Lesson Plan
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Smart Move!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students visualize a communication system. They encode, decode, transmit, receive and store messages. Students use a code sheet and flashlight for this process. They will also maintain a storage sheet from which they can retrieve...
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Elements 'R' Us

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders participate in a Web Quest in order to examine the periodic table of elements. After collecting information about an element of their choice, they share with group members what they have learned. Groups create class...
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In the Forecast, a Flurry of Concerns about Snow

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the effects of climate change on snowfall and how a lack of data in snowfall collection impair climate change research. They, in groups, investigate different effects of snowfall and make recommendations to lobbyists.
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Shedding New Light

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars consider why photographs in space might not show stars and research the importance of light in this phenomenon. They research other scientific processes related to light or its absence and create "How It Works" posters...
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Carnival of Carnivores

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research different species of meat-eating animals in their natural environments to create a Carnival of Carnivores exhibit for their classroom.
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Bolts Out of the Blue

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research different types of lightning patterns and compare their origins to an experiment on static electricity. They research different types of lightning, and explain how different light patterns result from those charges.
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Talking 'Bout Regeneration

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the regenerative capabilities of certain organisms. They present their findings at a student regeneration symposium aimed at exploring the possibilities of human regeneration.
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May the Force Be With You

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read an article, brainstorm ideas and prepare journals investigating why people enjoy 'thrill' rides, what forces affect the body on these rides and how they can become dangerous.
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Making Prehistory

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars create mock fossil records based on current scientific theories about prehistory. By learning about what fossil records teach us about different prehistoric time periods, students gain a greater understanding of theories...
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Survival of the Fittest Microbes

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the harsh conditions of Spain's Rio Tinto River and research the microbes that nonetheless manage to thrive there. They synthesize their knowledge by creating a reality television show set in the Rio Tinto with microbes...
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How Much is That Monkey in the Window?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate exotic pets and the ecological and personal risks involved in trading and owning such animals. They synthesize their knowledge by creating advertisements that promote the sale of exotic pets and picket signs that...
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Branching Out

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate the causes and effects of the spread of tree diseases in the U.S., and research certain American species of trees and the diseases that commonly threaten them. They create pamphlets to help identify healthy and...
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Fire Escape

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the effects of the volcanic eruption of Nyiragongo in Congo as a springboard to exploring past examples of volcanic eruptions and their respective relief efforts.
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Gorillas In The Midst

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the idea of the eco-tour, and examine different aspects of the Mountain Gorilla Project eco-tour in Rwanda. They synthesize their understanding by acting as expert panelists on a morning news show that focuses on the...
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Weathering the Odds

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the limitations of weather forecasting and how consumer-driven weather forecasting companies attempt to meet the demand for accurate, long-term weather forecasting. They act as meteorologists, researching the weather.
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Spacing Out

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore environmental and geological conditions on other planets in our solar system, comparing their findings to information about Earth. They propose technologies that might assist in supporting human life on those planets.
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Vision Of The Future

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate ways in which new vision tests and technologies can be used to help detect and correct vision problems. They begin by reading the Times article, Software May Replace the Eye Chart on the Wall. They stage a medical...
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Return Of The Living Dead

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research endangered animal species that have 'beaten the odds' as they continue to survive longer than scientists had expected. They write individual pages for a class book about endangered species.
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Clearing the Air

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read a New York Times article and investigate a variety of emissions that contribute to global warming. They participate in a mock international summit in which they present recommendations for reversing the global warming trend.
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Introduction to Severe Weather Patterns

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Learners review basic weather concepts and terminology, and explore weather modeling tools.
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Darwinist Dogma?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students debate whether teachers should be mandated to present theories challenging evolution in their classrooms. For homework, they write letters to their local school board expressing their own opinions.
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In the Wake of a Storm

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students share thoughts about the effects of Hurricane Katrina on Louisiana's natural environment. They read an online article and write proposals to save Mississippi River marshlands.
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Devil May Care?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars study about a deadly disease decimating the Tasmanian devil population. They research diseases that affect animals and write a fictional story about the animals they researched.
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Code Blue and You

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars review their understanding of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They explore other types of medical responses to common emergency situations and evaluate the importance of CPR training in their curriculum.