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The Watson-Crick Model of DNA Structure
Junior geneticists construct models of DNA to discover sequencing and pairing of nucleotides. They use the models to simulate protein synthesis and then translate the codes into physical traits. Finally, they use the traits to create a...
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Cellular Organelles
Wow! Separate organelles from the cells of dried peas. Observe vacuoles in beet cells. Watch protists in action. Examine SEM photographs. Beginning biologists get a complete exposure to the structure and function of cell organelles. Two...
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Variations in Living Things
Biology beginners observe traits in a collection of plant parts to realize the tremendous amount of genetic variation within a species. They consider rules of nature and discuss what would happen if they changed. They also examine data...
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Structures That Reveal Common Ancestry
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, check out wing shapes for common ancestry! Beginning biologists compare wings as analogous structures and discover that environment influences evolution of adaptations. A third activity relies on...
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Cells: A First-Hand View
In the first of two activities, your charges prepare wet mount slides of cork and bean sprout cells in imitation of Robert Hooke's historical investigation. An excerpt from his notes is included. Then, investigators compare animal cells...
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Evidence of Heat Transformations
Earth, life, and physical science classes can all benefit from understanding heat transfer. There is not room enough to describe these seven exceptional laboratory experiments that explore conduction, convetcion, and radiation. Several...
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Magnetism
This set of seven activities attracts physical science stars to concepts concerning magnetism. Pupils play with a lodestone, magnets, needles, and iron filings to understand magnetic forces, fields, and applications. If you are new to...
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Sun, Spectra, and Stars
Get ready to spark interest in electromagnetic radiation! This resource shares nine indelible inquiries that you can choose from to ignite understanding of spectra and the relationship between light and heat. The assessments that follow...
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Starlight
An introductory exploration of the nature of light is provided via activities and demonstrations. Science superstars observe various light sources, learn how to apply inverse square law, and practice using a light meter. Follow-up...
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Limiting Factors for Populations
The "Bottled Bacteria" activity instructions are a bit unclear, but the remaining activities investigating limiting factors in ecosystems are well-written. Learners model the exosystem of a bear and a herd of deer. They set up a...
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Oils and Plastic
Peruse the properties of polymers with your materials engineers, chemistry aces, or emerging ecologists. The inquiries in this resource include puncturing polyethylene plastic bags, dissolving polystyrene cups, creating a polymer ball...
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Oxidation
For an introductory physical class, you can use these vivid activities to introduce learners to chemical reactions. Spontaneous combustion, melting and burning, tarnishing and rusting all are evidence that a chemical reaction has...
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An Introduction to Acids and Bases
Investigating pH is intriguing, especially with these activities designed for an introductory chemistry or physical science class. Pupils use litmus paper to distinguish acids and bases and then make indicators from food products. They...
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Factors that Affect Reaction Rates
Collaborating chemistry pupils observe that temperatrue increases the movement of dye throughout water, stirring increases the dissolving rate of sugar cubes, and concentration of solutions increases the chemical reaction rates. These...
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Catalysts and Enzymes
Biochemists experiment with the oxothermic decomposition of hydrogen dioxide by adding manganese dioxide. They observe how pepsin enhances the action of acid on the digestion of egg white proteins. They use yeast to make bread rise. All...
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Relative Positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun Over Time
Teacher pages for four different activities and three assessments are provided in this resource. Topics deal with how the sun's position and Earth's atmosphere affect the amount of solar energy reaching Earth's surface. The concepts and...
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Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
Examine cyanobacteria cells as an example of prokaryotes and several other alga as examples of eukaryotes. Future biologists compare the two and notice the absence of nuclei in prokaryotes. These are classic activities for this purpose,...
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Expressions - Activity 1
Young scholars create wax sculptures of a full body using mathematical calculations and information gathered from a video in this excellent art project. The instructional activity can be used along or within the unit provided.
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Lone Pine- Cultural Fire Management
Fourth graders investigate the concept of fire and how it was used by the Native Americans. The instructional activity has sufficient background information for the teacher to establish historical context. Students summarize the nine...
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History "Rediscovered"
Students, after analyzing an overview of the history of the Jefferson Valley, bridge from the past to the present the realization that while we are today all citizens of the country, inequalities still exist. They examine treaties, legal...
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The Buffalo Jump
Eighth graders investigate the disappearance of buffalo. They conduct research into the uses of buffalo by the Native Americans. There are resource links included in this lesson. They answer specific questions to help guide the research...
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Ride 'Em Cowboy (Buffalo Bill Cody and the Wild West Show)
Students research the impact of Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West Show on the world's view of American western culture. They create a poster advertising the Wild West Show.
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Occupation, Use and Settlement of the Smith River
Students examine the settlement and use of the Smith River area. Using the internet, they research concepts such as the "right of conquest" and "natural rights". In groups, they demonstrate how the land was transferred to the...
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Heroes, Elders, Historic Figures, Contemporary Tribal Leaders
Fifth graders research famous Elders. They receive a list of Elders, Historic Figures and Contemporary Tribal Leaders (included with the lesson). They discuss the Essential Question to guide their research. Students take notes based on...