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Interplanetary Travel Guide

For Teachers 4th - 6th
In groups of six, middle school space scientists create an imaginative travel brochure for attracting visitors to the planet Mars. Information must include surface features and atmospheric conditions. Although time-consuming, this is a...
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Bacteria Change Earth's Atmosphere

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders organize information to explain how photosynthetic bacteria contributed to climatic changes that happened on Earth. Students create a timeline by using a storyboard to tell the story of the change.
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Asteroids

For Teachers K - 12th
Students examine the different types of asteroids and how they enter the atmosphere.  In this space lesson students use mashed potatoes to create an asteroid they can eat.
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Your Own Greenhouse

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students discuss the similarities between the Earth's atmosphere and a greenhouse. In this science lesson, students make their own greenhouses out of plastic bottles and thermometers. Students record the temperature different times of...
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Weather, Sea Level Rise and Climate Change

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders compare and contrast weather and climate. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders research weather data site and analyze historical data. They present their findings in class and explain identifiable trends.
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SALLY RIDE

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students express what it would be like to launch off into outer space in a space shuttle. They include what it might feel like, look like, sound like, and any thoughts that go through their mind as they dart away from the Earth's...
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Hawaiian Hot Spots

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students describe how plate tectonics contribute to the development of volcanoes. In this earth science instructional activity, students examine the map of Hawaii and explore the physical and biological environment there. They write a...
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Volcanoes and Urban Planning

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars analyze satellite image data of Volcan Villarica. For this earth science lesson, students identify dangerous areas surrounding the volcano. They propose a new safe location for the town.
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Exploring the Night Sky: Summer

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explain how moon phases occur. They describe and explain at least two common misconceptions that people have about the moon. Students explain what a star is. They explain 3 ways that the night sky has been used throughout history.
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Solar Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the solar cycle through a series of experiments. In this space science lesson, students construct and evaluate solar cycle graphs. They explain how this phenomenon affects the Earth.
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Understanding a Geological Map

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify different types of maps and observe a geological map.  In this geology instructional activity students create a replica map of a geological area that includes a key. 
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Six Dynamic Designs for Arts Integrated Curriculum

For Teachers K - 12th
Students create a recipe for a certain aspect of a culture. They create a culture that has never existed before. They analyze either dance, history, geography, history or the future of space exploration. They compare and contrast...
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Arkansas: A Changing Climate, a Changing Land

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Here is a lesson on the climate zones and geography of Arkansas. In it, learners look at maps (embedded) of different climate zones found throughout Arkansas. They engage in discussions regarding how global warming and climate change is...
Lesson Plan
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Endangered Species 1: Why are Species Endangered?

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Emerging ecologists examine endangered species by visiting the US Environmental Protection Agency website. They consider human contribution to the decline of different species. They research an endangered animal and then craft a poster...
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Endangered Species !: Why Are Species Endangered?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the various issues and problems faced by endangered species globally. They research the plight of endangered species, create a poster of a selected animal, and present their poster and research to the class.
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Writing the Wind

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Young scholars make a windmill.  In this wind instructional activity, students learn background information about the windmill, complete an activity where they create a windmill, discuss using wind as a natural resource and...
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The Chinese Zodiac And The Western Zodiac

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers create individual horoscopes that contrast and compare Western and Chinese views of their futures using poster boards and magic markers. In-class discussion is used to evaluate the use of the Zodiac in different cultures.
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Biogeochemical Cycles

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research an assigned biogeochemical cycle. In this cycle activity, students need to determine that all cycles need energy to continue. The students will look at a given cycle to describe it, research and draw an assigned cycle,...
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Science Italian Style: Eruption!

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore ways scientists prepare for a volcanic eruption. They observe films of earthquakes, oil spills, volcanoes and hurricanes. Students perform activities to demonstrate the relationship of viscosity to lava flow. They...
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Geological Maps of the Western Regions

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study the geological makeup of the West.  In this geological maps lesson students creat a map that includes a key and present it to the class. 
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Oceans and Weather

For Teachers 4th - 9th
Students analyze the impact the ocean and its currents have on weather. In this oceans and weather instructional activity, students analyze data comparing inland and coastal weather, and analyze satellite data for evidence of El Nino.