Curated OER
Deserts: How Do You Define One?
Second graders identify what constitutes as a desert by reading a habitat checklist. In this environment lesson, 2nd graders read a nature website to discover facts about the desert and where they are located. Students utilize art...
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The Desert Alphabet Book
Students explore world geography by researching a science book with their classmates. In this desert identification lesson, students utilize a U.S. map to locate the geographical locations of deserts. Students create an oral report based...
Curated OER
The Desert Alphabet Book
Students use a book to discover an interesting fact from the desert using each letter of the alphabet. Using a United States map, they identify the meanings of symbols and locate deserts within the U.S. In groups, they participate in...
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Habitats: Cactus Hotel
A reading of Brenda Z. Guiberson’s, Cactus Hotel, launches a study of animal habitats. Working with parent volunteers or teacher aides, groups travel outside the classroom to select a habitat, take digital pictures, and incorporate the...
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Capitals, Oceans, And Border States
Students investigate geography by completing games with classmates. In this United States of America lesson, students examine a map of North America and identify the borders of Mexico and Canada as well as the Pacific and Atlantic....
American Museum of Natural History
Fighting Dinos
A famous fossil of fighting dinosaurs holds as many questions as answers. Scholars first analyze the fossil itself by virtually highlighting the specific bones of the dinosaurs and read about their function and importance. They then test...
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What Do We Know About Africa?
First graders explore Africa, its geography and climate. After completing a KWL chart, 1st graders locate Africa on a globe and discuss how its location on the earth affects its climate. Using the Internet and a given fact sheet,...
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Radiation Budget Lesson: Exploring Albedo
Students experiment with sunlight and temperature. They study the definition of albedo, or the percentage of incoming sunlight that is reflected, rather than absorbed.
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Heading South
Students study the concept of animal migration with the change of seasons. They discover that migration can be hazardous, and the distance migrated can be short or long.
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Aquatic Exotics
Students identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to introduce...
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Searching for Meteorites
Students examine meteorites and attempt to recover meteorite fragments. In this space instructional activity students complete a demonstration on the impact of a meteorite using water balloons and make experimental predictions.
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Extreme Environments
Students examine extreme environments and the characteristics that make them. In this adaptation lesson students see how animals have adapted to these environments.
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California Biodiversity
High schoolers examine several maps of California exhibiting features such as precipitation, topography, and vegetation. They look for patterns that might be the source of or influence biodiversity in different regions. They pay...
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Discovery Science Center Activities
Fourth graders complete a variety of experiments to meet science goals. In this life sciences lesson, 4th graders make yogurt, discover the attraction of opposite charges in electricity, learn the effects of glaciers, and explore...
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Investigation 5 - Severe Weather
Fourth graders examine severe weather in Utah. They utilize a variety of sources; websites, newspapers, TV coverage and perform research to study the severe weather patterns ffound in Utah.