Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Mighty Hudson Stretches its Mussels

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students brainstorm possible causes of zebra mussel migration and population expansion. They identify the key causes and effects of the disturbance of the Hudson River ecosystem and research causes and effects in the disturbances of...
Lesson Plan
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Protecting Holy Cows

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study the interrelationships of organisms and their environments. They study ecological communities and determine what is necessary for survival. Students discuss and answer questions concerning a group's biome, habitat, food...
Lesson Plan
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Eye on the Storm

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discover the way geologists collect information about past hurricanes to determine patterns that may help with storm prediction. They then research the history of natural disasters in different regions of the United States and...
Lesson Plan
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A Day in the Life

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research questions related to sports medicine. They write an essay from the questions and create professional email accounts to email a professional in their field of interest. In addition, they interview their professional and...
Lesson Plan
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Fossils!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners conduct Internet research about different types of fossils, the animals they are from, and some famous paleontologists. They also participate in some interactive activities and hands-on lessons in which they create their own...
Lesson Plan
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Curious Crossbreeds

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discover the diverse roles of hybridization among animals. They research certain examples of animal hybrids as a springboard to analyzing a zoo's potential exhibit of animal hybrids.
Lesson Plan
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Ice, Ice, Baby

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners explore the causes and effects of the melting ice formations in Antarctica; they then research different aspects of the topic in order to create a news special.
Lesson Plan
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Digitized Doctoring

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore new medical technologies to exhibit in an Amazing Medical Machines technology fair. They research different types of advanced medical technologies; then create posters to summarize findings and present at a mock medical...
Lesson Plan
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Eruption!

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students role-play as villagers, the governor, volcanologists, or the press in a simulation about the possible threat of a nearby volcanic eruption.
Lesson Plan
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Let's Rock

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate the property of rocks and how to distinguish among the different types. They explore the hardness of rocks and perform streak tests to determine mineral color. They classify rocks according to their properties.
Lesson Plan
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What's the Matter?

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the components of matter. They discover what matter is, the states of matter, and how heat and cold cause it to change states in an online format. In addition, they complete internet-based lessons, activities, and quizzes.
Lesson Plan
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2003: A Space Tragedy

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the facts and logistics connected to the space shuttle Columbia tragedy and present at a teach-in on the incident. February 3, 2003)
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Thirsty for Drought Relief

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research a variety of drought-related concerns, acting as part of a 'drought preparedness taskforce.' They propose next steps for the government to take in case of drought and assess the viability of these proposals.
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Mining Riches

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research and map how various mining ventures have changed local geographies and populations. First they read the article provided--Examining the Environmental and Social Impact of the Mining Industry.
Lesson Plan
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Deep Thoughts

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine what lies within the Earth. They research and create scale models illustrating the layers of the Earth and write skits advocating a travel plan to send a probe into the Earth's mantle.
Lesson Plan
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Healthy Hearts

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students focus on advanced technologies used to treat disease impacting the cardiopulmonary system; they then reflect on the experiences of having and overcoming illnesses.
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In a Class of Their Own

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore taxonomy and how birds are classified in this scientific system. They use this knowledge to create entries for a field guide to birds that can be used to identify different species.
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Technically Speaking

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research how various forms of technology have changed during different time periods and the ways in which technology impacts society. They propose designs for galleries within a technology museum.
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Think Small

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore current applications of nanotechnology in various industries, including medicine, space development, environmental protection, and defense.
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Growing Pains

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars compare common food items with the parts of a plant. They grow their own plants to assess the difficulties in assisting a plant's growth and reproduction.
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Species for Sale

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore wildlife conservation by investigating animal species that are near extinction due to their value as commodities. They defend the protection of an endangered species researched in class by creating an informational poster.
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Doctors as Detectives

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the investigative and detective work that goes into disease control. They research specific diseases and simulate a doctor-patient diagnosis situation.
Lesson Plan
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Mission Possible

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students create blueprints for imaginary inventions based on real-world technological principles. They write explanations of how their inventions work in the form of movie dialogues.
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Coming To Our Senses

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students participate in a hands-on experiment that illustrates how taste and smell are related. They create their own experiments to help them explore all five senses and the relationships between them.