Writing
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Using the Internet - Art and Design

For Students 7th - Higher Ed
An interesting resource that might work best in an upper level art course, this handout provides a list of nine websites where young artists can read and study about all forms of art. These online resources range from a dictionary of...
Lesson Plan
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Magnets

For Teachers K - 8th
Students explore how the earth is a magnet and that magnets have two "poles".  In this magnetic lesson students complete an activity by designing their own compass. 
Lesson Plan
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Worm Composting

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders discuss worm composting. In this decomposition lesson, 2nd graders look at the anatomy of the worm and how it eats food. They have their own worm bin and review what foods can and can not be given to the worms for...
Lesson Plan
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Simplicity of Electricity

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Young scholars examine how to make an electrical circuit. They listen to a teacher led discussion, design a switch to control a circuit, and construct a signaling device.
Lesson Plan
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Good Health from the Ground Up

For Teachers K - 5th
Students examine healthy food choices and the benefits of growing their own food for consumption. They read the story "Favorite Things" and illustrate 5 favorite things. Students discuss types of foods that are healthy choices and why it...
Worksheet
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Flip Books!

For Students 3rd - 6th
These aren't exactly worksheets, but rather a selection of pdf files of different atmospheric or solar events. Print your chosen pdf file for each aspiring astronomer in your class, have them cut out the individual mini pages, arrange...
Lesson Plan
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You Are What You Eat: Chemical Residues and Consumers

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students determine how evidence gained from a simulated test for the presence of pesticide residues can be used to determine risk. They use peas to simulate pesticide residue testing.
Lesson Plan
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A Tour Down the Hudson River

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers discuss how the Hudson River is an ecosystem made up of both biotic and abiotic factors. They view the PowerPoint the Journal Down the Hudson River. Students become aware of where the Hudson River begins and ends, the...
Lesson Plan
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Zebra Mussel Population Simulation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are taught how to format and enter data into an Excel spreadsheet. They make a graph, and interpret graphed data. Students discuss the possible impacts of zebra mussels on the Hudson river. They graph zebra mussel data.
Lesson Plan
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ENTICEing Fun with Illinois Facts

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Young scholars participate in a multi-grade scavenger hunt. Using fun-fact cards, they answer questions based on Illinois. They record their answers in a journal and discuss any items they are unclear on.
Lesson Plan
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Nuclear Popcorn

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Make your lesson on radioactive decay pop with this lab exercise. Using popcorn kernels spread over a tabletop, participants pick up all of those that point toward the back of the room, that is, those that represent decayed atoms. As the...
Lesson Plan
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Physiological Adaptations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the concepts of genetics and how it is tied to the variations found within different species and how it is tied to adaptations. They review the theory of evolution and factors found to help create variation. The...
Worksheet
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Unit III: Worksheet 2 - Motion Maps

For Students 9th - 12th
Make motion maps, draw graphical representations, and determine displacement. These are the activities included in this physics assignment. This is a great review of velocity, position, acceleration, and displacement concepts.
Lesson Plan
Habits of Mind

Haileybury Habits of Mind Learning Resource Book

For Teachers K - 12th
Imagine a learning community committed to using Costa and Kallick's Habits of Mind as the basis of curriculum design. The resource book is packed with lessons that are designed for and identify the standards and...
Lesson Plan
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From Brainstorm to Published Paper

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate a topic through research, observation, and experimentation. They prepare a short science report and publish it online. Students reflect on the role of science reports in the larger scientific community.
Worksheet
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Water Sources: Sprinkles (Newsletter)

For Students 2nd - 3rd
In this science worksheet, students investigate water sources and the environment. Students complete a rebus, a home water survey, a game about the journey of water, an activity on waste water, a water cleansing experiment and a water...
Lesson Plan
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Simple Machines: Levers

For Teachers K - 7th
Students discover the fundamentals and daily applications of simple machines. They practice basic engineering theory through their hands-on demonstrations of levers.
Lesson Plan
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American Robin: Territory Study

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students read the article, American Robins: Territory Study, discussing the vocabulary, underlining key words, and taking notes. They write journal entries, and develop various writer's workshop assignments.
Lesson Plan
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Transparent Shoebox Dig

For Teachers K - 4th
Take this simulated archaeological dig one layer at a time with your young pupils to encourage observation, critical thinking, and careful attention. Using a transparent box full of layers of sand and artifacts, pupils examine the...
Lesson Plan
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Current Thinking About Magnets

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students construct their own magnet and wire device. In this inquiry instructional activity, students investigate the factors affecting the strength of magnetic forces. They manipulate different variable to determine their effect.
Lesson Plan
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"Go-Car" Lab

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students construct a car based on directions given. In this physics lesson, students calculate average speed using distance and time information. They collect data and create a graph of distance vs. time.
Lesson Plan
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Newton's Three Laws of Motion Lesson Plan

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students explore Newton's three laws of motion using a variety of activities. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate the average speed of a vehicle they constructed using distance and time information. They identify...
Lesson Plan
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Microscopy Exercises

For Teachers 2nd - 7th
Students explore organisms and botany by utilizing microscopes. In this microscopic research lesson, students define many plant and organism related vocabulary terms such as conifers, moss and spores. Students view spores and other...
Lesson Plan
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Howdy Neighbor

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students role play a power grid set up to show how increased load affects the grid. For this physics lesson, students explain the importance of electricity in their daily lives. They identify the key components of the power grid.