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The Water Cycle

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students simulate the water cycle. In this water cycle lesson, students create a model of the water cycle. Students draw the water cycle and write a paragraph explaining their drawing.
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Soapy Stress

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students investigate the three types of material stress related to rocks. They identify the three types of stress, conduct a simulation by breaking bars of soap using only their hands, and complete a worksheet.
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Why Should I Waste My Time Separating Garbage?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners discuss the differences in the types of garbage. They use these differences to separate a sample of garbage. Partners then investigate the characteristics of landfills by searching on the Internet and by creating your own...
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Climbing and Crawling

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students observe and measure plant growth. In this life science lesson, students are introduced to bean and Nasturtium seedlings which they will measure and watch the beans climb (grow tall) while the Nasturtium crawl along the ground....
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Wonder Underground

For Teachers K - 3rd
Learners classify and record objects they find "underground." In this observation instructional activity, students dig into bins filled with soil and encounter various objects such as bark, twigs, etc. Learners classify their findings.
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The Ogre Bully

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Students listen to the book, The Ogre Bully, and discuss the problems the farmer and his family had during the story.  In this garden themed lesson, students examine different fruit and vegetables and plant them in soil to...
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Identifying Erosion

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students identify erosion in various forms and explain its causes. They look for evidence of erosion on school grounds, describe it in their journals, and draw labeled rough sketches of the erosion.
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A Model Aquifer

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students build a model that depicts how water is stored in an aquifer. They examine ways in which groundwater can become contaminated.
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In a Giants Garden

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore the effect of the earths rotation and its relationship to the suns position and the effect that the longer and shorter amount of daylight has on a pumpkin plant which they have planted.
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After the Deluge

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners witness a flood demonstration, offering hypotheses and observations throughout the demonstration. Students discuss flood prevention techniques and examine the impact of the devastating flood and mudslides in Venezuela. In small...
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Acid Rain

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students understand the dynamics of acid rain and its impact on the living and non-living environment. They hypothesize how acid rain affects water pH levels in two lake systems with differing watershed features.
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The Copper Basin Problem

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students view a video about how human actions impact the environment. They design a set of experiments to address some of the problems and issues raised by the video.
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Recycling

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders observe the importance of recycling. In this environmental lesson, 3rd graders will view experiments on water filtration, paper-making, and breathing pollutants, and will categorize recyclable materials.
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Now You See It, Now You Don't

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Young scholars explore organic and inorganic objects. In this environmental lesson plan students perform a composting experiment using flowers in different soils. Young scholars record their observations.
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Global Change- Earth as Home

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students create their own environment. In this environmental protection lesson, students pretend they are the owners of a tropical island. They create jobs for the citizens and develop the island as a model environment.
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Let There Be Light

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students plant seeds and learn about photosynthesis.  In this photosynthesis lesson, students plant watercress seeds, cut a design into cardboard and cover the seedlings with the cardboard.  Students observe as the seeds in the...
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Carbon Cycle Game

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this carbon cycle lesson, middle schoolers review the carbon cycle and visit stations in the room where they experience every phase in the carbon cycle. Young scholars journal about their journey through the cycle and brainstorm...
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Eco-Detectives

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore natural decomposers. In this decomposing lesson, students participate in a WebQuest to discover how nature handles decomposition. Students compare natural methods for decomposition with recycling efforts.
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Caring for the Land

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine how to care for the land. In this soil management lesson, 5th graders participate in a service learning project and assist in the preservation of natural resources. 
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Composting and Mulching

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders define composting and recognize what can be composted.  In this composting and mulching lesson, 2nd graders classify objects or pictures as good or bad for composting. Students write a story about life in the compost...
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The Water Cycle--Using Inspiration Software

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders describe and label the water cycle, and list how water changes from one form to another; students use Inspiration Software to label a blank water cycle diagram.
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Learning About Decay Demonstrations

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore decay in ecosystems by investigating a rotting log and/orcreating a decomposition chamber. They make predictions and answer questions about the changes involved.
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Native Planting for the Built or Green Environment

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify the terms used in naturescaping. They identify how to plant, how to do site preparation and how to develop a plan. Students explore the benefits of naturescaping for the health of the environment. They also...
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Salt Marsh in a Pan

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students create a model of a salt marsh to discover the impact of pollution and human activities on water-based habitats including bays and the ocean. They recognize the relationship between natural and developed areas. Students impact...