Curated OER
Bean There, Done Plant
Students explain that events in nature follow an orderly progression when they plant seeds and observe the development of the seeds. They count seeds and find the likenesses and the differences of many seeds.
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One Square Meter
Students explore the concept of a quadrat study. Students select and investigate a site and conduct a quadrat survey. They take measurements, observe the area and analyze their findings.
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Fish In a Bottle
Young scholars work together to build their own fish ecosystems. As a class, they share their prior knowledge about catfish and use a diagram to label its body parts. They record their observations of the ecosystem and determine what...
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What Is Your Explanation for the Evidence?
Students encounter an interactive computer program activity designed as a diagnostic of student beliefs related to the theory of evolution. Students process the Hypercard cascades structured around a set of biological topics related to...
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Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Resources
Fifth graders, after brainstorming why conservation of resources is important, distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources. They make a list of different types of natural resources on the board and then sort them into two...
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What Is In The Water?
Students investigate the biotic and abiotic factors that are found in an aquatic ecosystem. The emphasis is upon the investigation of present an projections of future water quality. Then students visit a local body of water to gather...
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Behavior Of Substances At Different Temperatures
Fourth graders are involved in a lab experience to look at the concept of heating up various materials to see how they react to an increase in temperature. They make observations and record them in a lab journal. Then students discuss...
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World Geography: Climate Change Round Table
Students are able to explain the suspected causes of relatively recent climate changes, specifically the observed global warming. They discuss how unusual or extreme global warming disrupts the balance of the earth's geo-spheres.
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Fractals, An Inquiry
Students observe and discuss several different fractal drawings and relate them to patterns they see in nature. They use an online fractal tool to create and modify a fractal image and then create their own fractal image with paint.
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What is a Wetland?
In this Tyson Lagoon wetland worksheet, students record their observations during a field trip to a constructed wetland area. They make observations at 6 stations, trace the water flow through the ecosystem and examine the soil and plants.
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The Structure of the Galaxy
Learners infer the galaxy shape. In this structure of the galaxy instructional activity students observe the distribution of objects in the sky and answer questions.
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Develop a Bird Feeder Watch List
Students explore biology by identifying animals on their school ground. In this bird species lesson, students create and utilize a simple bird feeder to attract birds near their classroom at which point they observe the color, size and...
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Eyewitnesses to Change
Students explore recent changes in the Artic's climate that have been observed by Artic residents. They watch videos, take notes and create a concept map. They also look at historical weather data from a specific Artic community. The...
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Heating Crystals
Students examine the effects of heating on various crystals. They answer questions in the observation category which assess their ability to use a variety of senses to observe data in a certain way- a scientific way.
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Ruler and Magnifying Fun
First graders investigate objects using rulers and magnifying glasses. They record their observations using a data-recording sheet and write a characteristic for each item they observe. They use the ruler to solve math problems.
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What's in the Pond?
Sixth graders are introduced to microorganisms within a specific ecosystem and have the opportunity to make observations, explore the environment, conduct experiments and draw conclusions through firsthand experience at a pond. They also...
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What Do You Know About the Birds Around You?
Students compare and contrast various species of birds. After participating in a brief discussion of the characteristics of birds, they view birds in their natural habitat and in pictures with a focus on the similarities and differences...
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Adopt An Ecosystem
Tenth graders choose an ecosystem to observe the interaction of living organisms with biotic and abiotic factors in that ecosystem. They keep journals of observations and reflections in order to have a resource for further...
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Sound Box
Students make simple observations and identify relevant variables, such as frequency and diameter. They then discuss the relationship between variables. The task assesses students' abilities to make simple observations and make...
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The Wonderful World of Polymers
Seventh graders investigate the concept of polymers. They discover unique properties and how polymers are natural. The lesson contains sufficient background information for the teacher. Students examine different types of materials and...
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Drift Study
Students observe, work with charts, and work with GPS in order to determine the path lobster larvae travel based on local currents. In this currents lesson plan, students work with local fishermen to observe the natural currents.
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What In The World Do You Smell?
Students take a walk outside and use their sense of smell to discover odors in their world. They record their observations and compare their observations with those of their classmates.
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King of the Mound
Students investigate water as an agent of change. They conduct an experiment involving a mound of soil, observe and record any changes that occur when ice melts on the mound of dirt, and create a drawing of the changes that take place...
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How Can Sounds Be Different
Second graders explore energy and motion. They investigate how sound energy moves in waves. Students explore how sounds are varied and how the instruments that make those sounds are built. They observe sounds being produced and predict...