Lesson Plan
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Get the Picture!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Astronomers practice downloading data from a high-energy satellite and translate the data into colored or shaded pixels. As a hands-on activity, they use pennies to simulate high-energy satellite data and they convert their penny...
Lesson Plan
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Multi-dimensional Modeling of Ore Bodies Making Sense of Empirical Data

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Math scholars identify four different rock types in that strata and use this identification and data to construct a two dimensional geologic cross-section. They use data tables to construct a three-dimensional geologic cross-section.
Lesson Plan
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Geographic Information Systems

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine the concept of geographic information systems (GIS) and its basic components. They explore an application program using GIS technology and list the various uses for GIS.
Lesson Plan
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Cold Fusion?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students apply their knowledge of relativity and nuclear radiation to the concept of cold fusion. They also read the article from the website listed in the related and resource websites and discuss the article with the class.
Lesson Plan
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Fuel Cells

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine how fuel cells and combustion engines work. Using the internet, they research the positives and negatives of the various energy sources. In groups, they complete an experiment with a working fuel cell model and take a...
Lesson Plan
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Greenhouse Gases: The Chemistry Behind the Culprits

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders investigate the effect of different gases in the atmosphere. In this chemistry lesson, 9th graders explain how these gases contribute to global warming. They suggest possible solutions to this growing problem.
Lesson Plan
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Storm Watch: Knowing What To Do

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the different types of weather and how storms form.  In this weather lesson students make their own "tornado in a bottle" and create brochures.
Lesson Plan
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The Water Cycle

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders use the program HyperStudio to draw and describe the water cycle. In this science and technology lesson plan, 2nd graders will first become familiar with the water cycle by exploring books and websites in the classroom....
Lesson Plan
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Making Good Decisions

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the consequences of behaviors and what the concept of trade offs are.  In this good decision lesson students read an article and answer questions on making good decisions. 
Lesson Plan
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Hero Or Zero?

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students investigate science and technology by reading a children's book.  In this reading comprehension lesson, students read the story Archibald Frisby and discuss the ways we use science and technology in everyday life....
Lesson Plan
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Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Students become familiar with coal as an energy source and how it is mined.  In this coal lesson, students research the effects of coal mining on the environment. Students discuss the various problems associated with coal mining....
Lesson Plan
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Classification of Clouds

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers view a cloud slide show presentation and identify types of clouds. They estimate height based on cloud's appearance. They discuss the vague nature of cloud nomenclature and compare it to the English standard measurement...
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Earthquake!

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students gain an understanding of earthquakes. They examine vocabulary associated with earthquakes, how earthquakes happen, and preventive measures taken to diminish damage or harm in the event that an earthquake should happen.
Lesson Plan
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Understanding a Geological Map

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify different types of maps and observe a geological map.  In this geology instructional activity students create a replica map of a geological area that includes a key. 
Unit Plan
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Astronomy

For Teachers 3rd
Students complete a unit of lessons on our solar system, its stars, and astronomers. They record information in a space journal, design constellations, define key vocabulary, observe the phases of the moon, and create a group planet...
Unit Plan
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Our Solar System

For Teachers 1st
Students study the Earth and Solar System through a variety of activities. They compile a coloring book show the characteristics of the Sun and nine planets.
Lesson Plan
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Cold Fronts

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students determine its' direction of movement, and list at least five weather conditions associated with the specific front, given animations of several atmospheric variables during a cold front passage. They list at least three weather...
Lesson Plan
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Whole Lotta Shaking Going On

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore earthquake activity in California. They observe the historical data and create databases and graphs of the earthquakes. Students analyze the data and form a hypothesis about future earthquakes.
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Igneous Rock Formation

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders use the computer lab to search for answers to questions on their workshet. They discuss the creation of igneouss rocks and listen as the teacher lectures about lava. Students follow directions to mix a batch of salt dough...
Lesson Plan
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Using the Very, Very Simple Climate Model in the Classroom

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners study the relationship between the average global temperature and carbon dioxide emissions.  In this weather activity students develop a test scenario using a model then read and interpret graphs of data. 
Lesson Plan
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The Robot Explorer

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students design a robotic vehicle to explore underwater caves. In this robot technology lesson, students brainstorm, research, and report about a robotic vehicle design capable of sensing objects and taking appropriate actions to avoid...
Lesson Plan
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It's Time to Make Time!

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students explore the evolution of time measurement, and explain the relationship of sunrise/sunset to length of daylight. They collect data and calculations to determine length of daylight during a given day.
Lesson Plan
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Climate Patterns across the United States

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students articulate differences between climate and weather using examples in a written statement. Using climate data from across the country, they describe climate patterns for various parts of the United States on a map. Students...
Lesson Plan
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Geological Maps of the Western Regions

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study the geological makeup of the West.  In this geological maps lesson plan students creat a map that includes a key and present it to the class.