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Current Sources of Energy to Maintain a Sustainable Future
In small groups, fourth graders identify different sources of renewable and non-renewable energy. They research the pros and cons of using each of these resources. They rank household appliances according to energy usage and efficiency....
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Ecology Scavenger Hunt
Who doesn't love a scavenger hunt? Have your class complete a scavenger hunt to become familiar with ecology in this engaging lesson that has them organize their items on a paper bag to illustrate information. Furthermore, learners will...
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Machines: Designing Form and Function
Students design a boat model with simplified steam engine. In this ecology lesson, students compare renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. They determine the efficiency of their boat model.
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Survival of the Fastest: Predator and Prey in the African Savannah
Learners explore the predator-prey relationship using an interactive game. In this biology instructional activity, students compare their physical attributes. They explain how predators develop to make it stronger and efficient as...
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Composting Conundrum
Students research cafeteria composting. In this composting lesson, students design a vessel that would allow the cafeteria staff to collect food scraps for composting. Then students build a prototype and present it to the class. Lastly...
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Managing Your Energy Budget
Learners experience an inequitable resource distribution and electronically calculate their own Ecological Footprint. The assess their resource use and learn more about sustainable living strategies in a video tour by Penn State...
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High School EcoHouse Curriculum
How has the level of carbon dioxide changed over recent years, and what is contributing it? Groups work together to research and present their findings in a creative way. Also built into the lesson is a visit to a sustainable house, but...
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A Good Boat is Hard To Find
Eighth graders design and construct a safe and efficient human powered watercraft that can be used on a trip on the Great Lakes. Students utilize math and measurement skills to design and cut the pieces for their boat. Working in...
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Powering a Green Earth
Students compare and contrast renewable and nonrenewable energy. In this environmental science lesson, students discuss the importance of going green. They identify the different components in a power grid system.
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Biomimicry, Nature: Architecture of the Future
Students explore the relationship between nature and architecture. In this cross curriculum history, culture, and architecture lesson, students observe and discuss structures visible in nature. Students view websites in which Native...
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Environment and the Earth
Students were involved in environmental service learning and they gathered information from academic buildings for a database. The data allowed them to use an establish baseline data on light use, recycling, and water fixtures in five...
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BIOMIMICRY, Housing Naturally: Habitat as Model
Students explore natural animal habitats. In this lesson plan on biomimicry and habitation design, students will use classroom and field examples to examine animal habitats. Students will construct a model of a natural animal habitat....
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You've Got to See It to Believe It!
Fifth graders examine smog and particulate matter as two major visible air pollutants. They discover how the pollutants formed and how engineers work on visible air pollution. They design an advertisement for a hybrid vehicle.
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Journey North
Third graders study butterflies and their migration habits. They track butterfly migration and communicate via e-mail with students in Mexico where the butterflies migrate. They write letters to the students in Mexico, as well.
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Water and Rice Agriculture
Second graders investigate the agriculture of rice by reading a study guide. In this food making lesson plan, 2nd graders read about the irrigation of rice fields used for harvesting. Students write three sentences about the rice...