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The Sun Does What?
Young scholars examine why the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. In this sun lesson, students explore the sunset and shadows. Young scholars prove that the sun's position changes during the day. Students investigate what causes...
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Cloud Fun
Students observe cumulus clouds. In this weather lesson plan, students go outside to look at cumulus clouds and observe what the weather is like when they find these types of clouds. They create a cumulus cloud in an art project and...
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Australian Aborigine Lizard Painting
Students become familiar with Australian "dot paintings." In this Australian Aboriginal Lizard painting lesson, students make illustration of three types of lizards and complete pictures using "dot painting." Students recognize the...
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Junk Sort
Students analyze objects by one or more attributes. In this sorting lesson, students use manipulatives and string or yarn to create a sorting game. Students read books and items from the classroom to sort.
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Sunspots
Students examine what a sunspot is and how it is produced. In this sun lesson students locate and measure sunspots then view them through a camera.
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Land Use and Lawmaking in California
Students investigate the laws of using land. In this California Government instructional activity, students examine the many uses of land in California and find an environmental issue they care about. Students write a letter...
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The Iditarod: The Last Great Race
Students investigate the Iditarod. In this last great race instructional activity, students explore and research the Iditarod race which takes place in Alaska. Students explore a variety of websites and images to gather background...
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Sunlight and Warm Air
Students examine the different ways heat can be felt. In this radiation and conduction lesson plan, students recognize that the sun radiates heat. Students conduct three experiments to find how the sun warms the Earth and how that...
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How Plants Help Us Breathe
Third graders discuss how humans breathe and how plants help us to stay alive. In groups, they identify and label the different parts of plants and describe their functions. They compare and contrast the ways plants and animals breathe...
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Me And My Shadow
Students investigate the concept of a shadow. They design a tool to create shadows for an experiment. They make observations and record the size and shape of shadows. The lesson contains background information for the teacher to deliver...
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Techno Hero
First graders explore digital communication by creating a slide-show presentation. In this PowerPoint presentation lesson plan, 1st graders research a famous hero using search engines and other Internet tools. Students create a...
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Water Pollution
Students explore the causes of water pollution. In this environmental lesson plan, students conduct experiments with natural filtration systems.
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Moon Mining
Go on a moon mining expedition from the safety of your classroom with this space exploration simulation. Using simple models of the moon's surface prepared ahead of time by the teacher, young scientists are challenged with locating and...
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Tennis Ball Prints
Students experiment using abstract art techniques, tennis balls, and tempera paint in this excellent, outdoor art activity for the early-elementary classroom. The resulting art prints can be displayed predominantly in the classroom.
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Watermelon, Watermelon
Students create watermelon slices using red construction paper, paints, and watermelon rinds in this excellent elementary lesson for the end of the school year. The class is also able to enjoy eating watermelon slices during the activity.
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Permeability of Earth Materials
Students observe and classify the permeability of a variety of materials.
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The Schoolyard Safari
Learners engage in a lesson to find out more information about insects. They collect and observe different insects found on school property. They research the insects once they have been classified. Also a video is used to create a...
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Track the Meteor Storm Online!: Leonid Meteor Showers, Astronomy
Learners are guided through an online series of readings and questions to explore the Leonid Meteor Showers and related topics. Modifications are provided for teaching this lesson to k-4, 5-8, and 9-12 students.
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Am I Hot or Am I Cold?
Students practice using a thermometer to determine how the air around the earth gets heated and cooled by the sun. Students chart the daily inside and outside temperature for two weeks.
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
Space Travel Guide
Looking to take a trip? Why not go to space? Here, scholars take on the role as travel agent to create a guide to their favorite planet including travel tips and sightseeing recommendations.
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
A Classroom Solar System
Create a scaled model of our solar system in your classroom! Scholars work collaboratively to build paper mache planets and hang them in their proper position to showcase each planet's location in the solar system.
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Making Connections, Linking Population and the Environment
Students find out that all habitats have a carrying capacity. They explore how the world's human population has grown markedly in the 20th century, and that humans impact environmental health. Students investigate that people can and...
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Home-Made Clouds
Fourth graders witness cloud formation in a jar during a teacher lead simulation. They research, draw and predict weather using information they gather about clouds.
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Exploring Marine Objects
Students identify the sources of water on Earth. In this life science lesson, students list the different plants and animals that live in the ocean. They explore marine objects in the lab and draw them.