Lesson Plan
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Weather Predictions

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore meteorologists. They explore symbols on a weather map and make five day forecasts.
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The Phases of the Moon

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students view an applet to study the phases of the Moon in relation to the orientation of the sun, moon, and Earth.
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Creating a Disaster

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students construct a volcano model. In this earth science lesson, students determine the structure and build of their volcano. They explain the danger of volcanic eruptions.
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The Formation of Soil

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify the different components that make up soil. In this earth science lesson, students create a pamphlet for next year's class. They analyze how erosion and weathering shape the Earth.
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Solar Storms

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners investigate the cycles of solar activity. They plot the solar activity and use the graph to answer a number of questions and explain the relationship between the solar storms and sunspots and the impact on earth and space travel.
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The Seasons

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students determine the effect of the earth's tilt on the amount of incoming solar radiation throughout the year. They simulate the earth's orbit around the sun using a light bulb and a globe to simulate the seasons. Assessment questions...
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Plate Tectonics: Recycling the Seafloor

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students classify earth's layers and plates using Ocean Seismicity data. In this plate tectonics lesson, students outline where the plate boundaries are on the world map. They then compare these predicted boundaries with USGS map of the...
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Rock Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explain the processes involved in the rock cycle. In this earth science lesson, students identify the different kinds of rocks. They complete a worksheet during the activity.
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Rocks Unit

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars learn about all types of rocks through a unit study consisting of 6 days. They are doing activities such as illustrating rocks, answering questions on a worksheet, reading, and reviewing questions. After the end of each...
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Cloud Forecast

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students record weather observations and research online weather data. In this weather observations lesson, students study the cloud cover for several days and record their observations in a chart. Students identify the cloud types and...
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Soil Comparison and Analysis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students perform tests on different soil samples. In this earth science lesson, students classify the soil into groups according to test results. They write a lab report following a certain criteria.
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Mars Colonization Assignment #1

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders recognize the some day humans may wish to colonize Mars. They participate in an Internet adventure where they compare and contrast Earth to the other nine planets in the solar system.
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Water: The Liquid of Life

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders complete a lesson on the properties, types and amounts of water on Earth. In groups, they travel between stations to identify water resources in Illinois and pollution sources. They complete the lesson with a field trip...
Lesson Plan
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How Does Temperature Vary Over Time?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the temperature flucuations on the Earth. After defining new vocabulary, they identify the flucuations of the Earth on a map. As a class, they develop a hypotheis on the temperature variation by examining the data.
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Chefs of the Week

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students, as members of a team, are asked to prepare one meal to feed one person in a day. They analyze their meal and their daily menu for the nutritional content and explain this during an oral presentation.
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Recycled Water?

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students participate in a hands-on activity to investigate how water is recycled in a small environment, and determine how water is cycled on earth.
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Looking Out Is Looking Back...

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the size of our Universe by understanding how long it takes to travel around from object to object in it - even if you travel at the speed of light! In making our exploration, we will examine ways of measuring distance,...
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Seeing The Sun In A New Light

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the observation of "coronal holes," by x-rays, also about related fast streams and moderate magnetic storms that recur at 27 day intervals. They study NASA'S great observatories.
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Plant a Seed

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students complete a seed and plant growth activity. In this plant growth lesson, students read about Lady Bird Johnson and then answer questions about her role in the beautification and the environment. Students participate in a seed...
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Air Quality and Transportation

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders study about air pollution and the effects it has on our Earth. Students tally cars on a sheet that has been categorized as follows: One person in car, two persons in car, or three or more persons in car. Students go to...
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"pH and the Environment"

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders experiment and study about acids and bases by becoming involved in direct hands-on learning experiences and then relate those experiences to their own lives. They experience the Ohio River and what can be done to help...
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Weightlessness Demonstration

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students investigate gravity.  For this weightless lesson students complete a lab activity about how a free fall might effect how one perceives gravity.
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The Effects of Solar Energy

For Teachers Pre-K - 6th
Students examine how solar energy is absorbed and used.  For this solar energy lesson students complete several activities that allow them to better understand solar energy. 
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Water Around and Around Again

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students form a hypothesis for a water cycle experiment. In this water cycle lesson, students create their own environment with water and earth to study the water cycle. Students complete a handout to make a hypothesis and...