Lesson Plan
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Dirty Decomposers

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Learners explore the ecosystem by conducting a ziploc bag experiment. In this recycling lesson, students identify decomposer organisms in our environment and how they speed up the recycling process. Learners utilize a ziploc plastic bag,...
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Storms and Extreme Weather

For Teachers K - 5th
Students explore hurricanes and tornadoes by conducting an experiment. In this weather pattern lesson, students define many extreme weather vocabulary terms and discuss the relationship with static electricity. Students utilize plastic...
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Goldilocks and the Real Bears

For Teachers K - 1st
Students participate in a comparison lesson where they compare fictional bears to real life bears. In this science/language arts lesson, students read Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Students observe characteristics...
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Exploring Alternative Energy Sources

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students research the amount and kinds of energy that are produced and consumed in the United States, including the limitations of this kind of consumption. They research and create a display to teach classmates about a specific...
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Laboratory: Hydrated Salts

For Teachers 10th - 12th
In this hydrated salt worksheet, students answer questions after completing a lab experiment using a hydrated salt. The calculate the empirical formula for the hydrate, they name the hydrate and they determine the mass of the water in...
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The Journey of the Pacific Salmon

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students examine the journey of the Pacific salmon. In this salmon species lesson, students review the stages of the salmon life cycle and conduct an experiment to determine how the water and habitat changes during each stage.
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Human Anatomy - How Do We Move?

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders discover how blood moves around the body.  In this circulatory system lesson, 5th graders feel their pulse before and after exercise.  Students count their heart rate. Students use the scientific method to record...
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Force and Motion

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners experiment with force and motion. In this force and motion lesson, students test gravity using a variety of objects. Learners rotate through a series of stations which use force, motion, friction, and inclines. Students predict...
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Greenhouse Effect: A Computer Simulation

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students complete an online simulation of the greenhouse effect. For this lesson on the greenhouse effect, students use a website, similar to a webquest, to simulate and answer questions on how the greenhouse effect works. This lesson is...
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Rain and Rainbows

For Teachers K - 5th
Students explore the weather system by analyzing water properties. For this precipitation lesson, students review weather related vocabulary terms and discuss how rainbows are created by light hitting droplets at the right time. Students...
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Chocolate Chipping Away at the Rock Cycle

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders identify the different types of rocks. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders compare and contrast rocks and chocolate cookies. They explain how materials are recycled beneath the Earth.
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Making Life Easier

For Teachers K - 3rd
Learners use a chart of the six simple machines and become aware of how the machines improve our ability to meet the following needs: shelter, food, water, and transportation. Students use model cars to experiment with force. They divide...
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Monarch Migration

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders investigate the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly. They experiment with various tools to simulate the mouth parts of insects, conduct research, record their observations of butterflies hatching, write a play, complete...
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Oil Changes Everything

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students participate in a hands on activity simulating an oil spill. In this oil spill lesson plan, students conduct an experiment about an oil spill, discuss how it would affect the environment and provide solutions to prevent oil spills.
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Heat Absorption and Radiation

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students experiment with the concepts of absorption and reflection of radiant energy.
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Sociobiology: Heredity Factors

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine DNA replication and how proteins are synthesized from DNA codes and continue to explore the effects of genetics in additional lessons. Among the topics covered are: protein synthesis, cell chemistry, environmental...
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Forest as a Filter

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students experiment using soil and water. In this forest as a filter lesson, students identify the role of forest cover, vegetation, and foliage impacts erosion and evaporation. Students conduct a simple experiment, form a hypothesis,...
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Aquatic Ecosystems

For Teachers K - 7th
Students study the diversity of marine life and their habitats.  In this aquatic ecosystems lesson students complete a lab activity and experiment. 
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Solutions and Suspensions

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students explore matter by conducting an in class demonstration. In this liquid mixture lesson plan, students identify the difference between a solution in which a solid dissolves into liquid, and a suspension where the solid doesn't...
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Climate Change: Carbon Cycle

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Learners explore the carbon cycle. For this carbon cycle lesson, students discuss the four main reservoirs where carbon is stored and then discover the process through which each reservoir absorbs and releases CO2. This lesson includes a...
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Glacier Dynamics

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students create flubber glaciers. In this glacier dynamics instructional activity, students experiment factors that may affect glacier speed. Factors include slope, ice temperature, and basal conditions. Students develop hypothesis,...
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Mixing It Up!

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders identify the different states of matter. In this science instructional activity, 3rd graders describe the different components of solutions and mixtures. They create emulsions, foams and suspensions in the lab.
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Mixtures of Matter

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students experiment with solids and liquids. In this mixtures of matter lesson, students combine matter to form solutions. Students hypothesize, test, and analyze the data to draw conclusions. The lesson can be extended by having...
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What is Plastic?

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students experiment with plastics.  In this what is plastic lesson plan, students make a simple polymer and discuss recycling.  Students identify various types of plastics.