Unit Plan
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Respect the Beach

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students work together to compare and contrast sand particles. They identify what sand grains are composed of as well. They complete writing activities to complete the lesson.
Lesson Plan
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Sustainable Development

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders explore the difference between natural and man-made environments.  In this renewable resources lesson students evaluate the economic importance of resources. 
Lesson Plan
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Microscope Investigation

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore physical science by participating in a science examination. In this microscope tutorial lesson, students read the book The Naked Eye and discuss the purpose for using a microscope in the field of science. Students...
Lesson Plan
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Earthquake!

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners study causes, probability and location of earthquakes. They complete a number of activities and look at web pages to examine the characteristics of earthquakes.
Lesson Plan
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Earthquake!

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students gain an understanding of earthquakes. They examine vocabulary associated with earthquakes, how earthquakes happen, and preventive measures taken to diminish damage or harm in the event that an earthquake should happen.
Lesson Plan
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Our Water Resources

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students build a model aquifer to study groundwater zones and water table formation. Students use the models to measure the movement of polluted groundwater.
Lesson Plan
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Our Healthy Bodies

For Teachers K
Students complete a variety of activities designed to enhance their awareness of their bodies. They examine pictures of themselves, taken at various points in the year and examine and compare their bodies. They enjoy a healthy snack...
Interactive
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Reading - Glaciers

For Students 4th - 5th
In this online interactive glaciers worksheet, students respond to 10 fill in the blank and multiple choice questions regarding the information included in the provided paragraphs.
Lesson Plan
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Building Up, Breaking Down

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students explore their school building and examine the rocks it is made of. They discover how rocks become building materials and participate in a variety of activities surrounding this subject.
Lesson Plan
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Put It to the Test

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students identify different types of rock and sediments and how they react to acid through experimentation. Students use knowledge gained in thr experiment to identify types of rocks. Students create data tables for accuracy and clarity...
Worksheet
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Everything is Made of Something

For Students 2nd - 3rd
Young scientists can use this worksheet to learn about natural resources, as well as what we use them for. A word search prompts pupils to find sixteen words about natural resources.
Worksheet
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Quartz DBQ

For Students 7th - 12th
In this quartz worksheet, learners read about the chemical composition of quartz and its commercial applications. Then students complete 7 short answer questions.
Lesson Plan
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Water Quality Comparison of Pulpit Rock Stream and Welton Falls

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders analyze different water samples given to them by their teacher.
Lesson Plan
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Museum Adventure WebQuest

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students discover the background and properties of minerals. They examine fluorite and record data after testing it. They use the internet to help them discover information about minerals.
Lesson Plan
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A Burst of Light

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students discover the many uses of minerals in industry. They use minerals to conduct flame tests and to demostrate color. They practice safety tips in the lab.
Lesson Plan
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Classification

For Teachers K - 12th
Young scholars gather and classify samples of a given item (rocks, fossils, seeds, etc.) They discuss various ways of classifying and that there are many different ways that are acceptable.
Lesson Plan
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Mohs Hardness Test

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine what the Mohs Hardness Scale is before testing a number of minerals to determine their place on the scale. They test a fingernail, a penny, a knife blade, a metal file, and several unknown minerals and rocks using...
Lesson Plan
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Smoothing Out the Rough Spots

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders experiment to observe the changes created on a surface by mechanical action of water with varying amounts of mineral content and abrasive qualities. They write the predictions of their outcomes and describe all of their...
Lesson Plan
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COMPARE SOILS BY GROWING PLANTS

For Teachers 6th - 8th
The student will identify the difference in the rate of plant growth in three soils that vary in organic matter.1. Obtain three to four flowerpots, different types of soil, a record chart, three to five beans for each pot, and water....
Lesson Plan
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Project Geode

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Learners 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.
Lesson Plan
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Case of the Missing Pumpkin

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore holidays by participating in a pumpkin activity. In this vegetation lesson, 4th graders discuss the different uses for pumpkins, not just Halloween decorations. Students identify the nutrients pumpkins need to...
Lesson Plan
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Vermicomposting

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore insect life by viewing a soil presentation in class. In this composting lesson, 4th graders read assigned text about the process of composting soil and the necessity of soil in plant life. Students view video clips...
Lesson Plan
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Soil Formation

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders investigate how soil is formed. They analyze types of soil samples, examine soil using a magnifying glass or microscope, complete a chart, conduct a soil and plant experiment, and construct a soil profile.
Lesson Plan
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Regolith Formation

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students compare and contrast the process of regolith formations. In groups, students define regolith and discover how regolith is formed on the Earth and on the Moon. They participate in experimental activities to simulate regolith.