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Red Tail Ridge Wetland Study Project
Fifth graders use a real life scenario of the wetlands to gather information on creatures of the habitat. In this wetlands lesson, 5th graders research the interdependence of organisms in a healthy habitat. Students collected...
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I See a Coyote
Learners role-play coyotes looking for natural resources. In this natural resources lesson, students examine the relationship between animal life and the environment. Learners play a game that demonstrates how natural...
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Wow Waves (Waves on the Fly)
Students formulate hypotheses on wave behavior and test them. In this physics instructional activity, students compare and contrast transverse and compression waves. They determine the wavelength of transverse waves.
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Developing Models
Students understand the concept of a scientific model and how it relates to climate change. In this obsesrvation and gathering data lesson students design a trial and error model using PowerPoint.
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Eco-Kids: How Students Can Help Save the World
Fourth graders identify the different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. In this ecology lesson, 4th graders create models of wind mills and hydropower. They discuss the pros and cons of using alternative forms of energy.
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Transpiration
Learners examine the part that transpiration plays in the hydrologic cycle. They observe how plants play a role in maintaining a stable environment.
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Coral Reefs
Students research an inhabitant of a Caribbean coral reef using a list of common organisms that live on or near it. Students then write a description of their organism and draw a picture or a 3-D model of it. Eventually they all work...
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Corals & Coral Reefs
Students describe a coral reef, how it is formed and its inhabitants. They explain the ecological and economic importance of coral reefs and discuss its present-day threats. Lesson contains adaptations for all levels.
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Chromatography - Chemical Separation of Colors
Third graders use the scientific method as they separate the colors used in ink. In this chromatography lesson plan, the teacher introduces students to how chromatography is used in several careers, then students perform an experiment...
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Sand, Sand, Everywhere Sand
Students study the physical characteristics of four types of desert regions. In this desert regions lesson, students watch a video about deserts and discuss the deserts. Students compare the deserts and research the ways humans have...
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Power In Variety
Students discover different types of energy. In this energy source lesson students compare different types of energy, renewable and nonrenewable. Students answer questions about the different types of energy and their impact on the...
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Electromagnetic Spectrum
Young scholars define electromagnetic radiation, list major categories and uses of electromagnetic waves, identify potential health risks with electromagnetic waves, and demonstrate understanding of Plank's constant by solving...
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Stewardship of Yosemite National Park
Students devise a plan that would be true to John Muir's spirit of stewardship toward Yosemite. They analyze a core map to determine the original plan and usage of the park and compare the original plan to a current park map.
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Bat Ecology
Students, through hands on games and activities, discover how bats live and how bats benefit ecosystems. They play a game designed to show them how echolocation works and another to show how mother bats locate their young through their...
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Endangered Species: Not Only Animals
Students research endangered animals and plants. In this biology lesson, students are read Will We Miss Them? Endangered Species by Alexandra Wright before they begin searching for information to complete an endangered species...
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Why Is My Bread Fuzzy?
Students explore the organisms that live on counters or surfaces in the classroom. In this mold experiment, students observe mold in different conditons. Students record their observations on a worksheet. Students understand how...
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Climate And the Greenhouse Effect
Young scholars demonstrate the greenhouse effect. They recognize that relatively small changes to our environment can stimulate significant climate changes. They determine that the "scientific method" is a process of testing hypotheses...
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Blame It On El Nino
Students understand what the weather phenomenon El Nino is and what causes it. Students recognize how remote sensing technology can detect and predict El Nino. Students discover how El Nino effects weather conditions throughout the globe...
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The Gray Whale Obstacle Course Viewing Guide
Young scholars complete a worksheet while watching a film about whales. They examine the human impact on whale migration and identify adaptations the whale has acquired in able to survive. They discover how global warming has effected...
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Building Challenges
Young scholars work together to complete different building challenges. They use prior knowledge to build tunnels and different types of bridges. They share their creations with the group.
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Sampling Carbon Dioxide
Students perform an experiment to determine which source of gas (their breath, exhaust from a car, or the air in the classroom) has a greater concentration of carbon dioxide. Students compare the colors of BTB solutions after...
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Rockets on a Shoestring Budget
Students, operating under simulated budget constraints, build pop-rockets and launch them. Working in pairs, they complete budget worksheets and use their "Blast Off Bucks" to pay for the construction. They then redesign their rockets...
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Bhopal - Runaway Reaction
Students research and study the disaster of Bhopal to grasp the essential concept of controlling chemical reactions. They explain how the Bhopal disaster might have been prevented based upon their knowledge of factors affecting the rate...
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Where Do All the Toxins Go?
Students demonstrate how chemicals accumulate in fish fat. They study path ways of toxins in the fish's body and ways to prepare fish to avoid consuming the toxins. They examine U.S. and Canada regulations to protect the environment.