Lesson Plan
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Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Sedimentary rocks are the building blocks of this geology lesson. In it, learners discover what sedimentary rocks are and how they form. They understand the differences between the major sedimentary rock varieties and learn what types of...
Lesson Plan
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Rock Cycle Activity

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
A few of the components of this activity are not possible to carry out because the rock cycle diagram and challenge handouts are not included. Hopefully, you already have your own rock cycle diagram or worksheet to use as a concept...
Lesson Plan
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How Can We Tell The Hardness of Rocks?

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students complete a lab activity.  In this hardness of rocks lesson plan, students observe and touch various rock samples.  Students determine if they can make a scratch mark on any of the rock samples and use the Internet to...
Lesson Plan
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Let's Rock

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate the property of rocks and how to distinguish among the different types. They explore the hardness of rocks and perform streak tests to determine mineral color. They classify rocks according to their properties.
Lesson Plan
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Coal Derivatives by Destructive Distillation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Chemists use the destructive distillation technique to produce three derivatives from a sample of bituminous coal. You will find background information, a materials list, procedures, and sample follow-up questions that you can use in...
Lesson Plan
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Mining Simulation

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders put their knowledge of rocks and minerals into perspective by seeing how minerals can be mined and the difficulties and costs of mining. They explore the environmental impacts of mining.
Lesson Plan
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Rock Identification Lab

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders compare and contrast the three different types of rock. For this earth science lesson, 8th graders classify rock samples according to their correct rock type. They design their own data collection table.
Lesson Plan
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Geology Rocks

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discuss information relating to Illinois geology. They examine top mineral resources in Illinois to find detailed information about geodes and where they can be found. Students complete geode lab to explore external structure of...
Lesson Plan
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Bring A Rock

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate rocks and minerals. They collect a rock, describe it in writing, and in small groups divide their group of rocks into subgroups based on their team's classification.
Lesson Plan
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Name That Tune

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students complete a fingerprint oil lab in order to simulate how geologists use the oil and natural gas in rocks to hear sound waves that signify there are oil in those rocks. For this rocks lesson plan, students learn that the rock...
Lesson Plan
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Fossils!

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore what fossils are, how they are formed, what different types there are and why they are significant to both our present and past geology history. They participate in a hands on fossil observation of their choice and...
Lesson Plan
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Field Research Project: Comparing the Parent Rock Material of the San Francisco Terranes With Local Soil Types

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars investigate rocks and minerals and take a field trip to sample soils. They analyze rocks and soil, research the geological terrenes of the topology of San Francisco, and produce a lab research report.
Lesson Plan
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Petrology in the Gravel Pit

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students are introduced to a wide range of rock types when they examine pebbles and boulders exposed in a gravel pit. Students practice rock description and identification and categorize the rocks sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic.
Lesson Plan
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Cell Study

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students (females) are introduced to the cell. They discuss what a cell is, and students define what a cell is. Students comprehend that all living things are made up of cells. They comprehend that life is defined as something that...
Lesson Plan
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Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students study the different types of volcanoes and how they erupt.  In this volcano lesson students identify where volcanoes are most prevalent and options for predicting eruptions. 
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Primary Energy Sources Pros and Cons

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students explore the different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. In this earth science instructional activity, students discuss the pros and cons of each type. They conduct a variety of experiments on renewable energy.
Lesson Plan
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Geologic Mapping I

For Teachers Higher Ed
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.
Lesson Plan
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Weathering and Erosion

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students examine the similarities and differences between weathering and erosion. They participate in a lab in which they test the effects of different materials when exposed to weathering and erosion. They record their observations.
Lesson Plan
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Screening River Rocks

For Teachers 1st
First graders explore river rocks. Searching with screens and containers, 1st graders identify the different kinds and sizes of rocks. They separate rocks into containers according to pebbles, gravel and sand. Students write about their...
Lesson Plan
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Fractals Rock

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students identify the repeated sequences of a pattern. In this geometry lesson, students identify fractals in patterns and nature. They construct a fractal tree and make conjectures.
Lesson Plan
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Watershed Investigations

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students find maps of the region to show rock formations and soil types and use GIS to compare radon levels. They describe three types of radioactive decay, interpret graphs, and follow steps to develop a nuclear bomb or energy.
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Landslides!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discover soil and Earth movement by experimenting in class.  In this Earth Science instructional activity, students utilize a stream table, soil, graduated cylinder and water to create a re-enactment of a landslide. ...
Lesson Plan
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Nebraska's Wild Weather

For Teachers K - 3rd
Young scholars examine the weather in Nebraska. Using this information, they describe the cause and effect relationships in the environment based on these changes in weather. They write various types of poems with weather themes and...
Lesson Plan
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Computer Lab Lesson Plan - Science

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Pupils examine rocks and minerals. Using the internet, students research rocks and how they are formed. They use word processing software to list minerals and materials that form specific rocks.