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Music of the Estuary
Students explore the sounds of the estuary. In this wetlands instructional activity, students discuss how to simulate the sounds of nature. Students write and record a musical score featuring the sounds of the wetlands.
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Marine Habitats of Galveston Island
Four lessons introduce elementary ecologists to salt marsh and sandy beach habitats. In the first lesson plan, they place shells and other materials in vinegar to determine if they contain calcium carbonate. In the second lesson plan,...
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the Wonder of Wetlands
Young scholars explore the importance of the wetland ecosystem, its properties and functions, as well as, the many birds, animals, and plant life found there.
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Estuary Interviews
Students role play as newscasters to highlight the lives of estuary animals. In this estuary animal instructional activity, students watch local new shows to examine how interviews take place. They research the lives of animals that live...
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Creating a Pond Habitat
Students create a pond habitat inside and outside their classroom. In this pond lesson plan, students create a habitat with animals, water, and plants in order to create a proper pond habitat.
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Extinct Animals Of The Louisiana Purchase
Learners investigate two extinct species of birds that existed during the time of the Louisiana Purchase in Arkansas. They conduct research to describe the characteristics of the bird and look for the causes for its eventual extinction.
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Wetland Pictionary
Young scholars create a game for reviewing vocabulary. They make cards with definitions of the words. Then the cards are used to play the game of Pictionary or a modified game. The teacher could have the students generate their own game...
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The Chesapeake Bay in Captain John Smith's Time
When Captain John Smith visited the Chesapeake Bay in the summer of 1608, what types of animals and habitats did he encounter? Your young historians will analyze primary source documents to answer this question, as well as compare the...
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Math and Science in a Wetland
Students use scientific methods during field and lab investigations. Students collect specimens and make measurements using the metric system. Students describe biotic and abiotic factors in an estuary and design a model.
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The Marvels of Mud
Young scientists roll up their sleeves and get a little dirty in this three-day earth science investigation. Following the scientific method, children monitor the growth of algae in pond water samples in order to determine the role that...
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Water's Edge Café
Students observe water birds feeding at a local wetland, record what they see, and construct an appropriate menu for a "Waterfowl Cafe." They also play a "flocking" game.
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Jumanji
Third graders read the book, Jumangi. Then they divide into groups of four or five and choose a habitat - desert, wetlands, Arctic/Antarctic, etc. Then each group can research the habitat to learn what kind of animals live there.
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Dancing Flamingos
Students perform a number of activities that mimic flamingo actions and displays. The class discusses why animals behave in certain ways, and how behavioral adaptations help animals to survive.
California Academy of Science
A Day inthe Life of a San Francisco Native Animal
Although the lesson is specifically about the San Francisco Bay area, it's good enough to be adapted to any local region. Children research what the landscape in San Francisco was like prior to settlement, they consider the types of...
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Adopt An Animal
Students view slides of pictures of rare animals and make predictions about them based on the characteristics they see. In this animals lesson plan, students then research one of the animals and present their findings to the class.
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Dull Duck, Dashing Duck
Learners learn about animal camouflage. In this animal adaptations lesson, students discuss the patterns and adaptations animals use to help them survive, discuss the uses of camouflage, visit a local wetland if possible, and design...
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Animal Groups
Students explore animal groups. In this animal science lesson, students use pictures from magazines and classify the animals into five categories. Students share why they categorized the animals the way they did.
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Investigating Animals in Water
Students observe small animal activity. They identify local water animals and describe the habitats where water animals can be found. Students collect samples to observe in the classroom.
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Go Fish!
Students are introduced to the culture of the Kumeyaay. Using their text, they discover how they used their native flora and fauna in San Diego. They participate in a matching game and examine the types of organisms who make their home...
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Develop a Bird Feeder Watch List
Students explore biology by identifying animals on their school ground. In this bird species lesson, students create and utilize a simple bird feeder to attract birds near their classroom at which point they observe the color, size and...
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World of the Pond
Field trip! The class will review what they know about organisms that dwell in freshwater ponds, then trek down to the old water hole to collect specimens for examination. This includes several web links, useful tips, and an excellent...
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WET Science Lesson #11: How Light Affects Water
Scientists listen to the story of Wadja Egnankou who works to save African mangrove forests. They experiment with refraction and the introduction of particulate matter to water. They conclude with creative writing about the need for a...
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A Perfect Pond Study Lesson Plan
Students take a field trip to a wetland ecosystem. An informal pond study is performed by students. They examine their favorite animal, write a description of how it moves and illustrate it. In groups, students draw pictures of organisms...
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Talking Duck
Students study how animals communicate through their senses and signals. They investigate how animals survive using their communication skills and create a commercial based on the research.