National Science Teachers Association
Using Concept Maps in the Science Classroom
A good concept map requires high thought processes. This makes it a great tool for teaching and evaluating your pupils. A helpful article describes a great approach for teaching young scholars the art of concept map building and how best...
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Using Concept Maps to Teach Evolution
Students encounter concept maps for reviewing evolution. Concept maps provides an alternative method of interacting with the information and a forum for asking questions about vocabulary, concepts and interrelationships. A quiz is...
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Endangered Animals Books
Middle schoolers research endangered species and create and publish books to present their findings. Designed to use Inspiration software, this resource could be adapted if you don't have access to the program. Contains handy website...
Alabama Wildlife Federation
Water Words
Water is an interesting substance that all living things need to survive. Learners focus on the characteristics of water as they create a list of words related to water and then incorporate them into descriptive paragraphs. They then use...
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What's the Matter? (Grade 3)
Third graders organize information about the three types of matter and to reinforce concepts learned in the matter unit of the science curriculum. They use Inspiration software to create a concept map of the three types of matter.
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Classification of Matter
Students investigate common household items and classify them into types of matter. In this matter instructional activity, students group given items into categories based on their characteristics. They also complete a concept map about...
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States of Matter
In this states of matter worksheet, students complete a concept map about the three states of matter including solids, liquids and gases.
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Simple Cycles
Young scholars use Inspiration to map cyclical events. They recognize links between separate events and structural patterns. They explore the Internet Connection section to browse additional resources on teaching about cycles used in...
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Classify Rocks
Students classify different types of rocks. In this earth science lesson, students test different rock samples and construct a chart to record observations. They create a concept map that answers essential questions.
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Lead Usage Through History
Students read 2 assigned articles about lead usage with a partner or team. They create a concept map or timeline using Inspiration software to trace the uses of lead by people. They complete a brief constructed response and are graded...
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Inspired Science
Middle schoolers explore the process of invention from an inventor's conception and as a factor of history. They are shown how inventions evolve and how inventions influence the world around them Students chart the inception and affects...
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Animals of Rainforest and Temperate Forest
Students research an animal from each type of forest, and compare/contrast them on a concept map. They write a letter from one animal to the other, using information from their research.
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The Five Senses
Students explore and study about the five senses. They focus on their sense of smell and interact with certain ingredients, including white vinegar. Each student also helps to create and share a concept map on the sense of smell...
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Human Impact on the Geosphere
Ninth graders answer the bulleted points from the project guideline sheet using the Internet for help. They then use Inspiration to create a concept map to link all of their ideas.
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Interior of the Earth
Sixth graders identify and describe the composition and physical properties of the layers of the Earth. They also explain how scientists used the scientific process to know about the center of the Earth. Finally, 6th graders read a...
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Biomimicry, Nature: Architecture of the Future
Students explore the relationship between nature and architecture. In this cross curriculum history, culture, and architecture lesson, students observe and discuss structures visible in nature. Students view websites in which Native...
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Sky Quest
Students identify constellations in the evening sky. In this Sky Quest lesson, students create their own star patterns using a star map worksheet. Students explain how different celestial bodies in space are viewed through a telescope.
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Create a Community Tree Tour
Students study tree identification. In this tree identification lesson plan, students design and assemble a tree tour booklet describing 5 trees found in their community. The booklet should feature common and Latin names of the species,...
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Weather Forecasting Basics
Eighth graders analyze weather diagrams and weather maps. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders explain why it is important to know the weather. They complete a handout at the end of the lesson.
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Flower Power
Students investigate and explain the basic needs and life processes of plants. Key concepts include: living things change as they grow and need food, water, and air to survive. The reverse of the Kansas quarter serves as inspiration.
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A "Sweet" Lesson in Economics
Students discover how to determine the flavor of a jellybean using different key documents. In this economics lesson, students discuss Virginia economics and begin an activity in which they will help decide on the what jellybean flavors...
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Activities in A Science Classroom
Learning Through Games and Activities Make Staying On Task in the Classroom Fun
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Animals at the Zoo
Pupils identify a variety of animals that can be found at the zoo and select one to conduct research on. In pairs they conduct Internet research, complete a graphic organizer chart, and create a two slide PowerPoint presentation.
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And Your Point Is . . .? Part I
Students, in groups, complete a WebQuest titled "Love Canal Debate". They follow the WebQuest to research and write papers on different points of view regarding the Love Canal environmental disaster.