Lesson Plan
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Reconstructing a Fossil Pterosaur

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Learners reconstruct the skeleton of the fossil Scaphognathus crassirostis. In this fossil lesson plan, students discuss the Kingdoms of life, geologic history and the history of the skeletons of species. Learners are given 20 minutes to...
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Evolution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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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Biomes: Islands and Evolution

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars discover how islands form, how plant and animal species get there and what the term means.  In this biomes lesson students prepare a presentation that describes the life forms and geography of an island. 
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Oil Spill Dangers

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners analyze the effects of oil spills on our environment and develop action plans to protect animals and habitats.
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Classroom Animals & Pets - Insects & Company - Butterflies

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students examine the life cycle of a butterfly. They place caterpillars in a cage and observe their change to a butterfly. Students discover how much a caterpillar eats and annotate growth information.
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Sea Turtles and Nesting Behavior

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the nesting behavior used by sea turtles and explain how these behaviors are beneficial in the survival of a species. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages that sea turtles have be mass nesting. They identify...
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Emerging Viruses

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students study the characteristics of living things and explore the characteristics of viruses including their structure, function, and reproductive cycles. They also explore the impact of viruses on human health by discussing common...
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Sampling Rocks

For Teachers K - 2nd
Here is a geology lesson which invites learners to explore a variety of rocks. They find rocks in the schoolyard and classify them according to size, color, and weight, then read the book Everybody Needs a Rock. Good lesson!
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The British Origins of Industrialism

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders brainstorm the Industrial Revolution and how it changed the lives of people. They describe rural life in preindustrial Britain. They identify the factors that allowed Britian to become the first industrialized nations.
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Dinosaur Detectives

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students write a report about a paleontologist. In this paleontology lesson plan, students research and write a report about a noted paleontologist. They discuss the importance of technology to paleontologists and how paleontologist...
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Medicine: Then and Now

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students read ancient Greek texts to explore ancient healing practices and compare them to modern-day medicine. They conduct research into modern first-aid practices, using a standard medical reference.
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DNA Diagnosis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students describe the fundamentals of DNA such as structure and replication. Given a picture of a gel, they circle the band that represents the smallest DNA, the largest DNA, and show which DNA sources are the same.
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Sunken Hazard

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students use information about past oil spills to predict potential effects of the Prestige spill on the environment, on marine life, and on the human culture and economy of Spain.
Lesson Plan
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For the Birds

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore biology by creating birdhouses. In this bird identification lesson, 2nd graders discuss the different types of birds that live in their environment and what characteristics each type of bird has. Students create a...
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Rechargeable Batteries

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore how rechargeable batteries work by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students discuss the benefits of using rechargeable batteries over disposable ones. They build their own battery...
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The Most American Thing in America: The Chautauqua

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the Chautauqua movement. In this Pennsylvania history lesson, students use primary documents to explore what the Chautauqua was and how it made a difference in the American way of life.
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Innovations in Obstetrics and Pediatrics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars study the history in obstetrics and pediatrics.  In this investigative activity students research and present information about winners of the Nobel Prize. 
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Dell House Dig

For Teachers K - 2nd
Pupils experience an archaeological dig exploring off the shore of Black Hawk Island and Wisconsin River. They study in the same place where the infamous Dell House once stood. Dell House and its historical significance is reviewed...
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A Matter of Pattern

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students will create and predict patterns formed when making paper snowflakes. Students will construct snowflakes understanding that patterns may be predicted based on observation.
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Identifying Wetlands

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners describe three major categories of indicators that are used to delineate wetlands.  In this wetlands lesson students visit a wetland and make observations then complete an activity using the soil. 
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Medicine: Then and Now

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers read ancient Greek texts to explore ancient healing practices and compare them to those of modern times. They explain Greek healing practices for wounds.
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How a Caterpillar Becomes a Butterfly

For Teachers K - 1st
Student role play and draw the various stages an insect goes through to become a butterfly. They discover the different stages of how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Students read The Very Hungry Caterpilla by Eric Carle.
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The Largest Volcano on Earth

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars create time-lines of tow major eruptions and use this information to determine what happens during an eruption.  For this volcano lesson students read information about previous eruptions and create a time line. 
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Forecast Fever

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders investigate what high-tech tools are used to gather weather data and make weather forecasts. They view a video and a PowerPoint presentation, and conduct research on a cloud chart website. Students make local weather...