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The Water Cycle
Students research the water cycle and identify main vocabulary associated with the water cycle. They build and observe a closed system model that demonstrates the water cycle in action.
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Tracking the Weather Using Technology
Fourth graders explore the use of technology to monitor and forecast weather. They investigate the different types of weather monitoring and forecast tools. Students interpret radar images and discuss the traditional types of weather...
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Detection Detective
Students describe what each detection method uses and rank the wavelengths of each if appropriate. They answer questions about absorption, importance of materials and explain differences. Students make sure they describe diagnostic uses...
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The Right Tool for the Job: Diagnosis Spectrum
Pupils watch a section of a medical TV show and individually make a written recommendation of appropriate imaging techniques to be used and explain why they chose these techniques. They participate in a discussion revealing their...
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Thinking inside the Box: Dangers of Tanning Beds
Young scholars research their assigned position pro- or con- for the statement "The use of tanning beds by teens should be regulated" and write a short position paper. They participate in a debate concerning the statement. Students write...
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Subject Selection in Clinical Trials
High schoolers design and conduct an experiment to test a hypothesis. They create a question/objective based on the results of their experiment that can be answered by performing a human clinical trial. Students write inclusion and...
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Ecology: Effects of Land Use on Natural Streams
Eighth graders examine how humans affect various ecosystems. In this ecology instructional activity, 8th graders discuss different ways that contaminants enter the stream. They explain the consequences of eutrophication in lakes.
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The Wildland/Urban Interface Dilemma
Learners examine all sides of the issues surrounding wildland fire. Groups assume the roles of different people who must decide what to do about a fictitious wildfire. They have a discussion to analyze the issue. A good, real life lesson!
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"If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts"
Learners read a paper describing Einstein's 1905 papers. They answer five teacher-provided questions in small groups to consider the importance of his findings. Students describe in personal writings what effect they think these findings...
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Acid and Bases - Alien II
Eighth graders determine which of two solutions is more acidic by adding each to a given base. Students have to apply this analysis process to a problem scenario involving an alien creature.
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Finding Your Way Around A Map
Students use the Internet to learn and/or review map and globe skills and will recognize the difference in perspectives as shown on maps.
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Sow Bug Habitats
Students conduct an experiment to determine what type of environment sow bugs prefer. They use petri dishes with partially wet paper towels to assess whether they prefer wet or dry habitats.
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Teaching about Conductivity
High schoolers explore conductivity and productivity in aquatic systems.
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The Magnetic Sun
Learners follow steps to build a simple version of a magnetometer, an instrument capable of detecting areas of strong magnetic field. Students use the magnetometer to investigate models of the Sun and examine images of the Sun.
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An Introduction to Thermal Spray Technology
Students discuss difference between kinetic and thermal energy, develop and demonstrate understanding of key concepts and characteristics underlying thermal spray techniques, list items used in their daily lives that are coated, examine...
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Swinging Observations
Students build a pendulum type swinging apparatus and make specific and selective observations using what they know about scientific observations. They look for regularities of movement, patterns, and systemic changes over time.
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Rain Drops
Middle schoolers examine drops of water on several materials used on the outside of buildings. They make selective observations on and compare plastic, wood, brick, metal, roof tiles and glass.
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Acids and Bases - Vinegar II
Eighth graders experiment what happens when acids and bases are mixed together. In this acids and bases experimental instructional activity, 8th graders decide which of three solutions of unknown pH will neutralize a fourth solution of...
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Pioneers of Space
Pupils explore how to use natural resources in the next millenium. Students create a KWL chart and then research information on our solar systsem, natural resources, and environments. Pupils build a model of a future community and write...
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Why Were the Japanese Interned During World War II?
Seventh graders analyze sources to determine why Japanese-Americans were placed in internment camps during World War II. They discuss the fact that individual rights are sometimes taken by institutions because of fear and paranoia. They...
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Friction and Machines
Fifth graders experimentally determine the relationship of friction to the functioning of machines. They demonstrate that rollers can decrease frictional force and increase speed and research to discover other ways that friction can be...
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Testing the Hypothesis
Students create and conduct various experiments to determine the origin of a family artifact, and then determine whether their results were successful. Students summarize their results and evaluate whether their hypotheses were correct.
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Geologist and Core Sampling
Third graders observe a cupcake and attempt to answer each question on the observation page. They write three sentences that explains how a geologist takes core samples of the earth's surface. Students make sketches and write...
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The Water Cycle
Students create an "animated" water cycle wheel that illustrates where water comes from and where it goes.