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Introduction to Constellations
Students examine constellations. In this astronomy lesson plan, students study various constellations and identify five major constellations. They will construct a model of one of the constellations.
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The Incredible Light Bulb-Egg Drop Challenge
Students examine how spacecraft land on Mars. Using eggs or lightbulbs, they design a craft that withstand a drop from a table or ladder, competing in groups to see which module demonstrates the most successful landing.
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The Nitrogen Cycle
Learners design and create a compost pile in order to study the Nitrogen Cycle. They then use the scientific method to determine if plants grow better when they add organic matter from their compost pile to the plant's soil.
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Corals and Coral Reefs
Young scholars label the continents, oceans, and seas on a provided world map and use it to determine where they would expect most of the world's coral reefs to be found based on provided information the teacher has read to them.
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Ocean Zones
Students create a mural showing ocean zones and the diversity of ocean life. They use reference books to create a list of plants and animals that would live in each zone.
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Who Lives Here?
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this environmental stewardship instructional activity, students examine water conservation efforts in desert regions as they act as members of a city council committee investigating the...
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Plants Spiral Puzzle
In this plants crossword, students solve clues for parts and definitions of plants to complete the crossword. Students complete 8 spaces in the crossword.
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This One is for the Birds
Young scholars create a bird feeder to form their technological skills and create a better bond with nature. In this nature lesson plan, students use websites, technology, brainstorm ideas, and build models.
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Archaeology and Prehistoric Native Americans
Students study the terms paleontology and archaeology and examine how they can help us learn about prehistoric Native Iowans. In this archaeology lesson students discuss these terms and view a video on Native Americans.
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Moon Journal
Students review the planets and major moons in the Solar System. In groups, they research and describe the various phases of the moon. They record their observations of the moon phases over a specific period of time and use the...
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Search for Ice and Snow
Learners use satellite images to locate areas of ice and snow on the globe. They create a table showing the information they gathered. They present their information to the class.
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Planetary Landers
Students watch programs from a series titled "Planetary Landers". As a class, they view a poster of various vehicles that have made their way into space. In groups, they brainstorm the characteristics that should be included when...
Workforce Solutions
A Colony for Lunar Living
Two lessons explore the possibility of living on the moon. First, scholars read various scenarios to identify which careers would best transfer to life in space. Finally, pupils examine a website to locate items made for outer space,...
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Stratigraphy and Cross-Dating
Students interpret archaeological strata using the law of superposition. They apply cross-dating to determine the age of other artifacts.
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WorldWatcher Activity: What Happens to Sunlight?
Learners examine a set of data to try to determine the amount of cloud cover. In groups, they make a list of items that reflect light in the atmosphere and how different amounts of it can change the temperature. Using WorldWatcher,...
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Greenhouse Effect and Temperature
Young scholars look at a visualization of absorbed solar energy and discuss its role in maintaining surface temperature. They examine greenhouse effect and its role in maintaining a climate in which humans can survive.
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The Five Finger Exercise
Students understnad the importance of keeping our rivers and streams pollution free by remembering the major rivers of northeast Kansas. The see how the rivers contain particles of every substance that drains into them.
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Future Conditional
Students examine how toxic pollutants affect environmental and human health. They define key terms, watch a video, and answer discussion questions.
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A Thoreau Look at Our Environment
Sixth graders write journal entries o school site at least once during each season, including sketched and written observations of present environment. They can use sample topographical maps and student's own maps. Students can use...
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Scavenger Hunt
Learners study a research telescope to obtain quantitative information about these objects. They use the SkyServer Navigation Tool to identify objects and record celestial coordinates. In addition, they associate star brightness and...
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Biodiversity Bird Hunt
Students examine the influence of biodiversity on human culture through the use of birds. They brainstorm words that come to mind when they think of human cultures. They describe ways that human culture and biodiversity are linked.
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Measuring Temperature
Students explore the different variables that affect surface temperature. They study how temperatures can vary widely within close proximity due to variables such as surface, directness of sunlight, and distance from buildings.
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How to Be "Naturally Attractive" (Without Even Trying)
Students examine the various properties of magnets, explain how a compass works and make an electromagnet. They also experiment with magnetic lines-of-force using paper and iron filings.
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Cloud Shadows
Students classify the visual opacity of various materials, what is needed to create shadows, and classify clouds by the types of shadows that they produce.