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Keys and Webs
Students explore and classify organisms found in a Rocky Mountain Ecosystem. Through discussions, students examine the effects upon an ecosystem if a component was removed or a new component was added. As a class, they survey reasons...
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The Fabric of Our World
Middle schoolers discuss cultural diversity, and examine how the community reflects the cultural background of the inhabitants. They read the book, People, take a community walk, create a rainbow chart, and research other states for...
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Bye-Bye Bison
Fourth graders investigate the bison's struggle for survival. They discuss the importance of bison while participating in an role playing activity showing how important the food supply and surroundings are to their survival.
American Immigration Law Foundation
Cesar Chavez and the Mexican-American Field Worker Experience
After researching and learning about the work of Cesar Chavez, your young historians will design a booklet on the conditions and needs of today's field workers and the Mexican-American field worker experience.
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Where's the Energy
Students research energy conversions. In this energy lesson plan, students describe the basic operation of a steam engine. They explain the energy conversions in the steam engine's operation.
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Lord of the Rings - A Study of Tree Rings
Students examine trees and discuss how the environment effected the tree. They also predict what the area look like in fifty years.
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Seeing in 3D: Interpreting Two-Dimensional Diagrams of Three-Dimensional Objects
Students hone in on their skills at reading diagrams. In this dimensional lesson students collect information on the functions of organs then figure out how all the parts work together.
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Sonar Simulation
Students compare and contrast side-scan sonar to other methods used to find objects underwater. In this underwater search instructional activity, students describe side-scan sonar and make inferences about the topography of an unknown...
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Which Part of the Great Salt Lake Stinks More?
Students research background knowledge of the Great Salt Lake prior to a field trip. They identify specific wild life at the Great Salt Lake on the field trip and identify the islands in the Great Salt Lake. They present their...
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What's Down the Well?
Students examine how environmental engineers determine possible sites for drinking water wells. They listen to a teacher led-lecture, and create their own groundwater well model using a coffee can and wire screening, observing how...
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The Robot Fisherman
Students examine the use of robotic vehicles for fish surveys. In this ocean life instructional activity, students discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using underwater robots and the requirements an underwater robot must meet in...
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The Robot Ranger
Students participate in an experiment to understand how robotic systems can estimate distances. In this robotic ranger lesson, students measure the the time it takes for and object to move back and forth. Students will use a...
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Cherishing the Water of Life
Learners work in small groups to brainstorm a list of all creatures, plants, natural, and artificial processes that use or depend on fresh water. The class views an aquarium filled with water representing all the water in the world. The...
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Pre-Columbian Settlements and People
Fourth graders describe the social, political, cultural and economic life and interactions among the people of California from the pre-Columbian societies to the Spanish mission and Mexican rancho periods.
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Predator Or Prey?
Students study the concept of predator/prey by researching specific examples of birds. They participate in a concept map/webbing activity to determine different characteristics of birds. They engage in a class discussion about...
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On the Fence
Students read a news article from the New York Times related to the construction of a fence between Mexico and the U.S. and its impact on the lives of the people living on both sides. They read and discuss a variety of scenarios, answer...
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Where Are The Dinosaurs?
Students examine the concept of extinction in relationship to the dinosaurs. In this elementary science activity students become familiar with dinosaurs and that they are extinct. Students differentiate between different types of dinosaurs.
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What's Eating Titanic?
Students, in groups, research the bio deterioration of the Titanic. They write a report focusing on the rusting of the Titanic and estimate the amount of time it will take for the Titanic's bow section to completely dissolve.
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Indoor Environment: A Magazine Publication Project
Students demonstrate knowledge of Indoor Air Quality by creating a class magazine. A link to order a free Action Kit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is provided so teachers can build background knowledge. Performance...
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What's the Connection?
Learners explain hardground communities in the Gulf of Mexico. In this deep-sea ecosystem instructional activity, students investigate the connection between deep-sea ecosystems and petroleum deposits. They discuss the relationship...
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The Sounds of Samba
Students research the origins of Samba in Brazil using the internet. After defining new vocabulary, they locate the cities in Brazil using latitude and longitude which practice the Samba. In groups, they compare and contrast the...
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Naturral Born Robots: Robots Have Feelings Too
Students explore robotics. They design a simple device that simulates a human arm lifting a mass. Students test the strength of their arm. Students discuss artificial intelligence.
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Scientific Inquiry
Sixth graders research the theories on the extinction of the dinosaurs. In this dinosaur extinction activity, 6th graders view a video clip about scientific inquiry. They work in groups to research the two theories on dinosaur extinction.
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Fred the Fish -- A River Ran Wild
Students apply cause and effect relationships to water pollution in a stream. In this pollution lesson students recognize the importance of clean water in their daily lives. Students accompany "Fred the Fish" as he travels down stream....