Unit Plan
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Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Ladybugs

For Teachers K - 5th
Those lovely ladybugs are so cute, and so very useful! Use a short unit to explore insect anatomy, the ladybug life cycle, and the help ladybugs provide organic farmers. The unit is comprised of four short thirty-minute lesson plans that...
Lesson Plan
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Introduction to Scientific Methods

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders distinguish between an observation and an inference distinguish between quantitative and qualitative observations of a scientific experiment. They record and organize data collected during an experiment.
Lesson Plan
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Magnetism

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students explore physical science by participating in a class science activity. In this magnet attribute lesson, students define a list of scientific vocabulary terms associated with magnets and participate in hands on magnet activities....
Lesson Plan
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Oat Seed Lab: A Model Scientific Experiment

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate seed germination. In this lesson on scientific prediction, students conduct a scientific experiment using oat seeds.
Lesson Plan
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The Earth around Us: Air, Water & Soil

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students recognize that science is everywhere.  In this scientific method lesson, students experiment with height and record their experiment using the scientific method.  Students must identify  each step of the...
Lesson Plan
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Color Dots 2

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students develop simple observations. They observe bleeding of colored inks with water, to understand mixtures, and to make generalized inferences from their observations.
Lesson Plan
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More Than Meets the Eye

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students use the Archimedes method to demonstrate scientific principles behind observations.
Lesson Plan
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The Blue Bottle: An Example of Teacher-Guided Inquiry

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers observe a demonstration in which a bottle containing a colorless solution is mixed, turns blue, then becomes colorless again. They record observations, form and discuss hypotheses, and draw a conclusion based on the evidence.
Lesson Plan
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The Life Cycle of the Mealworm

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders provide a habitat for live mealworms and observe their life cycle. In this animal life cycle and scientific inquiry lesson, 4th graders create a habitat for a live mealworm and observe and record related data as it grows....
Lesson Plan
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Alka-Seltzer Cannons

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders observe what is happening when an Alka-Seltzer tablet is placed in a clear cup of water. They observe the release of carbon dioxide gas. Pupils answer the question of how much as is released by observing the experiment...
Lesson Plan
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Creating a Salad Dressing

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students apply the scientific method to the act of creating a new salad dressing. In this scientific process lesson, students use the process to create personal salad dressing from the materials provided.
Lesson Plan
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The Life Cycle of a Star

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate the life cycle of a star and make conclusions based on evidence, research, and observation.  In this lesson on space and scientific investigation, students describe the relationships between science and...
Lesson Plan
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GROWING PLANTS UNIT

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students predict outcomes of scientific experiment,.conduct a scientific experiment with control groups, and plant seeds to observe, measure, and compare growth across groups. They gather, record, analyze, and share data with other...
Lesson Plan
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An Alien Has Landed

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students identify animals within a species by using their observation skills to record information, such as behavioral characteristics.
Lesson Plan
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Wonder Underground

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students classify and record objects they find "underground." In this observation lesson plan, students dig into bins filled with soil and encounter various objects such as bark, twigs, etc. Students classify their findings.
Lesson Plan
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You're the Scientist

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Learners explore ways to assess the accuracy and reliability of data reported by Journey North observers.
Lesson Plan
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Diffusion

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students design and carry out an experiment according to the scientific method. The experiment must test the effects of time and concentration on the rate of diffusion of potassium permanganate into potato cubes. After performing the...
Lesson Plan
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Home Sweet Home

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students enjoy investigating and becoming aware of the habitats around them. They record their observations in scientific journals. Data collection can take the form of a simple drawing or taking digital photos or videos in the habitats...
Lesson Plan
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Potato chip Classification

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students create a dichotomous key using potato chips. For this classification lesson, students sort potato chips into groups based on observable characteristics. They record their results to create a dichotomous key in preparation for...
Lesson Plan
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Death On Board La Belle: Finding Clues from Old Bones

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students practice analyzing skeletal remains for clues by using the Internet.  For this scientific investigation lesson, students research the La Belle shipwreck using the Internet and written materials, later completing a Skeletal...
Lesson Plan
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Slingshot Characterization Experiment

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students set up and conduct a scientific experiment to demonstrate data collection. In this scientific process lesson, students complete an activity with the specific objective of using a slingshot to fire a t-shirt into the crowd at a...
Lesson Plan
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Archaeology

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students compare and contrast the role of scientists with that of archaeologists. They also describe the roles of observations and evidence in science.
Lesson Plan
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The Egg Activity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners comprehend the three basic steps of science: 1) Observation, 2) Statements of cause and effect (Hypotheses), and 3) Testing. By working with an egg, students are required to observe an object that is very common to them. This...
Lesson Plan
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Magnet Muscles

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students experiment with magnetism. In this science lesson, students are divided into cooperative learning groups and use the scientific method to test their hypothesis. Each group performs a different experiment.