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Landforms of Illinois
Students discover the primary landforms of Illinois. They examine how those landforms were formed as well. In groups, they research one of the landforms from their vocabulary list. They create their landform in a shoebox and present it...
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Exploration Watershed
Students discuss what a watershed is, and locate watersheds on a map. In this watershed lesson, students use the information they have been introduced to and create a color coded watershed map of their own.
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The Magic School Bus Goes Upstream
Young scholars learn along with Ms. Frizzle's class. In this Magic School Bus lesson plan, students travel upstream to discover how, like salmon, a homey smell can lead them, too.
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What is Drought?
Students explore and conduct an experiment on the effects of drought on the environment. They define what drought is and the impact that a shortage of rainfall can have on agriculture, municipal water supplies, tourism, recreation, etc.
Michigan Sea Grant
Exploring Watersheds
Collaboratively, young scholars partake in a hands-on activity in which they build models of a watershed. Each group member draws an elevation map—a bird's eye view—of their model and predicts how water will flow from the high to low...
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Working for Water
Learners examine the ways that government works to help improve aquatic habitats. In this water habitats lesson students view a video and plan a school restoration project.
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There's a Watershed in my Backyard!
Students explain what the term watershed is by creating a model. In this science, geography lesson plan, students demonstrate how the water moves in a watershed. Additionally, students learn about point source and nonpoint source...
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Salinity
Learners define and discuss salinity, conduct classroom experiment to determine salinity of water sample by using hydrometer, record predictions, and demonstrate understanding of how salinity influences object's ability to float in water.
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Gliding Glaciers
Students are introduced to the concept of glaciers. They discover how glaciers move and what types of landforms are formed by glaciers.
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All Hands on Deck: A Harbor Education Program
Students build a model of an estuary. In this wetland instructional activity, students build a model estuary with a paint tray and modeling clay. They use the model to illustrate the impact of non-point pollution on the watershed.
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Mapmaker, Make Me a Map!
Young scholars are introduced to the state quarter program and examine the Colorado state quarter. They locate Colorado on a map and create a map with a key. They discuss the state motto and examine pictures of the state's geographical...
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Water Unit
Students explore ways to conserve water. After discussing water, its uses, and importance, students perform an experiment to discover how much water can be used when using a sponge. After creating water artwork, students determine how...
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Aquatic Ecosystems
Ninth graders record information on aquatic ecosystems and create a labeled diagram of an ecosystem of their choice. They can choose from an ocean zone, estuary, river, lakes, or beaches. The student has to explain their biome of choice.
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Water Pollution - Group Presentation
Students investigate water pollution at a web site and apply it toward a group presentation.
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From Maps to Models
Fourth graders study topography maps and learn the importance of their contour lines. In this map lesson students create their own topography map.
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Storm Watch: Knowing What To Do
Students study the different types of weather and how storms form. In this weather lesson students make their own "tornado in a bottle" and create brochures.
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Ocean in a Bottle
Students create an enclosed ocean in a bottle and add different pollutants to explore the effects of pollution on the environment.
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Contain Yourself: Changes Over Time in the Use of Containers by Native Americans
Students examine the types of containers used by Native Americans. They discover how their form and function has changed over time. They create their own container based on the Native American examples.
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New Jersey Estuaries
Students observe a stream table activity to realize how an estuary protects the mainland from floodwaters. They predict what will happen, then draw and write up the results.
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Streamflow
Pupils discuss the topic of streamflow and how it occurs. They take measurements and analyze them. They interpret data and create their own charts and graphs.
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What is an Estuary?
Students define the terms estuary and watershed. They conduct an experiment to determine the density differences between fresh and saltwater. They examine the salinity distribution of the Peconic Bay Estuary.
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Watershed Island
Students make a clay model and a geographic map of a watershed. They talk about the differences between the two representations and the potential human threats to watersheds.
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Take a Dip: Be a Field Guide
Pupils create a Visitor's Field Guide for the local area in order to enhance the understanding of natural features of the area for those who may be unfamiliar with the area.
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Report of Shop, Factory, Mill or Industrial Establishment
Students examine the pollution survey created in response to the Public Health Laws of 1903, and compare/contrast polluting factory discharges in 1903 to those allowed today. They analyze the report survey, complete a worksheet, and...