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Thermal Expansion

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine how thermal expansion of water can affect sea level. They conduct an experiment that demonstrates what happens to water levels when exposed to heat, record the results on a data sheet, and discuss the results.
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Blame It On El Nino

For Teachers 5th - 6th
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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Tracking a Hurricane

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students play the role of amateur meteorologists and track a hurricane. In this hurricane instructional activity, learners follow a hurricane by tracking its coordinates on an overhead map. Students work in small groups to place dots on...
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Candy Chemosynthesis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars explain chemosynthesis and photosynthesis using candy. In this chemosynthesis lesson, students work cooperatively to create a visual explanation of the chemical equations of photosynthesis and chemosynthesis.
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Tale of a Tuna

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Junior marine biologists access the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas' data on Atlantic Bluefin Tuna catches. As they analyze the data, they answer three questions. Background information and links to...
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Toilet Paper Geologic Time Scale

For Teachers K - 6th
Students examine and demonstrate the extent of geologic time compared to recent time. They develop a demonstration of geologic time using an unrolled roll of toilet paper, with each sheet of toilet paper representing 20 million years.
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Sand Collection and Identification

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students collect small amounts of sand from a favorite beach. They note the texture of the sand as fine or coarse and hypothesize why this might be. They research different kinds of sand grains and the conditions that produce them.
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Pollutants on Coral

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students consider the effects of acid pollution on coral reefs. They brainstorm previous knowledge about coral reefs, examine a piece of coral and observe its reaction to acid and list ways we can prevent pollution from reaching the reefs.
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No Escape

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Via four student handouts, marine biology learners examine the topography and circulation cell of the Fieberilng guyot. Then they examine the number of individual hydroids counted at each depth. Pupils use the information to relate water...
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Oceanography Class Quilt

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students create and observe a collage of oceanography topics that be placed on quilt tiles in a culmination art project to represent information learned.
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Learning About Mammals

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students study the mammal classification and forms of them living in the United States. In this mammal study lesson, students read through orders of mammals that exist in the United States. Students also study the taxonomy of an eastern...
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AUSTRALIA

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the different types of barrier reefs and how they are formed.  In this barrier reef lesson plan students complete several activities on coral reefs.
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Biographical Essay

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders explore the importance of the environment and ow fragile it is.
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Michigan Quarter Reverse: A Coin Out of Water

For Teachers K - 1st
Students examine the Michigan quarter reverse and differentiate between bodies of water. On copies of the quarter reverse, they color the land green and the water blue. After observing photos of water bodies, they complete a worksheet...
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Sink or Float

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students explore water properties by conducting a class experiment. In this buoyancy lesson, students make predictions as to whether or not specific objects will sink or float in water. Students conduct the experiment and record their...
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Extreme Environments

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine extreme environments and the characteristics that make them.  For this adaptation lesson students see how animals have adapted to these environments. 
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Dino Detectives

For Teachers 4th
As students examine maps of Utah, 4th graders search for clues about what prehistoric life was like in Utah.
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Water Quality

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate the water cycle and evaporation. They study the porosity and permeability of groundwater, and the capillary action in soil in this unit.
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Where Did They Come From?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain hydrothermal vents and the process in which species and the hydrothermal vents become isolated.
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SPLASH – Monitoring Humpback Whales

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students view a video about the humpback whale and why it is endangered. In this endangered species activity, students recognize the importance of observing and following an endangered species in an ecosystem. Students identify the...
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Fetch Me a Wave

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars explore waves and how they form.  In this wave lesson students prepare a written report on waves and tsunamis then discuss what they learned.
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Island Survival

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students participate in a simulation of life on a deserted island. They apply their critical thinking skills and knowledge of oceans and islands to "survive" and ultimately return to safety. Lesson contains adaptations for all levels.
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Gallery Walk Questions about Energy and Material Cycles

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students state the physical, chemical or biological processes associated with these environments: Pelagic ocean zone, California coat Cave, Indiana Barrier island beach, North Carolina Sand dune, Dunes National Park, Colorado Wetland and...
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Climate Change

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students discuss problems associated with a world climate change. They examine how animals would be affected if the world heated up.