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Mercury in the Environment
Young scholars develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry. They develop an understanding of chemical reactions, structures and properties of matter. They develop decision-making skills in natural and human-induced hazards.
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Ramps 2: Ramp Builder
Students design, build, and test their own ramps. They are introduced to a variety of materials and explore putting them together. Students engage in an inquiry-based learning experience to reinforce math, science, and technology...
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Journal Introductions
Students explore the idea of scientific observation and the use of a journal to record their observations. They examine the proper vocabulary used when describing scientific inquiry. Students observe a science experiment and they discuss...
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Bird Ecology Unit
Birds, plants, and vegetation, is there anything more lovely? There is! Engage your class in the scientific process, data collection, and data analysis. They stroll their campus observing and identifying various birds and plants,...
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A Breath of Fresh Air
Students explore the primary function of the respiratory system in multiple activities. In this respiratory system lesson, students build a model of the respiratory system to investigate how the lungs work.
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Forest Friends Forever
Students investigate how to use the senses to gather information about objects such as size, shape, color, texture, sound, position, and change (qualitative observations are utilized throughout this lesson). They investigate and explain...
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Look At Those Leaves!
Students sort tree leaves. In this plant biology lesson, students collect leaves and group them according to size, shape, and color. Students discuss their observations.
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Numbers as Descriptors
Students use numbers as descriptors. In this mathematical inquiry lesson, students use numbers to describe, classify, and compare plants. Students are made aware that numbers can be used to describe things in the world around them.
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Building an Electric Motor
Students study different motors and how they convert electrical energy to mechanical energy. In this motor lesson students make a model of an electric motor and examine how it can be used to do work.
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Coal Formation
Learners perform an in-depth study of coal - one of most important fossil fuels. Over a three-week period of time, they become familiar with how coal is formed underground, and will create a "fossil" right there in the classroom in order...
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The Impact
Students see what inventors have to think about when making an invention. In this inventions lesson students examine Thomas Edison and the light bulb and the history of inventions.
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Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads
Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them. In this investigative activity students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings.
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Your Own Fresh Water Aquarium in the Classroom
Students explore aquariums. In this fish and ecosystems lessons, students establish a freshwater aquarium environment using materials provided. Students read about and care for the classroom fish.
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What's in My Water, and How Did it Get There?
Learners analyze water samples to see the contaminants and then use the Internet to find the sources of the contamination. In this investigative water lesson students analyze water and work together to solve the mystery of...
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Oobleck
Second graders observe the properties of Oobleck. In this science and observation lesson, 2nd graders examine Oobleck and make a list of 10 properties that they notice. They explain their observations.
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The Rock Cycle Graphically Organized
Fourth graders use the prereading strategy of discussion and then use a graphic organizer to help guide reading on the topic of the rock cycle. They use a worksheet imbedded in this plan to guide thier inquiry.
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Heat Up the Floating Plates
Eighth graders research the connection between the convection currents within the mantle of the earth and the moving of Earth's plates. A connection to lessons at previous grade levels on the rock cycle and important background...
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What's Dancing in the Water?
Students learn about watershed, as well as the different forms and uses of water. For this water forms lesson, students brainstorm water sources and uses. Students read the book Water Dance and discuss water examples. Students complete...
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What is the Function of Each Seed Part in the Growth of a Plant
Sixth graders investigate the parts of a seed by using a digital camera. In this botany instructional activity, 6th graders plant their own seeds in class and demonstrate the necessary attributes for growing a plant. Students...
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Termitology
Students engage in an inquiry-based study of the ecology of termites. Through hands-on investigations, they explore the life cycle of termites, the termite's role in the food web, and the unique social structure of termite colonies.
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A "Real" Picuture of a Scientist
Students share their own stereotypes when they talk about scientists. In groups, they draw a picture of a scientist where they are working and the tools they most commonly used. Using the internet, they discover how archeolgists use the...
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Aquatic Field Data
Students use laptops and sensors to measure water quality and graph their results. In this aquatics lesson students post their results to a website or email.
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Exploring the Beach
Young scholars explore the beach. In this marine habitat lesson, students inspect sand grains, design beach profiles, classify marine life, and examine natural beach habitats. Young scholars use spreadsheets to record data from their...
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Seasons of Trees
Students examine how trees change over time. For this forestry lesson, students read the book The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree and choose three trees to observe over a period of time. Students record observations and seasonal changes...