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Ann Arbor Growth & Immigration
Third graders describe some of the factors that brought early settlers to Ann Arbor. They read Narrative-A Trip from Utica, New York, to Ingham County, Michigan in 1838. As an added challenge, 3rd graders can use maps to track Silas...
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Kids and Leisure in Early 1900s Ann Arbor
Fourth graders describe how Michigan has changed and stayed the same over time; describe and classify human/cultural characteristics of Michigan; describe and explain the importance of individuals and groups who have made a difference.
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Arbor Day in the Classroom
Creating an environmentally-aware classroom can be exciting and educational at the same time.
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Historical Population Changes in the US
Students conduct research on historical population changes in the U.S. They conduct Internet research on the Historical Census Data Browser, create a bar graph and data table using a spreadsheet program, and display and interpret their...
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"Snapshot" Exercises & Sensory Detail Word Bank
Read a sample of creative descriptive writing to your science class. Discuss how writing can be used to record and communicate observations that scientists make. Reading selections and thought-provoking questions are suggested. Also...
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Terrabagga Activity Using a Magnetometer
Clever! Earth science learners construct a model of a planet containing a magnetic core. The planet, Terrabagga, is made out of a paper grocery bag, magnets, a dead D battery, and rubber bands. Pictures of each step of the construction...
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Dante's Peak Movie Review
Middle or high school volcanologists watch the 1997 film, Dante's Peak. They make observations as they watch and then write a movie review, focusing on what was accurately represented. They also point out what facts were stretched by...
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Silica Tetrahedron Model
Very simply, pairs of learners construct a model of the tetrahedral silica structure using raisins and toothpicks. They dip it into a soapy solution and then blow a bubble "atom" into its center. The lesson plan gives instructions that...
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Take a Stab!
Your geology class practices taking core samples of a potato to examine the stratigraphy. This is a terrific modeling lesson that helps youngsters visualize strata that cannot be seen from the surface of the ground. The directions...
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Thirsty Rocks: Please "Porous" a Drink!
A simple activity goes a long way in demonstrating the property of porosity to your rock hounds. They will mass a specimen of dry sandstone and then soak it in a pre-measured amount of water. After seven minutes, they once again measure...
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Changing Planet: The Warming of Our Large Lakes - Reasons for Concern
Another A+ instructional activity on the impact of climate change comes to you from the National Earth Science Teachers Association. In this installment, learners model the stratification of water in lakes due to temperature differences....
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Town Growth and Immigration
Fourth graders describe how Michigan has changed and stayed the same over time. They explain reasons why people settled/settle in Michigan, then explain the role of geography on the settlement of Michigan.
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Roger the Rock
Here is a creative way to assess your geologists' grasp of the rock cycle: have them write and illustrate a children's book in which the main character journeys though his life, i.e. the rock cycle! A brief student instruction sheet and...
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The Building Blocks of the Nation
Students research either people how have made history in Michigan, women or people who contributed in specified time periods in American history. They use the Internet to complete the research. They create cube reports using word...
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Discover a Pond Food Web
Students study the biodiversity of animal life in a pond. They investigate the interdependence between pond organisms by completing a pond dipping activity and completing a checklist.
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Algebridge
In this algebra instructional activity, students are asked to find replacement values for x during a game of algebridge, using algebra to find the missing value. The winning team performs the most tricks with the cards.
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Rhythm & Improv: Jazz & Poetry
Students analyze the elements of poetry and jazz. In this critical thinking skills lesson, students take a closer look at the rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, form, free verse, lyricism, and imagery that exist is jazz as well as poetry.
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Corrugated Cardboard Relief Print Project
Students use corrugated cardboard to create a printed relief project. Using the cardboard, they review geometric designs, shapes and discover how to use vertical and horizontal lines. They practice relief printing with different materials.
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Blinded by the Light
Students recognize that the colors they see are a result of the reflection of light. In this light and color lesson, students predict what color will be produced when lights are mixed. They identify the three primary colors and secondary...
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Mushroom Prints
Learners create a mushroom spore design on paper while studying the facts on fungi.
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Taking Apart Electrical Appliances
Young scholars discover that electrical appliances are made up of individual components that work together. They, with partners, demonstrate to others how their piece of equipment or appliance works by taking it apart and examining the...
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Laws
Students discuss laws and their importance. They discuss silly or unique laws and explore the process that must be followed to make a law.
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Why a President? Why not a King?
Students research how and why a country elects to have an executive branch of the government. They study the office of the Presidency of the US.
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Ancient China
Students research different dynasties that existed in China around different themes. They chart each dynasty for written assessment. Each chart has details that chronicles the gathered information.