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Sundials

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students investigate the different types of sundials and their history.  In this shadows and time of day lesson students build their own sundials. 
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You Can Depend On me

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Discover the natural beauty of California. With a conservation bent, this activity delves into some of the attributes that make this state unique. Learners discuss Yosemite and the forest habitat. They focus on the things plants and...
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Information Safari

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students go to the library and research animals using features in the text to help them organize information. For this locating information lesson plan, students complete this task in teams.
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Classification of Animals

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders practice classiyfying items and identify three major characteristics scientists use to classify animals. They describe the differences between ectothermic and endothermic animals.
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Identify Virginia Native Animals

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Learners practice using an online encyclopedia to research native animals to Virginia. Using the information from the encyclopedia, they identify the main and supporting ideas. They share their information with the class using the...
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Invent a Critter

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students create a living animal that could survive in at least one specific region and use the digital desert library to gather information. In this invent a critter instructional activity, students draw a picture of their animal, ...
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Let's Go Fact Fishing!

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners work in pairs to research animals in the ocean. They use the Internet, encyclopedias, and resource books to complete an information sheet with a photo of the animal and three facts. They present their mini-reports to the class.
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Understanding Science Vocabulary and Categorization

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students analyze scientific vocabulary words. In this life science vocabulary lesson, students complete a worksheet using VisualThesaurus as they evaluate words related to plants and animals and how the words are used.
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Endangered Species

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students create a postcard about endangered species. In this biology instructional activity, students identify how human activities endanger other species. They research and recommend ways to help protect them.
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Plankton / Phytoplankton

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers discuss the importance of plankton in the ocean ecosystem. In this biology lesson, students identify the different types plankton by observing them under the microscope. They explain how plankton population affect global...
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Glucose

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers conduct various experiments on glucose. In this biology lesson, students differentiate the process of diffusion and osmosis. They test different foods for the presence of glucose and starch.
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Dinosaur Detectives

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars write a report about a paleontologist. In this paleontology instructional activity, students research and write a report about a noted paleontologist. They discuss the importance of technology to paleontologists and how...
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Primary Energy Sources Pros and Cons

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students explore the different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. In this earth science activity, students discuss the pros and cons of each type. They conduct a variety of experiments on renewable energy.
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Bioluminescence

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students differentiate chemiluminescence from bioluminescence. In this biology lesson, students explain how fireflies and other animals emit light. They discuss the applications of engineered bioluminescence.
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Proteins

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students conduct a variety of experiments to explore protein. In this biology lesson, students solve a mystery by testing for the presence of glucose, protein starch and triglycerides. They explain how DNA transcription and translation...
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Water

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students conduct a series of investigations on the unique properties of water. In this general science activity, students explain what causes water's surface tension. They explain the different stages in the water cycle.
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Internet Exploring

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students access the Internet to answer a variety of questions posed in this technology instructional activity.
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Venus Flytrap

For Teachers K - 12th
Learners study the Venus Flytrap including its habitat and how it eats.  In this ecology lesson plan students complete several experiments using a Venus Flytrap to see how it reacts to various conditions. 
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Explore Your Natural Habitat

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students identify habitats and understand why they are important to our environment.  In this environmental lesson students design their own habitat, observe and record data on the impact their habitat has on the environment.
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Coloring Fabrics With Dyes from Plant Materials K-12 Experiments & Background Information

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate the effects of acid and bases on dyes made with plant materials.  In this chromatography lesson students predict color outcomes and complete a lab activity on color combinations.
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The Wetlands

For Teachers 3rd
Complete a comparison of the wetlands found in New York and Louisiana. Using various research methods, gather data on the wetlands found in New York and Louisiana, the animals, conditions, etc. Data is used to create a brief report on...
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Animal Classes

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders research animals through books and magazines and put them into their various classes. In this animal classes lesson plan, 3rd graders describe the characteristics of animals in each class.
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3-D Ocean Animals

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research an animal from the ocean, using the internet and encyclopedias, with at least 5 out of 5 topics covered. They also construct a 3-dimensional model of their animal and give an oral presentation about their animal...
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Curious Crossbreeds

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discover the diverse roles of hybridization among animals. They research certain examples of animal hybrids as a springboard to analyzing a zoo's potential exhibit of animal hybrids.