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The Gaia Hypothesis: An Approach to Problem Solving in the Environment
Students are introduced to the Gaia hypothesis by examining a conceptual sketch. In groups, they analyze the way they can use Dewey's method for problem solving to solve problems within the environment. They are given a problem facing...
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The Biogeochemical Cycles
The majority of this presentation is a collection of diagrams and graphs that back your lecture on biogeochemical cycles. The last few slides define ecosystems and the Gaia hypothesis. You may find these slides valuable, but will...
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Investigating the Biosphere With Planetary Models
High schoolers create a biosphere using the computer program SImEarth. They work in small groups to create "Daisyworld" in which they model aspects of the Gaia hypothesis. They form a question to answer and choose variables to...
Curated OER
Geography 12
Geography is such a fascinating subject for learners of all ages. Prepare learners with good guiding questions, which they can use while reading their texts. Each of the provided 13 questions requires a full paragraph response on the...
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Investigating the Biosphere with Planetary Models
Learners model the biosphere and manipulate variables affecting change and plan their experiments with the help of others. They describe their question, hypothesis, and methods of investigation.
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Flora and Fauna of the Hill Neighborhood
Students compare and contrast the characteristics of plants and animals. In this ecology lesson, students observe the outdoors and describe the relationship among different living things. They relate plant diversity with animal diversity.
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Biosphere
Students examine the basic biosphere and its components. In this ecology lesson plan students complete several experiments including designing a system that is balanced to sustain life.
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Daisyworld: Stella Mac or PC
Students investigate Daisyworld, a very simple planet that has only two species of life on its surface - white and black daisies, and bare ground. They construct a Stella model of Daisyworld and perform guided experiments to explore the...
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Building an Ecologically Balanced Living Space
Students design and build an ecologically balanced living space based on the principles of an old growth forest. They take one part of a house (or structure in the community) and redesign it according to the principles of the forest cycle.
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Charting the Growth of the Milkweed Plant
In this charting the growth of the milkweed plant worksheet, students use the data given to complete the growth chart, then answer 5 questions about the information in the chart.