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Measurement: When Degrees Matter
Eighth graders record the temperature change of the beakers. In this general science lesson, 8th graders create their own data table for recording observations. They discuss experimental results and cite real life applications.
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The Greenhouse Effect
Learners complete a group experiment which simulates the greenhouse effect as well as compare the climate on Earth to the climate on Venus following a class discussion on the greenhouse effect.
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Helping plants grow well
Students explore the effect of water, temperature and light on plant growth. Students are asked if they remember the LAW for plants. This is Light, Air(temperature) and Water, which all plants need for growth. Students are divided...
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Is It Hot in the Light?
Third graders make observations about the temperature of items in direct sunlight. In groups, they discuss why asphalt, brick and cement are warmer than items surrounding them. To end the lesson, they examine how heat transfers energy...
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Selling Our Insulated Long Undies
Students review the information they have gathered in previous lessons on temperature. In groups, they must decide on which material they tested is the best one for long underwear. They develop a cost and determine a company to sell...
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Introducing The Gulf Stream
Sixth graders research the average temperatures of different places on Earth. In this earth science lesson, 6th graders explain how the sun's heat cause ocean movement. They discuss how temperature change affects the weather we experience.
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Reflection and Absorption of Light
Students use a microcomputer connected to a light sensor and temperature probe to explore the reflection and absorption of radiation for different surfaces. Students follow instructions in this guided inquiry based lab and are then asked...
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Why Is Our Stream Changing?
Students test turbidity, pH, oxygen content and temperature of local stream. In this earth science lesson plan, students collect and record data from the experiment. They analyze findings and present it to class.
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Currently Warm
Seventh graders investigate how ocean currents affect climate. In this earth science lesson plan, 7th graders draw and label the current in their assigned ocean. They discuss how currents from the poles differ from the equator.
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What is Wind Chill?
Learners calculate wind chill using a mathematical formula. For this earth science lesson, students compare the wind chill in Antarctica to that of their local area. They explain how this can lead to hypothermia.
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Weather: Like It or Not!
Second graders investigate daily weather changes. In this earth science lesson, 2nd graders identify the different terms used to describe weather. They use the outdoor thermometer to record data.
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Ocean Currents
Learners discover the geography of Earth by analyzing water currents. In this oceanography lesson, students create visual references on a map of the globe where and why major ocean currents are moving water. Learners conduct...
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Global Climate Change
Second graders investigate the effect of melting glaciers to sea level. In this earth science lesson, 2nd graders simulate the process in the lab by conducting an experiment using ice cubes and clay. They explain the consequences of...
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Sun Friendly Homes
Students design and build a model solar energy home. In this technology lesson plan, students test the efficiency of their model houses by measuring temperature at regular intervals. They analyze data and share results with the class.
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Investigating Convection Currents
Students examine how differences in the temperature and salinity of the water help create ocean currents. They perform an experiment which shows how temperature affects the circulation of ocean water.
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Ice Core Clues
Students create a PowerPoint presentation on the information they research about the ice cores and what they tell us about Earth's past. In this ice core lesson plan, students research radioactivity, air pollution, sodium, snowfall...
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Outdoor Observation
Second graders explore Earth science by participating in a nature observation activity. In this four seasons instructional activity, 2nd graders identify the four seasons on Earth and the weather patterns they are known for. Students...
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Ocean Currents
Pupils label the names, relative temperature, distribution, and direction of flow of major ocean currents on a world map. They also explore and model the natural forces that affect the movement of ocean currents through demonstrations in...
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Just How DO Those Plates Move?
Young scholars experiment with water, temperature and paper to explore how convection currents occur and how they are used to explain the movement of the Earth's plates.
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Convection in a Pan
Learners watch a demonstration using a plastic bag and a hair dryer to create a hot air balloon. After the demonstration, they discuss the results and whether or not hot water behaves the in the same manner as hot air. They conduct...
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Weather Versus Climate
Students differentiate weather and climate. For this earth science lesson, students investigate the climate of a zone they chose. They create a presentation and share their findings with the class.
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Mr. and Mrs. Cress Head
Students explore Earth science by completing a plant art project. For this botany lesson, students utilize tights and soil to create a furry, grassy puppet style animal from cress seeds. Students cut off the excess cress after several...
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Water Happenings
Fifth graders observe how water changes phase through a teacher-led demo. For this earth science lesson, 5th graders relate the demo to the water cycle. They draw and label each stage of the cycle.
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Volcanoes and Urban Planning
Learners analyze satellite image data of Volcan Villarica. In this earth science lesson, students identify dangerous areas surrounding the volcano. They propose a new safe location for the town.