Lesson Plan
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Ocean Exploration

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students explore whales. In this animal adaptation and whale lesson, students access prior knowledge about whales from previous lessons, then use background knowledge to predict the eating strategies of a baleen whale and a toothed...
Lesson Plan
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How to Hide in the Ocean

For Teachers K - 8th
Students observe the advantages of camouflage. They design a well camouflaged fish of their own.
Lesson Plan
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Salmon Scavenger Hunt

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students go on a salmon scavenger hunt to find out about threats to salmon populations. They gather information about some of the reasons wild salmon have gone from such incredible abundance to relative scarcity, and about some of the...
Worksheet
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The Deep

For Students 7th - 9th
In this deep ocean worksheet, students answer twenty questions after watching a video about the species that live in the deep ocean. Topics include jelly fish, hatchet fish, anglers, tubeworms, sea urchins, and plants that grow in deep...
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Water Quality Testing

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Student explore factors affecting ecosystems. They test local water samples for pH level. After creating a methodology for data collection, they collect data, compare results, and draw conclusions based upon results.
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Shark Food

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students create a linking chain to demonstrate the food chain.  For this food chain lesson, students use the Internet to research sharks, including what they eat, and create a chain link with a picture of a shark.  They...
Worksheet
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Animal Sorting & Matching

For Students 5th
In this animal sorting instructional activity, 5th graders first match animal pictures with their names and a fun fact. Students must then fill in 15 blanks based on information given on the matching cards.
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Cathedral in the Sea

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners construct a model giant kelp and kelp forest inhabitants based on field-guide photographs. Students also place animal cutouts in appropriate positions on or near the plant.
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Using a Questionnaire as a Tool for Management

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Young scholars survey other students, teachers, and administrators, using a provided questionnaire, to see what environmental problems the school may have. Young scholars then compile the results, post the results, and decide what the...
Lesson Plan
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A Good Boat is Hard To Find

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders design and construct a safe and efficient human powered watercraft that can be used on a trip on the Great Lakes. Students utilize math and measurement skills to design and cut the pieces for their boat. Working in...
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Deep Gardens

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students investigate the differences and similarities between shallow-water and deep-sea coral reefs.  In this coral reef instructional activity, students research and compare the characteristics of reefs.  Students describe...
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Treasures in Jeopardy

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students study how coral reefs can be protected from humans and their activities.  In this conservation lesson students explain the benefits of coral reefs and what humans can do to help protect them. 
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Species on the Edge

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students describe factors negatively affecting population of sea turtles, and identify and discuss action that can be undertaken to reduce or eliminate threats to sea turtles and other endangered species.
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Building an Underwater Habitat

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate underwater habitats. In this underwater habitat lesson, students study Aquarius and design their own underwater habitat that can sustain life. Students work in groups and present their habitats to the class. Students...
Worksheet
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Unusual Coral Reef Animals

For Students 4th - 5th
In this science worksheet, students research an unusual coral reef animal. A list of 22 animals is provided to choose from or students may choose their own. After researching the animal, students illustrate the creature and write about...
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To Culture or Not to Culture

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study the pros and cons of the aquaculture industry after reading hypothetical case study. They simulate a town meeting debate about aquaculture.
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Build an Anchialine Pond

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore biology by conducting a nature experiment. In this pond examination lesson, students utilize recycled materials, play-doh and water to recreate a pond and its inhabitants. Students identify the different elements within...
Worksheet
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Fossils

For Students 9th - 12th
In this fossils worksheet, students will read 15 statements and determine if it is describing a fossil or not. If it does describe a fossil, students must identify what type of fossil it is. Then students will complete 3 short answer...
Worksheet
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Geologic Time Scale

For Students 8th - 10th
In this geologic time scale worksheet, students are given a list of terms and eras which they use to complete a time scale. They classify organic and inorganic changes that took place in the Precambrian era, the Cenozoic era, the...
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A Whale of a Problem

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students evaluate the possible causes contributing to the decline of the killer whale population from a number of differing perspectives. They present their findings in a talk show format and in letters of advocacy regarding
Lesson Plan
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Gray Whales

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Explore the majestic grey whale while deepening your understanding of animal adaptations. Grey whales from head to toe are specifically designed to fit their environment. Learners will examine the ways in which the flippers, head, body,...
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Vertebrates

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students identify and describe five main groups of the Phylum Chordata. They discover that the Phylum Chordata is the vertebrates. Students identify the main difference between invertebrates and vertebrates. They read passages about...
Lesson Plan
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You...Instead of the Onion Skin

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Young scholars observe their own epithelial cells from the inside linings of their cheeks using DigiScope technology. They prepare a slide with both onion cells and epithelial cells and make an illustrated booklet for a PowerPoint...
Lesson Plan
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The Effects of Temperature Variations on the Heartbeat Rate of Daphnia

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students use DigiScope technology to investigate Daphinia, popularly known as water fleas. They design, conduct, and report on an experiment to determine the effects of varying water temperatures on the heartbeat rate of Daphnia.