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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where Should It Go? Recycle? Compost? Incinerate? Landfill?

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students discuss what happens to trash after it is collected. They sort "clean" trash into groups depending on whether it should be recycled, incinerated, placed in a landfill, composted or if it is something we could avoid using.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Erosion

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders study the effects of running water on erosion. They examine how the soil on the playground is affected by erosion and determine how the placement of trees and shrubs changes the path of erosion. In their science journals,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fishing

For Teachers K - Higher Ed
Students explore the techniques and basic needs of the fisherman.  For this fishing lesson, students view a demonstration of the use of fishing equipment. Students research Iowa farm ponds and design a class mural from their...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mangrove Loss Faster than Land-Based Forests

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners explore the reasons Mangrove forests are in jeopardy.  In this lesson, students read an article that discusses specific facts on Mangrove forests, then complete numerous activities that reinforce the information, such as taking...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Disappearing Water

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore the water cycle. In this earth science instructional activity, students observe and measure water in a closed container and in an open container. Students record their observations and compare their sets of data to draw...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Eco-Kids: How Students Can Help Save the World

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify the different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. In this ecology lesson, 4th graders create models of wind mills and hydropower. They discuss the pros and cons of using alternative forms of energy.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Web of Life" Game

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students relate members of an ecosystem by their interactions. In this ecosystem lesson, students toss a ball to other members of their group (each representing a member of an ecosystem) and tell how they are related to that member....
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Are You Thirsty: The Effects of Pollution on Drinking Water

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discuss the different causes of water pollution. In this ecology lesson, students brainstorm ways to purify polluted water. They formulate their conclusion based on the results of the experiments.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Earth Day Crossword

For Students 4th - 5th
In this crossword puzzle worksheet, students read the 25 clues about Earth Day. Students then complete the crossword puzzle about Earth Day.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reclamation and Recycling

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the many uses of mined lands after reclamation has been completed and discover the importance of recycling finding the difference between manufacturing with recycled materials and newly extracted materials.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reclamation and Recycling

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students learn the importance of plants and animals, ecosystems and habitats... and see how these factors guide mining reclamation projects. They then discover the importance of recycling, and the difference between manufacturing with...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemical Changes

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders observe two types of interactions in a sealed plastic bag. One bag contains baking soda and water, and the other baking soda and vinegar. They determine what evidence indicates that a chemical change is occurring.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecology: Why Are Rice Fields Suitable Habitats for Birds?

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders discover the uses for rice by reading about the habitats of certain birds.  In this agriculture lesson plan, 5th graders research birds from the Gulf Coast and California and their reasons for living in rice fields....
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fossil Fuels--Discoveries and Uses

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Student examine the close relationship between fossil energy and our daily lives. To demonstrate to the student the close relationship between fossil energy and our daily lives.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sun Friendly Homes

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Learners design and build a model solar energy home. In this technology lesson, students test the efficiency of their model houses by measuring temperature at regular intervals. They analyze data and share results with the class.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nebraska Rocks & The Rock Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study the rock cycle and relate it to rocks that are indigenous to Nebraska. Students collect rocks and draw a diagram of the rock cycle using their collection.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Young scholars explore the states of water. In this water states lesson, students observe ice over time and the changes that take place. Young scholars read a related text and draw their observations in a journal entry. Students discuss...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Deforestation

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify the different tropical rainforests in the world using a map. In this ecology instructional activity, students describe the different methods of deforestation. They create a memo and present it to class.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

OK...Just Whose Water Is It, Anyway?

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students recognize that each person has a right to clean, safe drinking water. They explain that changes in behavior may be necessary when considering water usage. They role play a water rights courtoom dispute.