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Great Lakes Homepage for Kids
Here are some outstanding lessons on the geology and history of the Great Lakes. These lessons are divided into Grade 4 -6, and Grade 7 - 8 activities. The activities all use the background information, maps, graphs, data, and Great...
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Great Lakes Ecology
Eighth graders identify the Great Lakes, and describe the habitat of life of a loon. They are able to point to and explain one of the major river systems that enters the Great Lakes with a focus on the Clinton River and the food webs...
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Teaching About the Hydrosphere
Eighth graders are introduced to the Earth's hydrologic system including the cycling of water in the atmosphere and the movement of water on the surface of the planet using the Great Lakes watershed as an example.
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How to Make a Lake
Students examine the Michigan state quarter and discuss the effects glaciers have on land formation. They perform an investigate using ice cubes and sand to show how glaciers have carved the land.
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Great Lakes Snow Analysis Collaborative Network
Young scholars interpret data on snow cover and analyze trend patterns. In this snow instructional activity students compare data and locate their school's GPS coordinates.
Science 4 Inquiry
An Investigative Look at Florida's Sinkholes
In May of 1981, the Winter Park Sinkhole in Florida first appeared and is now referred to as Lake Rose. Scholars learn about the causes of sinkholes through an inquiry project. Then, they analyze recent data and draw conclusions to...
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Maps Can Help Us
First graders explore the geography of Montana by analyzing geographic maps of the area. In this Native American reservation lesson, 1st graders discuss the similarities and differences between reservations in the state of Montana....
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Bell Live! The Great Lakes: A Superior Adventure
Students participate in a virtual field trip to Lake Superior. In groups, they perform experiments in which test the level of toxins and bacteria in the water. They also watch video segments life in the lake and discuss their observations.
Michigan Sea Grant
Fish Habitat and Humans
Strict habitat requirements are needed for the survival of fish populations and fish variety in the Great Lakes. Young scientists become experts in the basic needs of fish and understand how survival necessities can vary with different...
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Splish Splash
Students study drinking water. In this environment lesson, students draw the path of drinking water from the place of precipitation to the tap after researching a map and information from the United States Geological Survey water...
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Exploring National Marine Sanctuaries
Learners research marine ecosystems by creating class presentations. In this oceanography instructional activity, students research the different locations of marine sanctuaries by identifying them on a transparency map in class....
Michigan Sea Grant
Exploring Watersheds
Collaboratively, students partake in a hands-on activity in which they build models of a watershed. Each group member draws an elevation map—a bird's eye view—of their model and predicts how water will flow from the high to low points....
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A Funny Taste
Students participate in a demonstration that illustrates the relative amounts of salt in various bodies of water including the Dead Sea, Sallt Lake, Ocean water and distilled water. They taste and compare various mixtures.
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SUBMARINE MOUNTAINS
Students create a two-dimensional contour map of a submerged area from a simulated survey using sounding techniques.
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Angkor What? Angkor Wat!
Tenth graders examine Angkor Wat and its place in history. They visit websites, utilize maps, and complete interactive worksheets. Students investigate the local temple to discover its purpose.
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Discovering the Oasis
Students focus on the types of vegetation and animal life living around local water sources. This lesson plan can be adapted to any local water source, whether it be a lake, a river, stream or ocean. It has a particular focus on the...
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The Mussels Are Coming
Students work together to identify and describe the various types of mussels. Using a color-coded system, they plot the arrival date of zebra mussels in North American waters. They discuss the increase in their population with the class.
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Aquatic Exotics
Learners identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to introduce...
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Native Americans Names
Third graders are introduced to the Native American groups of Michigan. Using primary source documents, they reconstruct events that occured in their local community. They discover the names of cities and towns in Michigan are related to...