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Dichotomous Key: Minerals
In this earth science instructional activity, students identify various minerals as described in the fifteen questions. They identify the luster and hardness of a mineral. Then, students identify what color the mineral is and whether it...
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How do we measure global earthquakes?
Students examine three seismograms of a recent South American earthquake recorded by USGS stations. They measure the S-P distance and use a P and S wave travel-time graph to find the epicenter distance for each seismogram. In addition,...
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Presenting the Geologic Timescale
Students model the geologic timescale using distance as a metaphor for time. They write a summary of a major event or fossil organism. and station themselves and their summaries along a path within a gymnasium, and present their...
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Using GIS to Construct Water Table Maps and Flow Nets
Students examine how to use GIS software to analyze patterns of groundwater flow. Seepage lake elevation data from the Sand Hills of Nebraska is used to construct a water table map and flow net using Esri's Arc Map software.
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Virtual Oil Well Game
Students play an online strategy game working with a limited budget. They collect and interpret seismic data to search for oil traps, file environmental impact statements before drilling and use drill logs to determine when to start...
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Geologic Mapping I
Students create a geologic map and cross-section of an area of horizontal sedimentary rocks, exposed in several locations. Map must include a complete key or legend with rock descriptions of the various formations.
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Earth Science: The Sun-Earth Relationship
Learners examine the sun's impact on the Earth. They read online articles, explore various websites, and answer questions using information found on the Internet.
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Bountiful Biomes
Students research five different biomes while working in groups. They complete a graphic organizer with the information.
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Energy: The Big Picture
Students research about energy related topics. In this earth science lesson, students discuss ways to save energy. They create a presentation about their research and share it with the class.
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Volcano Research Project
Students research a volcano that has erupted in the last 100 years. In this earth science lesson, students explain the effect of the eruption to the population. They communicate what they would do to minimize the effect of this disaster.
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Day 4: Plate Tectonics II
Students explore the theory of plate tectonics. In this geology activity, students conduct a simulation of the crust of the Earth floating on the mantle. Students research plate tectonics and share their findings with the class. Students...
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Invasive Species
Students explore invasive species. In this species analysis lesson, students observe invasive species and review the impact the species have on the environment. Students work in groups to investigate the species in varying habitats....
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Volcanic Violence
Students complete activities to study volcanic activities. In this volcanic activities lesson plan, students read an article about violent volcanoes. Students complete discuss questions and volcano projects for the lesson plan. students...
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Weather Songs: Hurricane
In this hurricane worksheet, students read a poem about the sad aftermath of a hurricane. These appear to be song lyrics with an unknown tune. This is suitable for older students and adults.
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Natural Vegetation
In this earth science learning exercise, students identify and locate various vocabulary terms related to natural vegetation. There are 21 earth science terms located in the word search.
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Science Word Search
In this science worksheet, students locate and identify various vocabulary terms related to earth science. There are 44 words/phrases located in the puzzle.
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Branches of Science
For this science worksheet, learners locate and identify the various branches of science as they are named. There are 36 words/phrases located in the puzzle.
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Chapter 8 Key Terms
In this science worksheet, students locate and identify various vocabulary terms related to the environment and earth science. There are 27 words located in the puzzle.
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Coastal Biodiversity
In this earth science learning exercise, students identify and locate vocabulary terms related to coastal biodiversity. There are 22 words located in the puzzle.
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General Information on Accreted Terrane
Students use the Idaho Digital Atlas. They look at the map on the main page and determine where the coast of the Pacific Ocean was before the Jurassic time period and how the coast has moved from its previous position to its present...
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Studying Aquifers in Outcrop
Students describe two or more different rock types found in outcrop. Students look specifically at the hydro-geologic properties of the rocks and complete the lab with a paper explaining a scientific phenomenon in layperson terms.
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Groundwater Pump Test
Students observe groundwater flowing to a pump, changes in groundwater table as a result of pumping, and the quantity and quality of water in the groundwater system. Students must graph and interpret their data, and quantify orders of...
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Developing a Local Stratigraphy
Students examine rock strata for the distribution, deposition, and age of sedimentary rock. They describe rock types in a variety of outcrops and construct a regional stratigraphy.
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Cemetery Geology
Young scholars examine the chemical and physical weathering process of different rocks in a cemetery based on dates on the stones. Students discover the susceptibility of different rock types to weathering.