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Life in a Drop of Water
High schoolers examine the structure, function, and characteristics of microscopic organisms that inhabit freshwater through collection of water samples and observation through microscopes.
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Inquiry-based Investigations into Pond Water Microorganisms
Young scholars become familiar with common microorganisms and experience exploring the microbial world.
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Fishing
Students explore the techniques and basic needs of the fisherman. In this fishing lesson, students view a demonstration of the use of fishing equipment. Students research Iowa farm ponds and design a class mural from their information. ...
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Inquiry in Science Using an Animal Behavior Model
Students observe a planaria without a microscope and with a stereoscopic microscope. They draw the planaria and describe its motion and eating habits. Students research planarias various body systems and behavior. They design an...
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Martian Earth Tours
Students study a variety of global wetland habitats, their similarities and differences. They examine the variety of life that such wetlands support and determine that many animals and plants are adapted to life in wetlands, that...
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Organisms and Their Environments
High schoolers study a local ecosystem and research the organisms to create a food web. In this ecosystem lesson, students view a video and answer questions. They visit a local ecosystem and make a list of organisms to research. High...
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Protist Internet Lab
In this protozoan worksheet, students use the internet research 20 short answer questions about micro-organisms from Amoebas to Parameciums. They also read a poem and write there own based on the researched information.
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Water and Land Ecosystems
Students investigate the differences between a land and aquatic ecosystem. They use the information in order to present it in an assessment. There are target questions that can be used to guide research, lead a classroom discussion, or...
It's About Time
The Nitrogen and Phosphorous Cycles
How do we affect the ecosystem, and what can we do to preserve it? Pupils explore chemicals that promote and inhibit plant growth, then discuss the importance of nitrogen and phosphorus to the survival of organisms and describe how...
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Fly Tying
Young scholars practice fly tying and explain water conservation efforts in Iowa. In this ecology, Iowa geography, and natural resources lesson, students identify basic equipment and material needed to fish, then tie flies. Young...
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Energy Flow in Ecosystems
Students, in groups, create a slide show about the ecosystem and answer critical thinking questions based on their research.
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Water Ecology Lab
Students determine the characteristics of a stream ecosystem and its organisms. In this water ecology lesson students complete several labs that shows them presence of life, water appearance, and water flow.
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Fish Haunts
Students examine some of the different ecosystems that fish live in. While doing this they identify the species of fish and the ecological conditions needed for survival. Students use research resources to make fish cards that have...
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Anguilla: An Island Economy
Learners role play a potential investor and prepare a position paper concerning possible investment opportunities in the Caribbean--specifically, the island of Anguilla. They read a variety of articles as they complete research needed to...
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Microscopes: Is what you see, what you got?
Eighth graders identify the parts and functions of the microscope. In this biology lesson, 8th graders observe different samples under different types of microscopes. They compare and contrast the details they see.
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Ecology - Ecosystem
Third graders research ecosystems, the work of ecologists, John Muir's contribution to the environment and an endangered species of their choice. They read books, participate in discussions, and write reports.
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Looking at Different Species
Young scholars research a species of bug that they find in a pond. In this species lesson students work in groups and find the similarities and differences between different species of bugs.
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Colonial America
Students read the novel, The Witch of Blackbird Pond. In groups, they conduct research using the Internet, encyclopedias, and books to gather information on an assigned colony. The projects are presented to the rest of the class.
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Where Did It Come From?
Students research island formation, plot locations on a map and make an analysis of why some islands are formed where they are.
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The Great Pollinators
Young scholars discover the reproductive parts of a plant. In this biology lesson, students identify and categorize several different plants they dissect in class. Young scholars record their information using a data chart.
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Not A Drop To Drink
Fifth graders discuss ways that humans pollute our natural water supply. They observe a video about water pollution. Students identify eight different ways water is contaminated. They investigate an oil spill by conducting a hands-on...
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Forest Ecology or Who Lives Here?
Learners explore a hardwood forest. In this forest ecology lesson, students examine the diversity and animals and plants as they explore their habitats at Poricy Park Conservatory. Learners determine how biodiversity and abiotic elements...
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Animal Tracks
Students study animals. In this science instructional activity, students make plaster casts of animals that live in the area. Students identify the tracks.
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Aquatic Communities
Students watch a video about aquatic communities. They conduct an experiment that shows how movement of rivers change the landscape. They compare fresh and salt water communities and its wildlife.