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Ecology: Factors Influencing Animal Populations
Young scholars assess the factors affecting animal populations. Working in groups they define specific vocabulary terms and complete several activities from "Project Wild."
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Heredity, Genetics, Traits
Eighth graders study how an embryo develops into a fetus by undergoing many physical changes which they observe on a poster. They examine the metamorphosis of fruit flies as they develop through a series of changes. They record the...
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Plants
Third graders study the factors necessary for plant growth and how plants adapt to their environment. They examine ow different plants require different environments to thrive.
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The Environments of Big Sur:Which Do We Protect?
Students examine the California environments. In this environmental lesson, students examine the various ecosystems of California, creating a presentation on how these environments impact Big Sur. They write a paper defending their point...
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Learning From Leaves: A Look at Leaf Size
Young scholars measure and analyze leaves from various environments. They discuss the environments, and make inferences about environmental variables that could have contributed to the differences in leaf size and texture.
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"Oh Deer!"
Young scholars play a game where half of them are deer and the others are components of habitat: food, water, shelter and space. They signify their needs by hand gestures and take what they need to their side of the game. They discuss...
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Limiting Factors/Evolution Game
Students play a board game with provided cards which help them realize that limiting factors may restrict an organism in its development and productivity and direct evolutionary pathways.
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Adopt a Species!
Students identify endangered species. In this animal science lesson, students research endangered animals and create a fundraiser to "adopt" an endangered species.
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The True "Cost of Cool!"
Eighth graders study hidden environmental costs in things we buy. In this consumerism instructional activity students watch a video about consumerism and analyze advertisements in teen magazines.
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Macroinvertebrate Sampling
Students identify macroinvertebrate species to investigate ecological systems and the relationship between humans and the environment.
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Magical Metamorphosis
Sixth graders compare and contrast incomplete and complete metamorphosis using a Venn Diagram. They predict, observe, measure, and record data on the life cycle of mealworms. Students write and illustrate the life cycle of the mealworm....
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Mushrooms Can Save the World
Middle schoolers use mushrooms to solve problems. In this environmental lesson plan, students study how fungi have been used to combat environmental problems. Middle schoolers design strategies that employ mushrooms to combat other...
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Build An Island
Students explore erosion. In this science lesson plan, students build an island and observe the effects of erosion on the island. Students discuss freshwater ecosystems in Hawaii.
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Ecosystem Interactions Web
Students pick an ecosystem (forest, desert, coral reef, open ocean, grassland, mountain, savanna, etc.) and design an interaction web for their chosen ecosystem. Each group shares their ecosystem's web of life with the class.
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Maintaining Strong Fisheries
Learners play a game about the life cycle of a blue crab in order to witness the causes of changes in the crab population and discuss what a resource manager could do to keep a stable crab population. Students then create a game titled...
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Know Your Watershed
Students investigate the importance and the location of their own watershed by visiting and EPA website and also work in groups to create an action plan on how to protect their local watershed.
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Evolution
Students research the theory of evolution and the controversy. In this evolution lesson students view a film on Charles Darwin then they write an essay about whether or not intelligent design should be taught in science class.
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Students Solutions - Saving Our Surroundings
Students explore the environmental impact of humans on the plants and animals in their state. In this environmental impact lesson plan, students use digital cameras to photograph plants and animals in their state. Students investigate...
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How to Catch a Fish
Students conduct an experiment to demonstrate the effects of different fishing methods. For this commercial fishing lesson students create posters and public announcements to share their information.
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Energy Conservation
Class is divided into groups of 2-4 students. They then are given a list of 36 items that are found in our homes and which use electricity. They are going to pretend that because of an energy shortage, they have to pick only twelve items...
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The Ocean Floor
Fifth graders discuss the process of sedimentation and the continental drift theory. They locate major structures on the ocean floor and they identify life forms at each level of the ocean.
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Photosynthesis
Sixth graders are introduced to the process of photosynthesis by discussion and then by participating in an experiment. They then answer questions as independent practice project.
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FRED the FISH
Students engage in the study of the human impact on environmental systems (specifically rivers). This lesson plan enhances Students' exploration of a variety of themes or topics.
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Radical Raptors
Students define raptor, explain why raptors are important, describe unique physical characteristics of various types of raptors, and explain life cycle of raptors. Students then play Habitat Game, describe food and hunting habits of...