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Discovering the Structure of the Atom
Learners investigate atomic and nuclear structure of matter by researching historical atomic theories. Students examine Rutherford's studies and discover that many scientific conclusions change over time as new data is collected.
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The Biomass Balancing Act
Students work in groups to research biomass using the International Energy Agency's website. Students use evidence from the web search to assess biomass energy potential in Pennsylvania as part of a classroom "Alternative Energy...
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Genetic Counseling
Learners apply the principles of ethical decision making to actual cases. They appreciate that there is usually no one "right" decision. Students compare their conclusions to those of individuals who are in the field.
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It's Okay to Exhale: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Learners will observe the differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Then they observe the links due to climate changes and relate how climate change affects their lives.
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Examining Infiltration Rates of Various Soil Types
Students formulate their own hypothesis, determine which variables are important to test their hypothesis, design an experiment in which they collect data. They utilize instruments and tools to measure, calculate, and organize data.
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Arti'stick Mobile
Students examine works of stained glass in one dimensional art form then adapt it a three dimensional transparent mobile. They create their mobile using patterns of shapes and simple images from computer line art, printed art books or...
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Laetoli Trackway Puzzle
Students try to reach a "best explanation" after viewing diagrams. For this trackway lesson students complete several worksheets, make observations and hypothesize.
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Stories That Grow on Trees
Students write their own choose-a-plot book. They develop skills in creating plot structure and think through a logical line of story action. They invent characters with striking physical and psychological attributes.
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Why Don't Whales Have Legs?
High schoolers are given a variety of materials and are asked to design a heat loss experiment that results in a reasonable explanation of "Why don't whales have legs?" students work with the theory of natural selection.
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Stories That Grow on Trees
Students create their own plot-choice story after reading and discussing a commercially published plot-choice book.
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Design a Paraplegic Equestrian Saddle
Students investigate a problem and background information including the typical capabilities /limitations of a paraplegic. They develop an understanding of the attributes of engineering design.
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Paper Structures
Students demonstrate that material strength varies with shape and arrangement.
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Parachutes And Parafoils
Students study deceleration devices like parachutes and parafoils.
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Aerodynamics of Cycling
High schoolers study aerodynamic forces - lift and drag - and see how those forces affect cycling performance. They see how those forces are calculated and how
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Aerodynamics of a Boomerang
Students examine how aerodynamic forces affect the flight of aircraft, animals and sports balls and projectiles (like a javelin or boomerang). They discover the origins of the boomerang and early usage in hunting.
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A Worm World
Students maintain a compost bin and build a worm observatory. They design experiments relating to worms and record observations in a worm journal.
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Investigating Motion, Forces, and Energy Lab Book
Eighth graders create their own experiements using toy trucks, cars or balls to measure the time it takes two of them to travel 5 meters, as well as at each 1 meter interval. They make use computers to make a time/distance graph and...
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Making Community Measurements: Which Plant Part?
Students identify a plant in a given community and make a variety of measurements. They determine how a plant meets its basic needs. In addition to identifying plant parts, they observe seasonal change and compare plants within a community.
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Exploring Habitats
Students analyze the difference between the human habitat and the different habitats of animals in the six lessons of this unit. The students' imaginations and literature are used to explore important aspects of the living environments...
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Yeast Cells and Their Environment
Students create their own experiment in which they have yeast cells growing in liquid environments. They examine the relationship between humans and microorganisms. They also practice using the scientific method.
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What Does It Eat?
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...
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Steller Web Spinning Mystery
Students investigate what a system is in the scientific world. They watch a video of the Stellar seals of Alaska and develop clues as to why the seals are leaving. They discover through the clues they discover, how the components of the...
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Soybeans in Space
Students work together to design an experiment that compares and contrasts differnet plant cultivation systems. In groups, they evaluate the results of the experiment to discover if the cultivation system could be used in space. They...
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Observation
Students practice observation skills by discussing physical attributes of family artifacts. They determine what characteristics of an object are considered important details.