Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Annotated, Detailed Example of Socratic Questioning

For Teachers 12th - Higher Ed
Students identify and define the main components of the hydrosphere and the ways in which they interact with one another. They explore how changes in Earth's surface materials affect components of the hydrosphere and evaluate the effect...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How a Seed Grows and Who Grows It

For Teachers 1st
First graders explore biology by viewing PowerPoint presentations in class. In this plant life lesson, 1st graders identify the life cycle of a plant and how to properly plant a seed outside. Students view a movie about plant life and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Demonstrating Erosion in Action

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Young scholars easure and record volume of water, then measure and record mass of soil. They explain the effects of the following in controlling erosion: Contouring, cover crop, strip cropping, reforestation, inter-seeding.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Butterfly and Caterpillar

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Young scholars listen to the story "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and create their own "Very Hungry Caterpillar" book to learn the life cycle of a butterfly.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Seed Store

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students investigate the seed cycle. For this plant biology lesson, students plant tomato seeds and observe the plant growth. Students complete an activity sheet.
Lesson Plan
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Fossil Fuels, Who Needs Them

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore how electricity is created and distributed through alternative production methods. Students participate in hands-on activities, research, lecture based instruction, and CD ROM resources.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bats and Hot Dogs

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students identify patterns and relationships from data that is collected and solve variables.  In this investigative lesson students study ocean productivity, the nitrogen cycle and phytoplankton then answer questions.
Lesson Plan
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Let's Study Outdoors - Outdoor Classroom

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students research native plants. They identify the plant by scientific name, size, amount of water needed and color. Pupils measure and plot an area of school property. Students create an outdoor classroom. Additional cross curriculum...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Resources

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders, after brainstorming why conservation of resources is important, distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources. They make a list of different types of natural resources on the board and then sort them into two...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Coqui Frog Populations

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Learners research Coqui frogs. Students explore the life cycle of coqui frogs and discover how these frogs have become an invasive species in Hawaii.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Seed Dispersal Investigation

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Young scholars investigate the function and purpose of seed dispersal. In this garden lesson, students examine the importance of wind in the plant cycle. Young scholars construct a flying seed model from an attached design and discuss if...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Glucose Factory

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders determine, through laboratory activity, the presence or absence of glucose in a variety of plant leaves and stems. They work in groups and perform a three part laboratory which shows them how plants convert sunlighht to food.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The High Plains: Land of Extremes

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students complete activities surrounding the study of groundwater movement, energy resources, wind energy, and riparian areas. They debate/role-play the viewpoints of different interest groups in considering whether the black-footed...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Designing for Salmon and Steelhead

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders create designs for salmon habitats. They work in groups to design a tank habitat that mimics the requirements for salmon in various phases of its life cycle. Students may also raise salmon eggs as part of this unit.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gases Around Us

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students investigate gases and liquids. In this states of matter online lesson, students examine how evaporation plays a part in the transition of liquids into gases as they watch a kettle of water boil and then work in small groups on...
Lesson Plan
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Tree Identification

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students list four ways to identify trees. In this tree identification instructional activity, students use tree identification techniques such as leafs, bark, wood grain, soil type, and climate to create tables and graphs.
Lesson Plan
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Necessary Nitrogen

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view a video that presents the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen. They compare types of soils and consider how different fertilizers affect soil composition.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changing Sounds

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students identify how the pitch and the loudness of an instrument can be altered. In this online science of sound activity, students employ the use of an interactive whiteboard to examine the loudness and pitch of a guitar, drum, and...
Lesson Plan
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Changing State

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars investigate the cooling and heating of water. In this online science experiment lesson, students work in groups to make predictions regarding freezing and boiling points and then test those predictions as they complete the...
Lesson Plan
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Soil Erosion

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders complete activities to observe the effects of erosion. In this erosion lesson, 2nd graders define erosion and learn the process. Students complete an erosion experiment.
Lesson Plan
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Growing Plants

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Students explore plants and recognize that they are living things that require light and water to grow. In this online plant biology lesson, students identify, name and match the parts of plants. Extension activities and suggested...
Lesson Plan
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Aquatic Ecosystem Exploration

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students visit a local stream, pond, creek, or river and collect macroinvertebrates. They sort macroinvertebrates and identify each species using a dichotomous key. Students decide on trophic levels and construct a possible food web for...
Lesson Plan
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Do You See What I See?

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders view a teacher-created terrarium, and complete a KWL chart. They discuss what they can see, Students go on a nature walk and compare the schoolyard to the terrarium, discussing the roles of rocks, plants, soil, and water...
Lesson Plan
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Running Water/Rivers-Life Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the parts of a river system and use topographical maps to determine the stage of the river.