Curated OER
Where is Oil Found?
Students determine that crude oil is found in porous rocks (reservoirs) rather than in caves or caverns.
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Exploring For Copper Deposits
Learners examine ore deposits and identify factors in their origin. They analyze geologic maps, and locate porphyry copper deposits on a sediment geochemistry map.
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Changes Inside Planets
Young scholars investigate the concept of planetary differentiation. They complete an experiment to simulate it using gelatin and food. The lesson includes vocabulary to increase reading comprehension skills as part of the inquiry. The...
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Missouri Time Scale
Young scholars plot events that happened years ago beginning with volcano activity. In this investigative lesson students are introduced to the different eras and plot them on a map.
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Investigation 1 - Identify & Compare Fossils
Fourth graders examine different items to see if they can recognize fossils. This be an introduction to the different fossils they be studying later and help them make inferences about past environments of Utah.
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Careers in Mining
Learners study about natural resources and the decreasing amount. They observe the need for trained scientists and engineers. Finally, they take a small test to determine the areas of science they find most interesting.
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Ride the Wild Leaf Cycle
Fourth graders explore plant life by completing an Internet activity. In this botany lesson plan, 4th graders identify the types of plants that grow locally and the different soils they utilize to survive. Students read assigned text...
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Structure of the Earth System
Eighth graders describe the steps in the water cycle. They discuss factors that affect runoff and explain the differences between stalactites and stalagmites. They discover the importance of ground water.
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Wisconsin Snapshots
Fourth graders study Wisconsin's culture and heritage. They research the state's symbols and identify leaves common to the Wisconsin area. They create a leaf booklet and visit the state park. They visit local farms and create nature maps...
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Materials Engineering: Designing Walls
Students discover how the matierals in the earth can be used to make walls and buildings. They examine the Great Wall of China and its engineering. They complete the unit by creating their own wall from a design they drew.
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What is a Ruminant?
Learners examine the way bison eat and digest their food. Using a diagram, they follow the food from one compartment to the next. They discover that bison are ruminants and discuss why the bison need four stomachs.
Curated OER
Look Out, Below!
Students study the four layers of soil while identifying the substances that each level is composed up. They investigate the properties of soil such as color, texture, water retention and the ability to maintain life by growing a plant.
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Life's Big Questions: Where Did Life Come From?
Students explore the life forms that live in the hot springs of Yellowstone. They examine how microscopic creatures can survive in these extreme conditions. Students perform experiments to observe growth samples and demonstrate how a...
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What's Under There?
Students determine ways to make "observations" about unknowns, such as the land beneath an ice sheet or the interior of the Earth, using tools other than sight. They build "mystery boxes" and exchange them with other groups to "map"...
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Detecting Magnetic Materials in "Martian" Soil
Students simulate some of the Pathfinder experiments by devising methods of collecting and measuring magnetic substances in pseudo-Martian soil. The efficiency of each of the methods used to collect materials is evaluated in this...
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Cave Mentality
Students identify and define vocabulary associated with caves and rock formations. They construct a cave out of paper and fill it with a geode they crerate. Students write and present orally reports about caves and their importance to...
Curated OER
Water Quality
Learners play the role of scientists testing for water quality in the area. In this ecology lesson, students determine the water sample's pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. They write a journal reflection after the activity.
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Patterns in Nature
Students examine places in nature where patterns can be observed by looking through a number of books after watching a teacher PowerPoint presentation. They illustrate a pattern in nature.
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Rockin' Map Summaries
Students summarize a piece of text. After reviewing the correct way to read and summarize, students work in groups to summarize a piece of text assigned by the instructor. They write a summary paragraph by creating a story map and the...
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Understanding the Geologic Timescale
Pupils identify and analyze how the geologic time scale was developed by investigating 11 periods of time and the vast expanse of time of the Earth's existence. They study their period, determine the important factors indicative to this...
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Not Just For A Baby's Bottom
Eighth graders investigate the presence of talc in the geologic record. The different characteristics of talc is covered. The lesson includes background information for the teacher.
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Glacial Striation Investigation
Students operate a GPS unit to investigate the direction of glacier movement. They describe the motion of glacier movement by interpreting a graph. Students explain how scientists use glacier striations to determine glacier movement.
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Adaptations
Sixth graders identify plant adaptations. In this adaptations lesson, 6th graders use digital cameras to photograph plants found on their campus. Students describe the adaptations for each plant.
