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Ecosystems
Third graders identify and define an Ecosystem and the basic needs of all animals. They collect pond water in a pickle jar. They observe the organisms that are in the jar to keep an ongoing record of the creatures and their population.
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Investigating Animals in Water
Students observe small animal activity. They identify local water animals and describe the habitats where water animals can be found. Students collect samples to observe in the classroom.
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Aquatic Ecosystems
Students study ponds and wetland ecosystems and examine the food chains and webs in them. In this aquatic ecosystems instructional activity students answer questions about the diversity of the flora and fauna in a pond.
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Food Chain
Third graders role-play various organisms from a food chain to illustrate how a food chain works. In relay style, 3rd graders fill their cups (stomachs) and, in turn, fill a larger organism's cup (stomach) to visualize the importance of...
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The right place to live
How do various plants survive in different environments? They adapt! Kids determine which plant traits make them perfect for their specific environment. They consider three plants and can even complete a plant experiment. Note: Intended...
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Burnaby Lake Field Trip
Students identify different organisms found in the lake ecosystem. In this life science lesson, students discover the predator-prey relationship through a game. They explain how beavers adapt to the environment over time.
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Fishing
Students explore the techniques and basic needs of the fisherman. In this fishing lesson plan, students view a demonstration of the use of fishing equipment. Students research Iowa farm ponds and design a class mural from their...
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Stream Table
Young scholars explore channelization, riparian habitats and soil erosion to find out about the aquatic habitats in Iowa. In this aquatic habitats lesson, students define important terms and read an article about pollution. Young...
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Cell Structure and Function
Students discuss scientific advances brought about by the Mars Surveyor Space Program which impact on daily life, identify laboratory apparatus like microscopes, slides and coverslips, and use the microscopes to view cells and organisms.
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Food Chain
Third graders explore why food chains are important. In this food chain lesson plan, 3rd graders break into small groups to represent parts of the food chain. Different amounts of food are given to each group and any spilled food will be...
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Water Wonders
Students explore hydrology concepts. In this environment and biology lesson, students identify and describe macroinvertebrates using a variety of pictures and resources. Students observe and write about a classroom aquarium in which...
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Animal Signs
Students discuss the many different types of animal signs that can be used to identify and track animals. They participate in an hands-on activity in which they examine tracks, trails, homes, territory markings, and even "scat" left by...
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NGA Kids Inside Scoop Spring 2007
Students become familiar with the work of Claude Monet and his garden paintings. In this Monet lesson, students compare the garden works of Claude Monet. Students examine pictures for the colors in his paintings. Students complete a...
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The Great Pollinators
Students discover the reproductive parts of a plant. In this biology lesson, students identify and categorize several different plants they dissect in class. Students record their information using a data chart.
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Habitat Sunprints
Students recognize various habitats and where they are found. In this habitat sunprints lesson, students observe the contents of habitats and record what the sunprint might represent. Students use blueprint paper and small natural...
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100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet
Students examine the possible ways to recycle, reuse, and re-imagine products and objects in order to reduce pollution and waste on our planet. In this 100 things you can do to save the planet lesson, students take three actions to...
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Watchable Wildlife Checklist
In this wildlife worksheet, students will read over a list of 28 native animal species, their needs, and interesting characteristics. This list can be used as a checklist when out on a hike or in the school yard to identify common wildlife.
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World of Protists
Students observe a jar of pond water and predict how much life they think exists in the jar and watch a "Bill Nye: The Science Guy" video regarding protists. They participate in an online virtual pond dip where they begin to familiarize...
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Beaver Ecology
Students explore the lives of bgeahvers. They identify the physical and behavioral adaptations that help beavers survive in their environment. Students compare and contrast how beavers influence the ecology of both forest and aquatic...
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Animal Tracks
Students study animals. In this science lesson, students make plaster casts of animals that live in the area. Students identify the tracks.
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Out and About: Minibeasts
Students get up close and personal with invertebrates. In this mini-beasts lesson, students may visit the Natural History Museum, the Bramley Frith Education Centre, the Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World online or in-person to...
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Ecology - Ecosystem
Third graders research ecosystems, the work of ecologists, John Muir's contribution to the environment and an endangered species of their choice. They read books, participate in discussions, and write reports.
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Hunt for Habitats
Students review components of a habitat and go on a hike around a pond and woods exploring different habitats and the plants and animals that use them. They examine mammal pelts and discuss the life histories, adaptations, and positions...
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Relating Number of Insect Species to Water Quality
Students are asked to respond to questions such as:" Have there been surveys of the area to inventory the species?" (For example, for a wetland area, do they know what amphibians live there and how abundant they are?) Are there any...