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Life at Risk
Students examine the characteristics of the peregrine falcon. They investigate endangered and extinct species, and how the environment affects the process.
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The Empires of Africa
Students, in groups, compare and chart the different African kingdoms and city-states. They write a short essay detailing the aspects of African history that most fascinates them.
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Variations for Survival
Fifth graders examine two related organisms that live in different environments and compare how the physical characteristics of each organism provided it with survival advantages unique to its own environment.
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Birds of the Northeast
Learners identify several common birds through field observations, preserved specimens and personal experience. They classify the species and choose one to research. They draw a migration map and participate in a project that benefit...
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How Many Critters Live Here? Estimating Wildlife Populations.
Students examine how wildlife biologists estimate the population of particular species. They work on map construction and population sampling. They use sampling to estimate the population of spiders in a study area or a forest.
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A Golden Age: Three West African Empires
Seventh graders research the kingdoms and rulers of Ghana, Mali and Songhay. In groups, they explore the trade routes and the spread of Islam. Using the internet, textbook and other sources, 7th graders collect information and write a...
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Charting Diversity
Students organize different species of plans and animals according to various characteristics. Students then determine what characteristics enable them to survive in their habitat. Game ideas and activities are included.
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Ten Important Hardwoods
Learners discuss ten important Pennsylvania hardwood trees, examine characteristics of each tree species, evaluate economic and ecological importance of hardwood trees, and recognize at least two characteristics of each species.
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Coqui Frog Camouflage
Students investigate the concept of the coqui frog of Puerto Rico. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Students explain in oral or written form some of the characteristics to that identify the frog. The lesson includes...
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Backyard Wildlife Conservation
Students survey local wildlife. They distinguish between permanent and migrating or seasonal species. Students identify species and describe the ecological niche. Students research the food chain and food web for the backyard...
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Evolution: Natural Selection
Students analyze and discuss the evolutionary history of dinosaurs. In this investigative lesson students monitor different organisms in the environment and analyze the pressures that affect the chances of survival.
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Native Versus Exotic
Students investigate the presence of exotic and natural species in the ecosystem. They define the differences between exotic and native while looking at one specific ecosystem in Maryland. They write how the exotic species are considered...
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Invertebrates and Vertebrate Evolution
Students explore the major characteristics of the major animal phyla. They describe adaptive features that have contributed to the success of animals on land. Students explain how primate evolution provides a context for understanding...
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Impact of Exotic Species on Lake Ecology
Pupils examine the effect of foreign species on various habitats. In groups, they identify the population dynamics of the zebra mussel. They calculate averages and graph data from Seneca Lake in New York. They develop hypothesis about...
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Protecting Habitats and Species
Learners recognize that scientists continuously gather and interpret data to understand and predict relationships among natural phenomena. They research various volcanoes and plot the volcano locations on a world map.
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Prehistory Web Quest
Sixth graders identify how geography and climate determine the lives of early hominids, the characteristics of hunter-gatherer societies, how animals affected the lives of early hominids, and how hominids overcame their physical...
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Endangered Species Act
Students spend the duration of this lesson examining the text of the Endangered Species Act. Individually, they complete a profile to determine where they stand on the bill and read excerpts from it. Some role-play the various members...
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Weed Pull Preparation
Students practice field identification of exotic invasive species. They identify and tag exotic invasive species in a local area using invasive species flash cards at a provided website.
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Creating a Dichotomous Key for Families of Idaho Butterflies
Students are shown how to use the butterfly section of the Digital Altals of Idaho. They discuss how to make a dichotomous key. Students use their skills of observation and recognize defining characteristics that distinguish different...
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Reptile Identification Exercise
Students are shown how to use the Digital Atlas of Idaho. They use a dichotomous key to identify species of Idaho reptiles. Students describe some basic life characteristics of reptiles. They use th visual key to identify the species...
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Your Lymphatic System
In this lymphatic system worksheet, students describe whether they think that the lymphatic system is well-adapted to carrying material through the body in comparison to the circulatory system. Then they design a lymphatic system for an...
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Climatic Changes
In this weather worksheet, students read an excerpt describing the climate and extinction. Then they explain what the climate was like during the Age of Dinosaurs. Students also determine some factors that affected the climate during...
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Two Kingdoms of Bacteria
For this bacterial growth worksheet, students conduct an experiment on how temperature affects bacterial growth between a jar placed in the refrigerator and another in a warm place. They also describe what they would infer was the...
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Two Kingdoms of Bacteria
In this bacterial growth activity, 9th graders name and describe the three types of bacteria found. Then they label the figure of the bacterium by writing the correct term next to each number. Students also describe the difference...