Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Poetry and Nature

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students observe an object in nature and record them. In groups, they create a group poem about the same object. They create their own poem based on another object using other their senses to help them. They share their poems with the...
Lesson Plan
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Birds, Birds, Birds

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore one bird a day and eventually put together a book about each of the birds they learn.
Lesson Plan
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Visit To the Farm

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students research farm animals and write a story based on the research.
Lesson Plan
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Prairie Plants Lab

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students recognize and identify 3 grasses and 9 common forbs of the fermilab prairie and which were common in IL, identify using resources and write 3 critical attributes of each plant.
Lesson Plan
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Galapagos Islands

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study the science and geography related to the Galapagos Islands. For this ecosystem lesson, students locate the Galapagos Islands on a world map and discuss its significance in history. Students complete a vocabulary sheet,...
Lesson Plan
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Research Question, Hypothesis and Experimental Design

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students discuss steps of the scientific process, as well as, observe a picture of the beach that they will visit. Students create a testable hypothesis about marine debris  at the beach. In this science lesson, students create a...
Lesson Plan
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Norman Suburban Activity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze the factors affecting organisms in the pond ecosystem. In this environmental science instructional activity, students perform an experiment to determine pH, nutrients and temperature of different pond sites. They present...
Lesson Plan
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The Intertidal Zone

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students research the diverse animal and plant life that inhabit the intertidal zones along the Pacific rocky coast. As students progress through this lesson, they begin to recognize distinct behaviors, adaptations, and characteristics...
Lesson Plan
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What Role Do Forest Play in Continuing or Renewing Our Planet's Resources?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the interaction between the forest and wildlife. In this forestry lesson, students collect data about forest ecosystems, species of trees, photosynthesis, and interaction of organisms. They prepare a lab activity...
Lesson Plan
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Watersheds and Wetlands

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students simulate a chemical spill. In this watersheds and wetlands activity, students build a watershed and observe what happens when it rains. Students add wetlands to their watershed models and examine the effects of water pollution.
Lesson Plan
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Real People, Real Farms: Case studies of organic agriculture

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders study examples of organic agriculture from around the country.  For this sustainable agriculture lesson students apply what they learn to real life situations. 
Lesson Plan
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Earth's Changing Atmosphere

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students examine the constant changing of the Earth's atmosphere. After labeling the layers of the Earth, they identify various processes inside the Earth that can cause gases to be emitted. Using the internet, they research how the...
Lesson Plan
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Let's Learn about Fish

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore fish. In this aquatic life science lesson, students complete a KWL chart about fish, listen to What's it Like to be a Fish?, and observe a classroom aquarium or take a trip to a local aquarium. Students complete an...
Lesson Plan
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What’s That, I Can’t Hear You?

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate forms of energy as well as light and sound. In this science lesson, students participate in hands-on activities that require them to evaluate how sound affects astronauts in flight. A video of this lesson being...
Lesson Plan
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Colored Shadows

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students examine how humans perceive color. In this refracted light lesson plan, students explore the different ways color is seen by the human eye. Students will use colored lights and colored paper and solid objects to make additive...
Lesson Plan
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Where Food Grows

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Students identify how vegetable plants grow. In this plant lesson plan, students brainstorm different fruits and vegetables and read the book Growing Vegetable Soup. Students visit a garden and observe how vegetables grow.
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What Does it Take to be a Survivor: Part 2

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore adaptation by completing worksheets. In this fish anatomy lesson, students identify the different survival strategies fish utilize to live in the ocean and the adaptation their bodies have gone through over millions of...
Lesson Plan
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Investigation 2 - Classifying Rocks

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify basic properties of minerals and rocks. They access websites and utilize worksheets imbedded in this lesson plan to further their understanding of rock classification.
Lesson Plan
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Nothing New? A Physical Change

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders discuss the differences between chemical and physical changes. In groups, they complete experiments and discover how a physical chnage can be reversed. To end the lesson, they review the steps of the water cycle and...
Lesson Plan
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WCCS News 78 Investigative Report

For Teachers K - 8th
Students role play the role of investigative reporters. In groups, they determine what type of bird is leaving its droppings on the overhead highway beams. They answer a given set of questions and present their conclusions to the class....
Lesson Plan
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Running Water

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders create products that feature the importance of water conservation. In this environmental stewardship lesson, 6th graders explore the water cycle and conduct on water usage. Students also research water pollution and...
Lesson Plan
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Trout In The Classroom

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Pupils have trout in their classroom and complete journaling, checklists, temperature checking, and ammonia level recording. In this trout lesson plan, take weekly observation records of their trout.
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Take A Walk On The Wildside

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students study big cats in a variety of lessons included in this unit.
Lesson Plan
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The Importance of Trees in the Rural Area: Planting a Snowfence

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Young scholars explore the concept of living snowfences. In this tree lesson, students read, "The Living Tree," brochure and discuss the ecological benefits of planting trees to create living snowfences. Young scholars draw plans for...