Curated OER
GeoHunt
Students describe the difference between geological resources and othe natural resources. They list the rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels that are found in Illinois and their uses. They identify ways to conserve natural resources.
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Project Geode
Students predict the appearance of a geode's internal structure based on its mass and density. They form a hypothesis based on the data they collect. They also identify common minerals found in Illinois.
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Evaluating an Illinois Earthquake
Students examine the frequency of earthquakes in Illinois. They discover the distribution of earthquakes in the Midwest. They also practice reading measurements from the Richter scale and Mercalli Intensity scale.
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Igneous Rocks
Students perform experiments in which they grow crystals. They draw pictures of where each type of rock originates from. They also identify igneous rocks by using a chart.
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Sedimentary Rocks
Students discover how sedimentary rocks form. They identify different examples of sedimentary rocks. They also discover what types of rocks are in Illinois soil.
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Eye On Conservation Drainage Basin
Students are able to describe the importance of wetland vegetation. They describe the impacts human activities have on water systems. Students compare and contrast the effect of different soil types on water filtration.
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Habitat
Middle schoolers are able to define habitat. They are able to identify the four things that living things need to survive. Students are able to describe how living things are adapted to their habitats.
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Habitat for Sale
Students are able to define habitat, and identify the four things that living things need to survive. They are able to describe how living things are adapted to their habitats.
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Food Web
Students are able to define food web, and identify the interdependence of organisms within a system. They are able to describe how natural events and human activities can impact a food web.
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Adaptations
Middle schoolers are able to describe protective adaptations of animals. They are able to categorize the animals based on their protective adaptations. Students discuss adaptations of animals. They are explained that an adaptation...
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Migration Woes
Learners are able to describe the reproductive cycle of the gopher frog. They are able to describe the impacts of habitat loss and degradtion on gopher frog populations. Students are explained that many factors limit the survival of...
Illustrative Mathematics
Use Cavalieri’s Principle to Compare Aquarium Volumes
Learners are designing a stunning new water feature for an aquarium, but they soon discover that more than just a pretty home for their fishy friends is required. From calculating the volume of a composite shape through the...
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Weather Watchers
Students practice using objective and quantitative means to describe and compare the weather. They compile weather conditions and create a spreadsheet to record their findings.
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Plant or Animal Matching Worksheet
In this plant and animal matching instructional activity, students examine pictures of either plant or animal products before drawing a line to either a cow or a tomato plant.
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Mammoth Extinction
Learners explore various hypotheses concerning the extinction of the woolly mammoth.
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Balloon Rocket
Young scholars observe a balloon rocket and how it relates to Newton's Third Law of Motion. In this balloon rocket lesson plan, students make a balloon rocket out of balloons, clothespins, straw, fishing line, and duct tape.
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The Envelope Please
Students examine and research the importance and functions of the skeletal system in vertebrates. They construct a 10-foot geodesic dome to illustrate the importance of architectural frameworks and create a clay animation movie.
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Climate and Cultures of Africa
Learners gain an understanding of the relationship between climate and culture in the sub- Saharan Africa. Students will complete short exercises pertaining to the various cultures of Africa and the climate in which they live....
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Looking for Lizards across Los Angeles
In this lizards worksheet, students read a 1 page passage titled Looking for Lizards across Los Angeles and then answer short answer questions about it. Students answer 10 questions.
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Trash or Treasure
Students explore the importance of recycling. Students are read "Can Kids Save the Earth", they are then guided in a recycling project. Students discuss Earth Day, and make poster to promote Earth Day.
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Natural Resources
Fifth graders begin the lesson by identifying the different types of natural resources. As a class, they discuss how environments are destructed and how the loss of one natural resource can affect the economy. Using a map, they label the...
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The Yesterday's Tomorrow Teacher's Guide
Students explore the future and the importance of the past. In this futuristic lesson, students create a future city and identify traditions of their heritage that they feel should be passed on to future generations. They also assess the...
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Studying Fossils
Young scholars study fossils. They examine samples of specific fossils--including a shark tooth, a brachiopod, and horn coral, among others. They visit corresponding websites and complete a worksheet regarding each of the fossils.
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Insect Anatomy
Students explore the anatomy of an insect. In this activity the characteristics of insects, students explore parts of an insect. Students gain knowledge through pictures and charts showing insects and their body parts. Students will...