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Habitat
Fourth graders study the components of a habitat. In this animal habitat lesson, 4th graders define the elements of a habitat. Students discuss intertidal habitats and make a habitat for a crab.
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Marshland Ecosystems
Students identify animals in ecosystem depicted on 16th Century ceramic basin and classify them as herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores based on physical characteristics and prior knowledge, determine which life forms in ecosystem are...
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Where are all the Animals?
Learners view animals that camouflage at the Shedd aquarium website. In this camouflage lesson, students recognize that there are different types of camouflage, cryptic coloring, counter-shading, warning coloration and mimicry. Learners...
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If Peter Pan Can Fly, Why Can't I?
Students redesign a human, using data in research, so that s/he can fly. In this flying lesson, students examine the characteristics and adaptations of groups of animals that can fly. Using this research, students work...
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Characteristics of Living Things
Student use the scientific method to experiment with worms. In this characteristics of living things lesson, students predict and examine the reactions of worms to dry and wet soil. Students share their findings.
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Fossils Footprints Across Time
Students examine fossils to understand how they are formed and how they give information about geological history. In this fossil lesson, students research and write about fossils and make models of different fossil types.The PDF...
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Prosthetic Party
Students examine human anatomy by creating a prosthetic limb. In this medical engineering instructional activity, students view numerous images of prosthetics used in science today and define several medical terms associated with...
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Natural Inquirer
Students explore the research process. In this scientific method instructional activity, students analyze data from an article, write their own informational article and express what they have learned. Students create their own article...
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Fred the Fish -- A River Ran Wild
Students apply cause and effect relationships to water pollution in a stream. In this pollution activity students recognize the importance of clean water in their daily lives. Students accompany "Fred the Fish" as he travels down stream....
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Stream Table
Students 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. ...
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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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Elements for Disaster Reporting
Students identify the elements of natural disasters and gain an understanding on how the media influences people's responses to disasters. In this natural disaster lesson plan, students study the impact of natural disasters, and the...
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Meeting an Earthworm
Students inspect the anatomy of earthworms. In this earthworm instructional activity, students participate in a hands-on experiment as they analyze the structure of earthworms. Students demonstrate mastery through differentiated...
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Reptiles and Amphibians
Fourth graders explore biology by viewing animal videos in class. In this amphibian and reptile lesson, 4th graders identify the key differences between reptiles, amphibians and other animal classifications. Students view video clips in...
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Under the Spell of Spiders
Students examine spiders. In these spider lessons, students will view spider images and live spiders to determine physical characteristics, habits, and habitats. Students will examine fantasy and folklore about spiders to create and...
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Student Designed Investigations: Observations
Students choose an organism and create an experiment with that organism. In this observation lesson, students expose a living thing to something from its environment and record their observations. Students must have some prior knowledge...
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Identifying an Earthworm
Students navigate the Internet to learn to identify Earthworms. For this taxonomy lesson, students explore species of earthworms finding their characteristics and using photographs to identify the species. Students research information...
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Plant Nutrition and Nutrients
Students observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal and...
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Soil Treasure Hunt
Students explore the concept of soil and decomposition. In this soil and decomposition instructional activity, students investigate bags of soil. Students then learn how animals and other organisms help in the decomposition...
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Plants and Animals, Partners in Pollination
Students participate in multiple hands-on activities to explore reproduction and pollination. In groups, using a cotton swab and powder, students simulate being pollinators and plants. They name the parts of the flowers and the function...
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Fishing
Students explore the techniques and basic needs of the fisherman. In this fishing activity, 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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Calling All Owls
Students research various types of owls. In this owls lesson, students observe owls and discuss their characteristics. Students go to an owl habitat and listen for the call of an owl. Students read The Owl in the Shower and...
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Teacher's Plant Collection Guide
Students explore a variety of guidelines that involve collecting plants in a responsible manner and participate in a plant pressing activity. In this teacher's plant collection guide lesson, students collect data regarding plants,...
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Learning About Plants- Flowers for a Special Occasion
Students explore the parts of plants and discover that plants need to grow. In this plant lesson, students discuss the parts of the plant and plant petunias. Students can share their plants with friends or families.