Lesson Plan
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Mineral Lab

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders examine the physical properties of different minerals. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders explain the uses of minerals in their daily lives. They complete the mineral identification table during the lesson.
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Earth History Part II

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders hypothesize what caused the break up of continents. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders study about the events that took place during Mesozoic and Cenozoic Era. They reconstruct a supercontinent and report their...
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Inner Space Cavern Cave Field Activity: Drip Rate Analysis

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students compare drip rates at several different locations throughout a cave. They observe, first hand, the heterogeneity in flow paths present in karst aquifers such as the Edwards aquifer.
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In Your Own Backyard

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students observe organisms in their habitat and record their observations. They then draw conclusions about the organism's habitat needs and food sources.
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Looking at the Community Tree

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders review the characteristics of living and nonliving organisms. As a class, they observe a tree and describe the interactions between the living and nonliving organisms surrounding it. To end the lesson, they ask a question...
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A Thoreau Look at Our Environment

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders write journal entries o school site at least once during each season, including sketched and written observations of present environment. They can use sample topographical maps and student's own maps. Students can use...
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Laetoli Trackway Puzzle

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students try to reach a "best explanation" after viewing diagrams.  In this trackway lesson plan students complete several worksheets, make observations and hypothesize.
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Measurement: When Degrees Matter

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders record the temperature change of the beakers. In this general science lesson, 8th graders create their own data table for recording observations. They discuss experimental results and cite real life applications.
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Weather Elements and Instruments

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders identify the different weather elements. In this earth science instructional activity, 8th graders explain the difference between relative humidity and dew point. They discuss the different instruments used to predict...
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Best of the Solar System

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars visit a site which provides images to be analyzed. Notes are taken and planets are named based on observed features and observations. Using peer review, they try to determine the identity of the planets. They are free to...
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How does the Amount of Light Affect a Photogram?

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students observe pictures of themselves using film and discuss how they think the image is processed to produce a photograph. They are introduced to photogram paper comparing it to photograph paper but understanding that no film is...
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Weather Forecasting Basics

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders analyze weather diagrams and weather maps. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders explain why it is important to know the weather. They complete a handout at the end of the lesson.
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Missing Macroinvertebrates

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the concept of a macroinvertebrate. They observe the presence of increases or decreases in population in order to test for factors that contribute to the extinction of a species. Students predict the likelihood...
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Permeability of Earth Materials

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students observe and classify the permeability of a variety of materials.
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How Does Water Cause Weathering?

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the weathering process of water on rocks. They observe how water and friction from other rocks cause them to weather. Students discuss examine and discuss various rocks found on the playground, beach, etc. They...
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Bell Live! The Great Lakes: A Superior Adventure

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students participate in a virtual field trip to Lake Superior. In groups, they perform experiments in which test the level of toxins and bacteria in the water. They also watch video segments life in the lake and discuss their observations.
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A Geological Puzzle

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students compare and contrast the various types of rocks on each continent. In groups, the calculate the rock ages and types to determine if the continents, in their opinion, were joined at one time. They develop two imaginary...
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Backyard Critters

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore the characteristics of invertebrates in their backyards. They observe, describe, and classify specimens. They conclude with a "snail race."
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What Is That Thing?

For Teachers Pre-K - 6th
Could your class identify an old-fashioned can opener? What about a rotary phone,...
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Reflecting on Reflectivity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers plan and construct a "mini-lab" to measure the reflectivity of different earth surfaces. They measure reflectivity of materials, including ice, soil, rocks, etc., and then extrapolate from what they have learned to...
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The Colors of Chemistry

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Learners investigate the acidity and alkalinity of common household products in an experiment. They use red cabbage juice and litmus paper to show the difference between strong acids and bases as they work with vinegar, dish washing...
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The Science Of Mummies

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore how new advancements in technology can lead to advancements in scientific knowledge, and specifically how new technologies are advancing the study of mummies.
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Plastics and Rubber: What's the Difference?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students classify household items into either plastic or rubber. In this chemistry lesson plan, students justify their classification system. They explain the difference between observation and inference.
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The Human Body Systems - Lesson Plan

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students identify the following organ systems in the human body and state their functions: muscular, skeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive.