Lesson Plan
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Rock Solid

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students investigate the three types of material stress related to rocks. They watch a PowerPoint Presentation, view an online animation of the three types of rock stress, identify the various types of rocks, answer true or false...
Lesson Plan
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How Much Is an Ecosystem Worth?

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Students examine the value of ecosystems. They read and analyze an article, evaluate ecosystem services, research the benefits of biomonitors, and design a public service announcement.
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Rocks and Their Properties: Day 5

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students demonstrate their knowledge of rock formation processes in varied ways by sharing their cooperative research projects with the class. They generate well-framed questions in response to each presentation.
Lesson Plan
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Using Vegetation, Precipitation, and Surface Temperature to Study Climate Zones

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students begin their examination of the climate zones found around the world. Using a software program, they identify the relationship between the vegetation, climate and temperatures of the different zones. They also plot coordinates...
Lesson Plan
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Early Explorers

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders study early explorers. In this World history lesson, 5th graders draw an outline of a map labeling each part, build geographical features out of dough, and paint each of the land and water features.
Lesson Plan
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Engineering: Which Roof Is Tops?

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students determine regional climates by examining photos of house roofs. They observe teacher-constructed examples of roofs and make predictions as to which style is best for snowy climates. After evaluating the examples, they record...
Lesson Plan
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Acid Rain

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students understand the dynamics of acid rain and its impact on the living and non-living environment. They hypothesize how acid rain affects water pH levels in two lake systems with differing watershed features.
Lesson Plan
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Estuary and Watershed

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars investigate the San Francisco Bay Estuarine Research Reserve and watershed. In this estuary and watershed lesson plan, students complete 4 activities to better understand estuarine systems. They include studying the San...
Lesson Plan
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How Did This Happen?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students use websites and discussion to investigate the 2004 Asian Tsunami. Students identify the Indian Ocean coastline's physical, political and human geography features and consider how they affected loss of life and property in those...
Lesson Plan
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Geography: Water, Water Everywhere

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students discuss flooding and its causes. They view a Powerpoint presentation about floods and prevention methods. After creating a model with clay and pans, they investigate river behavior in various terrains with different amounts of...
Lesson Plan
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A Day in the Life of a San Francisco Native Animal

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students write from an animal's perspective. In this writing lesson students explore the landscape of San Francisco prior to the arrival of the explorers. Students research animals indigenous to the area.
Lesson Plan
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Maple Syrup Production

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Young scholars make their own maple sugar and learn about how it is made on a grander scale. In this maple sugar lesson plan, students make their own maple sugar and learn about evaporation and what labor is put into making it.
Lesson Plan
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The Solar System: Go Green with the Sun!

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders learn how to use solar power.  In this sun, technology and energy lesson, 3rd graders learn how the solar power from the sun can give off energy, learn about solar panels, discuss their uses and benefits, and design a...
Lesson Plan
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Dangerous Storms

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students examine media language for dangerous storms stressing; preparation, evacuation, and emergency assistance, and problem-solving techniques for emergency situations.
Worksheet
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What is a Chemical Reaction?-Evidence of Change

For Students 10th - 12th
In this chemical reactions worksheet, students experiment with hydrochloric acid and copper (I) chloride to identify the types of reactions they undergo with various other substances. They also observe the law of conservation of mass and...
Lesson Plan
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Get to Know Trees

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students recognize the characteristics of trees by using their five senses. In this trees lesson, students observe and record the characteristics of trees on a field trip. Students then are blindfolded and use their senses to identify...
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Ecosystems Connect

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students investigate ecosystems near their school and across the world. They examine both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements of each. They recognize ecosystems from various continents around the globe. The use of computers...
Worksheet
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Migrate, Adapt, or Hibernate

For Students 4th - 8th
In this migration and hibernation instructional activity, students read a 2 page informational excerpt about animals who adapt to changing seasons by migrating or hibernating. They then use the information they learned to answer the 15...
Lesson Plan
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Insect Homes

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students investigate student homes.  In this insect homes lesson,students observe insect homes. Students visit a campsite and gather information about  insect homes. Students examine and record an insect home on a worksheet....
Lesson Plan
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Biome Discovery Expedition

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students research similarities and differences among biomes online. They simulate job of zoo planners, and depart on expedition to decide which biome the city zoo should construct, as well as which plants and animals to include in it.
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Carbon Dioxide

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a series of experiments to explore carbon dioxide properties. In this chemistry lesson, students explain the production and uses of this gas. They measure its amount in soda and waste product of yeast.
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Backyard Birds: Who's Who Out There?

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Young scholars practice techniques of field observation and data-gathering while studying local bird population, describe ecosystem as complex combination of elements, which can affect or be affected by each other, and determine effects...
Lesson Plan
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Wind Energy

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students explore wind energy by making a pinwheel to model a wind turbine. They experiment with their turbine by placing it in different locations for optimal energy.
Lesson Plan
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Oil Spill

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore an important role of environmental engineers by studying the Exxon Valdez oil spill. They experiment with different strategies in order to clean up their own manufactured oil spill.