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Biotech in a Bag
Students carry out a series of experiments using self-locking plastic baggies. Each experiment demonstrates a phenomenon or principle of biotechnology.
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Using Sterile Techniques as a Tool in Studying Plant Diseases
Seventh graders examine the concept of sterile techniques. They realize that plant diseases can be identified and classified in various way. Students identify some of the diseases that attack the garden plants.
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Maple Syrup Production
Students examine the steps of maple sugar production and the labor and effort involved from the tree to the final product. They participate in a taste test game, and if they have access to maple trees, make their own syrup and sugar.
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Salmon vs. Dams: The Dam Removal Debate on the Elwha River
Students use roll playing to discuss the merits of tearing down these dams so that the Elwha River can run free. The activity is presented in the form of a council meeting to encourage students to try to build consensus in finding...
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Animal Life Span Activity
Students study and compare the life span of farm animals with their own. They research a farm animal, complete a table and answer comparative questions. They work in jigsaw format groups.
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The Peanut Wizard
Peanuts inspire this lesson about George Washington Carver, called The Peanut Wizard in the included informational text. Class members read about peanuts and George Washington Carver and create a timeline of his life. In addition, pupils...
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Soil In The Amazon
Learners grow plants in soil representing that found in the Amazon basin. They compare results to plants growing in fertile soil and soil fertilized with leaf compost. Students chart, average and graph plant growth by height.
Learners...
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Introduction to Measuring the Forest
Students investigate how much wood is in a forest. In this forestry lesson, students calculate how much usable wood comes from the forest. They will read, Sizing Things Up from Trees + Me = Forestry, measure firewood piles, and create a...
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What's a Swamp Good For?
Students identify the function and value of wetlands. In this lesson on appreciating wetlands, students explain how different household items can represent different aspects of the wetlands.
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Plants for Pleasure and Profit
Young scholars study about some of the specimens collected or diagrammed by Lewis and Clark, discuss their usefulness, and rank their importance. They write a persuasive essay detailing the plants they thought the most important.
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Cows in Crisis
Students study mad cow disease and how it has affected the lifestyles of many Europeans. They examine local cattle industry and look for steer- or cow-related products. They organize information they find and present it to the rest of...
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Rotating Rings of Ice
Learners work together to develop a model of Saturn and its rings. They identify what types of materials make up the rings and how they revolve around Saturn. They write a short paragraph describing the rings.
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Rollin' On The River II
Students explore the importance of the Platte River to the state of Nebraska. They investigate the river's historical, social, economic, and political importance to the development of Nebraska. Students explore the ecosystem of the river.
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Adapted to Fire
Fourth graders explore forest species' adaptations to fire by participating in a scavenger hunt and mapping a burned forest. Students create maps and explore how indigenous species adapted to living with fire.
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Drawing on Kenaf
Students explore kenaf, a tree-free paper. In this environmental issues instructional activity, students draw pictures following a presentation about the origin and "eco-friendly" nature of kenaf.