Students create a three-dimensional model of the Chicago river watershed to determine the flow of the river at its mouth. They use prepared clear gelatin and topographic maps to discover that the building of canals actually reversed the...

Students define all eight water quality parameters and list at list one source for each of the eight water quality parameters. They determine how each of the eight parameters affect river ecosystems.

Students study the various types of bodies of water: rivers, oceans, lakes and ponds. They observe models of each and then use clues to discuss how they are alike and different. They imagine they have found a new planet and draw a map...

High schoolers examine Leopold's Land Ethic involving illegal river dumping. They consider the dilemmas of the case study and share their ideas for a solution using group discussion and individual answers.

Students are explained that wastewater treatment plants are regulated as to the quality of water they may discharge into our rivers and canals. They are explained that wastewater treatment plants clean many pollutants out of the...

Students explore how water has the power to erode, how developing the land (building roads, buildings and parking lots) increases the amount of water reaching our rivers, and how this greater quantity of water increases erosion. They...

Students identify the eight tests done to check for water quality. In this ecology lesson, students explain why it's important to test water in rivers. They explore sources of river water pollution.

Third graders examine the natural circulation of water from oceans, lakes, and rivers to evaporation into the air, and then to condensation to produce rain falling back to the soil as components of the water cycle.

Young scholars recognize the purpose of the Michigan Avenue Bascule Trunnion Bridge. They examine photos of bridges and sing a song about Chicago's famous bascule trunnion bridge to investigate how moveable bridges work.

Students interpret aerial photographs. They view aerial photographs or satellite-produced images to locate and identify physical and human features. They study satellite images and label their images for bodies of water, clouds,...

Learners articulate some of the impacts of loss of biodiversity. They play a game that demonstrates why having a rich variety of life is important to the survival of ecosystems and how invasive species are threatening local biodiversity.

Students research a variety of local and world ecosystems. Students will create a collage to represent the biotic and abiotic factors and interactions important to their given ecosystem.Students will understand that an ecosystem is...

Get your young scientists excited about geology through the study of dinosaur tracks! They will use their power of observation to learn how tracks are made and use critical thinking strategies to suggest a scenario in which they were...

Students use fossils found in rocks to determine the age of rock in Illinois. They use a chart to identify the fossils and then identify the periods of rock.

Students observe the effects of pollution on living organisms. In this pollution lesson plan, students observe fresh water Hydra and look at their structures and movement. They place samples of pond and lake water on the Hydra and...

Students explore the characteristics of water. In this water exploration lesson, students participate in various learning centers to inquire how water drains and how to increase the flow of water. Students use estimation and measurement...

Students read primary source material about the Wrights' first flight such as a journal and a telegram. In this The Wrights' Flight instructional activity, students select the most reliable primary source and compare the pros and cons of...

First graders recognize that nearly three quarters of the Earth is covered by ocean. They locate the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and Antarctic oceans on a map. They describe the difference between ocean water and fresh water.

Students explore the four forces of flight. They investigate the four forces of flight: lift, drag, thrust and weight (gravity). They experiment with flight-testing various objects commonly found around the house and constructing paper...

Familiarize yourself with the North American river otter by browsing this brief overview from the Brookfield Zoo. This animal guide includes quick facts and information on the appearance, habitat, social and eating habits, and other...