Lesson Plan
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Under the Sea

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars identify and interpret that non-fiction books have features like a table of contents, a glossary, and an index, which can efficiently help them find information. They also identify how to narrow the search for information...
Organizer
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Organisms that Glow

For Students 8th - 11th
In this bioluminescence worksheet, students read about various organisms that glow on land and in the sea. They answer three critical thinking questions after reading about these chemical reactions.
Lesson Plan
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Ocean Exploration

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students explore whales. In this animal adaptation and whale activity, students access prior knowledge about whales from previous lessons, then use background knowledge to predict the eating strategies of a baleen whale and a toothed...
Lesson Plan
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Bioluminescence

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students differentiate chemiluminescence from bioluminescence. In this biology lesson, students explain how fireflies and other animals emit light. They discuss the applications of engineered bioluminescence.
Lesson Plan
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Island of the Blue Dolphins Jigsaw

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders research three topics from the book, either Village Life, Sea Life, or San Nicholas Island. They research independently and meet in a jigsaw format to share what they learned. As group they create a poster for class...
Lesson Plan
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The Salt Water Connection

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the various factors that influence the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay, California. They watch a video about Monterey Bay and take notes, and conduct research and write a report about a specific organism living in...
Lesson Plan
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Ocean Grazers: Class Field Trip

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students explore biology by participating in a field trip. In this oceanography lesson, students define the survival characteristics of bottom dwelling creatures also known as ocean grazers. Students attend a class field trip to a beach...
Lesson Plan
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Using and Creating a Dichotomous Key

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars assess what a dichotomous key is and how it identifies objects in a group through a process of answering yes/no-type questions about certain objects. They examine an interactive graphic key on sea turtles and then create...
Lesson Plan
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Oceans Away

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students explore oceans. In this science lesson plan, students locate oceans, seas and continents of the world, identify ocean-related occupations, and complete activities pertaining to food chains as well as pollution.
Lesson Plan
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Bad Algae!

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore algal blooms.  In this ecosystem and health activity, students define and describe harmful algal blooms, then discuss ways in which the impact of these algal blooms could be reduced.  Students work in groups to...
Lesson Plan
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Historical Harbor Habitats

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders create food web displays in the classroom. In this ecology instructional activity, 10th graders identify the different pollutants in the environment and their effect on organisms. They collect samples of sediments from the...
Lesson Plan
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Voyage to Kure Viewing Guide

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students complete a worksheet while viewing a video about the oceans. They locate the oceans on a map and identify positive and negative ways in which humans have impacted them. They discuss any questions at the end of the lesson.
Lesson Plan
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How about a Little Give and Take?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students design a closed system to test the relationships between plants and animals. They monitor abiotic fluctuations within this living system by using a chemical test kit. They observe how living organisms respond to fluctuations in...
Worksheet
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Communities and Biomes

For Students 9th - 12th
In this biomes worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle by figuring out the answers to 17 clues focused on communities and biomes.
Lesson Plan
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Shark Food

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Learners create a linking chain to demonstrate the food chain.  In this food chain lesson, students use the Internet to research sharks, including what they eat, and create a chain link with a picture of a shark.  They continue...
Lesson Plan
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Food Chains and Food Webs

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study intertidal organisms and their role in the food web. In this food web lesson, 4th graders read the book The Sea That Feeds Us and discuss food webs. Students study pictures of intertidal creatures and discuss their...
Lesson Plan
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Fishing For The Future

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students participate in a simulation using M&M's that highlights Garrett Hardin's concept of the "tragedy of the commons." They use the activities to study sustainability issues in the fishing industry.
Worksheet
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Unusual Coral Reef Animals

For Students 4th - 5th
In this science worksheet, students research an unusual coral reef animal. A list of 22 animals is provided to choose from or students may choose their own. After researching the animal, students illustrate the creature and write about...
Lesson Plan
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Building an Underwater Habitat

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate underwater habitats. In this underwater habitat lesson, students study Aquarius and design their own underwater habitat that can sustain life. Students work in groups and present their habitats to the class. Students...
Lesson Plan
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I, Robot, Can Do That!

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students describe the three types of underwater robots and the advantages and disadvantages of using them.  In this underwater instructional activity students are given a task and identify the best robot for the job. 
Lesson Plan
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Eutrophication Lab

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the effects of detergents and fertilizers on aquatic life and describe algae. Students define the term eutrophication as the process by which a body of water, such as a pond, lake, stream, or river, has a sudden increase...
Lesson Plan
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Who Takes Care of the Maya Forest Corridor?

For Teachers 1st
First graders study the animals in the Maya Forest Reserve. In this conservation lesson, 1st graders create a graph to compare the environment of animals to their own. They design a 3D model of these two environments.
Lesson Plan
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Design a Reef!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore coral reef ecosystems.  In this ecosystems science lesson, students research coral reef ecosystems to determine the major functions the participating organisms must perform.  Students construct a miniature...
Lesson Plan
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Coral Reefs

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students research coral reefs and identify their benefits to humans, threats to the reef, how to reduce and eliminate threats, and more. For this coral reef lesson plan, students research the reefs, and take a field trip to an aquarium.