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Hot Friction
Sixth graders use small electronic devices known as thermistors to measure the temperature beneath an object such as a coffee cup as it slides across a surface. By choosing different surfaces, 6th graders can compare in a quantitative...
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A Single Lucid Moment
Young scholars compare resolving contrasting values between cultures. They probe the deeper meanings of a story by a peace Corp worker and the questions it raises. They
study the Maimafu villagers who accompanied the Peace Corps...
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African Popular Music
Students explore popular music of West Africa. In this musicians activity, students complete listening tasks that challenge them to analyze the music of Oumou Sangare, Angelique Kidjo, and Baaba Maal.
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Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads
Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them. In this investigative lesson students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings.
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Our Energy
Fifth graders research energy sources used in the United States. In this energy sources lesson, 5th graders work in teams to research various energy sources. Students complete a worksheet for the research and make a short video of a...
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Discovering and Converting the Battle of Homestead
Students study and explore the Homestead strike and locate where the events took place. In this investigative lesson students use several perspectives to write an objective newspaper article on the event.
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A Lack of Energy
Students consider the implications of nuclear energy. In this energy lesson, students visit selected websites to discover information about nuclear energy's benefits and drawbacks. Students compose poems based on the Chernobyl disaster.
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The History of Life
In this extinction worksheet, students review how species evolve and how species go extinct. Students compare and contrast gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. This worksheet has 6 fill in the blank and 4 short answer questions.
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Simple Circuits
Students investigate how series and parallel circuits work. In this physics instructional activity, students build their own simple circuits and compare their characteristics. They explain the importance of circuit breakers in household...
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How Green Are We?
Students identify and interpret the importance of energy efficiency in connection with air pollution. They communicate with families and peers about ways to more effectively contribute to the reduction of air pollution. Finally,...
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Hybrid Automobiles
Students explain the basic principles of gasoline engines as propulsion for vehicles. They cite reasons why alternatives for gasoline engines are being considered and explain differences between a motor and an engine.
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Let's Make Waves
Students investigate the concept of waves and how they are formed. The force of wind is demonstrated as the prime factor to the creation of ocean waves. Students research the concept in detail for better comprehension.
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Spotlight on Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells
Young scholars utilize Internet resources to uncover the pros and cons of two topics in alternative energy technology: photovoltaics and fuel cells. Students analyze the structure and function of each system to make observations about...
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The Story of the Transistor
Students brainstorm on how certain items have become smaller as technology advances. They watch a video about the history of the transistor.
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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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Killer Coal
Students explore some of the environmental health risks involved with both the mining and burning of coal. They read articles on coal in the Balkan Peninsula, view the photographs, and then discuss what feelings and thoughts they have...
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Composting -- Nature's Disappearing Act
Studenst work together to discover the concept of biodegradability. They build a model of a landfill and how different items decompose. They examine how engineers use this information for better waste management.
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Power, Pollution, Pros and Cons
Students review what they know about non-renewable energy, compare and contrast advantages and drawbacks of each type, such as cost of energy sources, feasibility, air pollution, water pollution, and other risks, and create table listing...
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Tessel Your Way to Nagano!: Olympics, Winter Sports, Snowboarding, Graphic Design, Geometry, Math, M.C. Escher, Tessellations
Students create Post-It note fundamental regions to tesselate. They make tesselations using computer software or websites. They create a jacket design with tesselation and determine the cost of production.
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Is the Earth Warming? a Test of the Effect of Increased Carbon Dioxide on the Thermal Properties of Air
Students investigate the environmental and economic effects of increased carbon dioxide (CO2) content in the atmosphere.
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Behold the Wonder of Creation
Fifth graders explore and become familiar with U.S. National Parks. They research several parks and compile the information they find into a spreadsheet. They plan and write a report/booklet about one of the U.S. National parks.
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Slide Right On By Using an Inclined Plane
Fourth graders examine the simple machine known as a plane. They build their own pyramid and identify the role of screws. They participate in a hands-on activity in which they determine the angle in which to make it easier to pull.
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Problem Solve Your School
Students work together to solve a real life problem that affects their school. They follow the engineering design process to develop and test their solution. They share their ideas with the class.
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Fresh or Salty?
Students explore water bodies on the planet Earth and their various uses and qualities. They examine several ways that engineers are working to maintain and conserve water sources and think about their role in water conservation....