Lesson Plan
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Flambe Elements

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders discuss atoms and electrons as well as atoic structure. They view atomic structure via the computer. Students watch a demonstration in which the teacher demonstrates glass tubing turning yellow in a Bunsen Burner flame....
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Beads, Balls, and Beakers

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students analyze the amount of space required to pack round objects. In this geometry lesson, students practice using space economically by practicing packing spheres into beakers. They then translate this concept to molecules being...
Lesson Plan
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The Elements

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students watch video, The Elements, research information about elements using both the Internet and CD-ROM program, and create atoms out of gumdrops and licorice.
Lesson Plan
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My Wet Robot

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students design an underwater vehicle. In this engineering lesson, students will design an underwater robot that includes specific systems for it to function properly. Each group will present their prototype to the class.
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Designing an Underwater Habitat for Humans

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students consider the limitations of deep water oceanography and design an underwater habitat to support scientists while they complete long term studies under the ocean. In this engineering instructional activity, students are...
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Paper Airplane Contest

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students research principles of flight. They design their own paper airplanes and make predictions about the performance of different designs. Students keep track of their findings in an electronic journal.
Lesson Plan
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Termite Trails

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students observe the behavior of termites and draw conclusions about their behavior. They record data as to termite behavior and recognize elements in the experimental design which must include a hypothesis.
Lesson Plan
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Looking into Space

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explain how telescopes work and how they can contribute to our knowledge of the universe.
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WebQuest on Chester Himes

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students perform a WebQuest to find out why Chester Hime's detective books were so popular. Small groups perform the research together then report to the class.
Lesson Plan
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WebQuest on 1940/1950 Harlem

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students perform a WebQuest to fin out why Harlem was an attractive place for African Americans to live. Small groups perform the research together, and report to the class.
Lesson Plan
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Sled Kite

For Teachers K - 8th
Pupils make and fly a sled kite out of plastic garbage bags, dowel rods, and more. In this kite lesson plan, students plan the kite to have symmetry and make adjustments as they test it.
Lesson Plan
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Electromagnetic Spectrum/Spectroscopy

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine the electromagnetic spectrum and demonstrate the elements within.  In this investigative lesson students complete a demonstration and calculate the energy of a photon. 
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Dirty Decomposers

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders design and conduct experiments to determine what environmental factors favor decomposition by soil microbes. They use chunks of carrot for the materials to be decomposed, and their experiments are carried out in plastic...
Lesson Plan
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Art and Anatomy: The Vitruvian Teen

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Pupils are introduced to the history of showing the human anatomy. In groups, they measure their height and arm spans to create a graph and determine if their measurements support Vitruvius' work. Individually, they make their own...
Lesson Plan
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Catapults!

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Young scholars work together to discover the relationship between the angle of catapults and the flight of different objects. They discover the heavier the object the more force is needed. They examine how engineers use this...
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Tree Identification

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students list four ways to identify trees. In this tree identification instructional activity, students use tree identification techniques such as leafs, bark, wood grain, soil type, and climate to create tables and graphs.
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Creating a Primary Source Archive: All History Is Local

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners explore personal, local, state, and national history. In this historiography lesson, students search the Library of Congress digital collections for primary sources regarding their family histories framed in local, state, and...
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Science Inquiry Lesson: Mapping Project

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students explore the methods of creating maps. They create a map of Animas River Park using a compass and measuring tape, develop a single map from the team map sections, and devise another map of the Animas River Park using a GPS unit.
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Aerospace

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Learners experiment with weight and balance of a glider.  In this flight instructional activity students construct their own flying glider and record their experiment with it. 
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Rocket Physics

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students investigate the relationship between impulse, momentum, kinetic and potential energy and aerodynamic drag. For this physics lesson, students calculate data taken from launching a rocket. They compare the theoretical and...
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What Does It Eat?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students, working in research teams, investigate the eating habits of crickets. They collect and record data and compare their methods and results with other groups by making tables or graphs. They sumarize their findings with posters or...
Lesson Plan
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The Paper Dutch Kite

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students construct a Dutch Kite using simple materials. In this math lesson, students measure kite dimensions according to specified instructions. They also describe and define the different parts of a kite.
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Sinking in the Rain (or Drought)

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders, in groups, explore sinkholes and how they effect humans and the natural environment.
Lesson Plan
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Up, Up and Away with the Montgolfier Balloon

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students construct hot air balloons. In this science lesson, students assemble their own balloon using tissue paper and glue. They time the duration of the flight, record data and calculate team averages.