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Oceans
Students become aware of the differences between ocean water and lake water by smelling, tasting and seeing. They distinguish between land and bodies of water on a globe and gain increased awareness of oceans and life.
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Wild About Wildfires
Students conduct a debate. For this wildfire and controlled burning lesson, students watch the video "Legacy of Fire" and discuss the topic of wildland fires and controlled burns. Half of the class researches the arguments for these...
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Eco-Kids: How Students Can Help Save the World
Fourth graders identify the different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. In this ecology lesson, 4th graders create models of wind mills and hydropower. They discuss the pros and cons of using alternative forms of energy.
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The Birds and the Beaks
Learners explore the adaptations that birds have. In this adaptations lesson students view a video and create a concept map of birds and their adaptive traits.
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Ocean Habitats:
Students investigate the creatures of intertidal zones. They explore the adaptations species make to survive .
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Airing Our concerns: I Can See Clearly Now
Students research specific answers to questions about air pollution. In this air pollution lesson, students share information to fully understand the causes of air pollution. Students role play individuals from different groups to...
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Kidding Around In The 1980s
Learners examine pop culture of the 1980s. In this historical time period lesson, students view a Smurfs cartoon from the 1980s and discuss its similarities and differences to cartoons today. Learners work in groups to...
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Reaction Reasoning
Third graders experiment with chemical reactions and examine what happens to the atoms when different reactions occur. In this matter lesson students divide into groups and complete a lab experiment.
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Lesson 5: Designing an Experiment
The intent of this instructional activity is to introduce young scientists to the steps of the scientific method. To this end, they consider the question, "Which brand of battery lasts longest?" In this case, the experiment is carried...
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What Can We Do To Change These Materials
First graders perform experiments to investigate property changes that occur in materials or matter. In the science lab, they use heat to explore changes in rice, sand, gelatin, baking soda and more. Learners observe and record the...
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Energy Extravaganza
Tenth graders study how cells and organisms acquire and release energy through photosynthesis and cellular respiration. They explain that living organisms use matter and energy to synthesize a variety of organic molecules and they will...
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Differentiate Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
Learners examine the differences between elements, compounds and mixtures. Using diagrams, they compare and contrast atoms and molecules and describe various chemical reactions. They distinguish the differences between ionic and...
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Pendulum Activity
Fourth graders conduct a lab activity that measures the factors that change the swing rate of a pendulum. They create a hypothesis and test it during the experiment. They record their observations using the recording sheets and journal...
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Heat and Temperature
Ninth graders explore the relationship between heat and temperature. After performing experiments, 9th graders record their observations and discuss the results. They investigate the properties of heat and explore how energy possessed...
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Water 1: Water and Ice
Students explore the water cycle. For this water cycle lesson, students complete a hands-on activity that replicates the water cycle. Students record their observations.
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The Three W's: Wind, Waves, and Wings
Students participate in hands-on acticities to understand how native plants and animals arrived on Hawaii from long distances without the assistance of man. They then identify what characterizes a plant or animal as native vs. non-native.
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Nanofibers on Your Clothes
Students relate the presence of nanofibers in clothing to its ability to repel stains. They observe and contrast the characteristics of nanofiber, Scotchguard treated, and regular fabric then test the stain resistance of each fabric...
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What is a Nanometer?
Students develop a concept of the relative size of objects in the nanoscale. They complete an internet assignment using the website,"Scaling the Universe to Your Desktop". Using analogies to common objects they get an appreciation for...
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Particulate Matter: The Lorax
Students investigate how dirty air is outside. They read and discuss the book, The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. They investigate using jars and lids to compare the dirt left each day as they remove the lids. They observe the lids and discuss if...
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Heavy Breathing
Students investigate asthma and air quality, and then map or graph the incidence of asthma by county and air quality information by county in the state of Maryland. They attempt to see any correlations and note any limitations of the data.
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Hey - It's a Rainy Forest Out There!
Elementary schoolers take part in a very good lesson which has them watch video, conduct experiments, complete hands-on activities, and work in cooperative groups. The educationally-rich activities are clearly-explained, and the group...
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The Immigrant Experience In America
Students study immigration, Ellis Island, and tenement life from 1890 to 1924. Each student create an identity of an immigrant and write an essay in the first person. Essays describe what they found when they arrived in New York City.
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"Old Glory"
Youngsters study and discuss the history and importance of the American Flag. They explain the meaning of the Stars and Stripes, the name "Old Glory," and discover when and how the flag is displayed. This well-designed plan has many...
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Chances Are
Upper graders examine the concept of probability. They collect data and create a bar graph. They must interpret the data as well. Everyone engages in hands-on games and activities which lead them to predict possible outcomes for a...