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Using the Very, Very Simple Climate Model in the Classroom
Learners study the relationship between the average global temperature and carbon dioxide emissions. In this weather activity students develop a test scenario using a model then read and interpret graphs of data.
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Plate Tectonic - Volcanoes Pre Lab
Second graders draw and compare parts of volcano. They investigate parts of a volcano and distinguish between magma and lava.
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Classifying Rocks
Third graders classify rocks. In this rocks and minerals lesson, 3rd graders observe, make inferences and conclusions about rocks, minerals, soil and fossils.
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The Rainforest Community
Young scholars create a miniature rainforest ecosystem, a terrarium. Students then explain how the continuous flow of energy and food in the ecosystem allows it to sustain itself.
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Presenting the Geologic Timescale
Students model the geologic timescale using distance as a metaphor for time. They write a summary of a major event or fossil organism. and station themselves and their summaries along a path within a gymnasium, and present their...
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The Lake Effect
Fourth graders conduct an experiment demonstrating the effects of water and air temperature on precipitation. They create graphs demonstrating their findings using Claris Works for Kids.
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Watersheds, Watersheds Everywhere
Students identify the watershed in which their school is located. They use maps to locate their homes and school. They define and use the correct vocabulary.
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Solar Energy - Dehydration
Sixth graders explore process of drying food using solar energy. They cook and/or dry food such as pumpkins, watermelon, corn, and deer meat, explain how solar energy changes foods, and compare and contrast solar energy with other forms...
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The Phases of the Moon
Students sketch the different phases of the moon after exploring them on an internet program. In this moon phases lesson plan, students discuss how the Sun, Earth, and Moon are related.
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Observing Rocks
Fifth graders explore the various properties of earth and rocks. They play "Twenty Questions" with the teacher, and analyze a rock using a magnifying glass. They record their rock observations and list the differences between the wet...
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Our Natural Resources
Students discuss key terms used to describe ecosystems and how humans are altering natural resources. They listen to the book, Grandfather's Wisdom, and list the renewable and nonrenewable resources they have used or consumed in the past...
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Matter
Fifth graders investigate the structure of matter. They examine pictures of atoms and molecules and discuss their relationships, and construct a model of a molecule using toothpicks and gumdrops.
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Environment: How'd That Pollution Get There?
Students examine how global wind and water patterns aid in the spread of worldwide pollution. In groups, they read articles about the domino effect of pollution and create posters displaying its journey. On blank world maps, students...
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Clean Water vs. Dirty Water
Students study the importance of clean water to the survival of organisms and what activiities and material pollute water. They measure the temperature of water samples and create a class graph.
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The Chemistry of Black Pottery
Sixth graders create pottery out of black clay using traditional methods. They demonstrate appropriate Native American cultural traditions related to the making of black pottery, including prayers to Mother Earth and Clay Woman.
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Locating Vent Fields Using CTD Data
Students describe the way hydrothermal vents work. Students work on locating vent regions through remote collection of data about water temperature and density. Comparing density and temperatures graphs, students search for indicators...
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Life in Space: International Space Station
Students explore the potential challenges of living in space. In this investigative instructional activity students search the Internet to locate 16 nations that are working together to build the Independent Space Station, then...
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Getting Physical with Estuaries
Students study estuaries and how the physical factors change over time. In 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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Erosion
Students examine soil erosion and what causes it. In this soil lesson students complete several experiments on soil erosion and the weathering process.
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Life Cycles
Learners identify and explain the parts of a flower and their role in the life cycle of flowering plants. In this online plant biology lesson, students explore the processes of pollination, seed dispersal, and germination. Extension...
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The Wedding of a Mountain
Students examine the differences between weathering, erosion, and deposition as it pertains to mountains.
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The Desert Biome
Students create a visual presentation of the characteristics of a biome. Working in small groups, students use traditional and online resources to gather data concerning biomes. Students use their information to create a bulletin board...
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Tree Identification
Students list four ways to identify trees. In this tree identification instructional activity, students use tree identification techniques such as leafs, bark, wood grain, soil type, and climate to create tables and graphs.
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Mapping Population Changes In The United States
Students create a choropleth map to illustrate the population growth rate of the United States. They explore how to construct a choropleth map, and discuss the impact of population changes for the future.