lesson, students define a list of vocabulary terms associated with ponds such as invertebrate and metamorphosis. Students attend a field trip...
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Landform Bingo
Students review landform terms and review fact and opinion. They make fact and opinion statements and play landform BINGO.
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What's The Flow?
Young scholars examine urban runoff and identify peak flows. They examine causes for different flow rates, and complete worksheets and a graph.
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Generating Power
Students construct a working model of a turbine and explain how water generates power. By the end of the lesson, they list the effects of Kingsley Dam on people, plans, and animals -- both positive and negative.
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Graphing Toad/ Frog Respiration
Students measure respiratory rates on live toads, and the effect water temperature has on their findings. In this scientific method lesson plan, students record their findings and present them in a graph, comparing the results.
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Getting Physical with Estuaries
Students study estuaries and how the physical factors change over time. For this investigative lesson students use a website to gain knowledge of estuaries then in groups they create and present their charts.
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Natural Features
Students identify natural features on a map. In this map skill lesson, students use a landscape picture map to identify mountains, hills, islands, lakes, and rivers. Students use post-it notes to demonstrate their location.
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Traveling to Texas
First graders read "Where the River Begins" by Thomas Locker and discuss the Texan landscape. They use construction paper to make suitcases and then fill them with types of Texan landforms and scenery they might see on a trip to Texas.
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Oh No! Oil Spills
Students discover the threats of an oil spill. In this ecological awareness instructional activity, students examine the effects of oil spills on animals and our oceans. Students get simulated oil on themselves and discover...
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Living Swamps, Bayous and Forests
Third graders explore interesting environments by exploring Louisiana. In this wetland instructional activity, 3rd graders utilize the web to research the State of Louisiana, the bayous in the area, and the Gulf of Mexico. Students write...