Alabama Learning Exchange
Where is the Dirt? A Lesson in Hydroponics
Students use the Internet to research hydroponic gardening which is the growing of plants without soil. They participate in an experiment where a hydroponic garden is contructed in the classroom for observaion. They recorde information...
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Composting
Pupils discover the concept of decomposition. They examine how it makes the soil more fertile and how it helps plants. They put a compost bin in their backyard and record their observations.
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Mud in the Water
Sixth graders investigate erosion. In this erosion lesson, 6th graders explore how farming changes the environment. Students construct an erosion model and research ways to protect the soil from excess mud generated by farming.
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Demonstrating Erosion in Action
Students easure and record volume of water, then measure and record mass of soil. They explain the effects of the following in controlling erosion: Contouring, cover crop, strip cropping, reforestation, inter-seeding.
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Recycling by Composting
Students examine the idea of recycling by composting. Using the internet, they research the benefits of composting to the environment. In groups, they collect numbers on how much food and yard waste is produced in their community. ...
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How Does Your Garden Grow?
Young scholars explore how to use natural fertilizers and pesticides by growing an organic vegetable garden by growing plants and using a variety of soil amendments.
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Growing Corn
Sixth graders create a Venn diagram of different soil types. They plant cord seeds in clay, sand, and fertile black soils are record their growing rates. After two weeks they discuss the effects of soil types on the growth process.
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Worm Composting: Vermiculture
Students compost in a limited space and describe the decomposing process. Students convert unwanted, organic matter, particularly food scraps and paper into fertile soil.
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The Compost Bucket
Students recognize that plants and soils have a close relationship. They view a photo essay on the common practice and natural process of composting. Afterwards, they observe the process of plant decay over the course of several days.
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Field Experiments on Succession
Student develop a hypothesis regarding the effects of either mowing or fertilizer upon the diversity of plant species in a grassland ecosystem. They set up experiment field plots and measure species richness.
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Evergreen Trees & Softwood
In this earth science worksheet, learners identify and locate various vocabulary terms pertaining to evergreen trees and other softwood trees. There are 26 earth science terms located in the word search.
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Thinning and Transplanting
Students identify and observe one plant per section in their quad and to transplant the surplus seedlings to empty quads and interpret why this is important. They then discuss the purpose of thinning and transplanting. Finally, students...
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Agriculture and the Environment
Students investigate the interdependence of agriculture and the environment. They research areas of interdependence and provide examples of situations where farmers are practicing conservation in the local area. Their findings are...
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Water Pollution
Here is a fine lesson for fifth graders that will give them an idea of the variety of impacts that human-introduced pollutants have on the environment. After an initial class discussion and teacher-led demonstration, pupils brainstorm...
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Parts of the Flower and Pollination
Students review the parts of the plant and recognize the parts that are important for pollination. In this pollination lesson, students illustrate and label the parts of a flower. Students compare different types of flowers.
Forest Foundation
Forest Health
Young foresters examine the strategies, like prescribed burns and thinning, that are employed to ensure healthy forests.
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Sustainable Livestock
Students investigate healthy eating habits by researching livestock. In this food sustainability instructional activity, students research the negative impact factory farming has on our environment due to pollution. Students define...
PBS
Creating a Butterfly Garden and Habitat
This complete set of instructions for creating your very own butterfly garden and habitat is so cool! With some seeds and the handy resources in this activity, you and your class will be able to determine which type of habitat is best...
What happened to the frogs?
Students will select ten rubber frogs and determine their pollutant source based on their malformations. Students will write a brief essay on their findings. Students will be engaged in the lesson the entire time!
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Midnight Dumpers
Students explain how pollution affects ground water. They participate in a simulation to discover the location of an illegal dump. Students explore the monetary benefits, risk and environmental concerns are factors in business decisions.
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Dissolved Oxygen and Respiration
Young scholars are presented with the question, "Do plants that grow underwater use oxygen?" They create an experiment to test the presence of dissolved oxygen in the water using provided materials. Student experiments include a control...
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Tides in the Hudson
Students view an illustration of the Hudson River watershed and identify the bodies of water shown. They discuss what happens when fresh and salt water mix. Students view a teacher demonstration of the stratification of fresh and salt...
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Growing Vegetable Soup
Students use children's literature in order to think about the concept of creating a garden. This is done through conducting simple research about types of plants that could be grown in the area and how to care for them. Then the garden...
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Wisconsin Agriculture; Berry Bunch's Cherry Fast Facts
Students explore agriculture by researching Wisconsin's economy. In this cherry industry lesson, students read assigned text about the amount of cherries Wisconsin produces annually and the revenue it brings in to the state. Students...