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A Flag for Mars
Students investigate the historical use of flags on Earth, debate ownership issues for interplanetary exploration, and design a flag for Mars. The implication of placing a flag at a location forms the focus of the lesson.
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Rotating Rings of Ice
Learners work together to develop a model of Saturn and its rings. They identify what types of materials make up the rings and how they revolve around Saturn. They write a short paragraph describing the rings.
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Going to Extremes
Students recognize that our ability to explore the extremes of the ocean is directly related to the technology of remote sensing. Students will recognize the deep submergence vehicle, Alvin, and the advanced sensors on board as tools for...
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Gaining Familiarity with Magnetism
Young scholars discuss their perceptions of magnetism and explore the background ideas of magnetism.
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Weather Myths
Fourth graders relate myths to weather phenomenon. They write and illustrated a weather myth and present it to the class.
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Weather Myths
Fourth graders examine myths that are based on weather phenomenon. They write, illustrate and present an original weather myth.
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Aerology- The Study of Mars
Students investigate various aspects of the planet Mars. They examine a core sample that is simulated to make observations. Then compare the known sample with one that is unknown and differentiate between the two. Students hypothesize...
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Ozone: The Earth's Security Blanket
Young scholars work in groups to define and research the terms: ozone, troposphere and stratosphere. Students watch videos, conduct Internet research, participate in discussion groups and complete worksheets.
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Life on the Moon
Students study the physical properties of the Moon. In this life on the moon lesson students describe the ways life on the Moon would be different than on Earth.
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Lunar Real Estate
Students investigate the aspect of colonizing the moon by comparing techniques that are used on Earth. The colonization takes place with the planning of a hypothetical model. The model is used as a point of discussion and target...
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Snow Goggles
Middle schoolers assemble snow goggle models and discuss how snow goggles change the amount of light shining in their eyes.
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Cosmic Mobiles: Recycled Art
If you have a little left over tinsel and aluminum foil, your class can create these fun moon and star mobiles. Poster board or recycled cardboard become your moon and stars; the tinsel gives them sparkle. This would be a great activity...
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Explosive Ideas: Oregon quarter reverse
Explore Earth and her amazing layers with this lesson on planetary change. Young scholars will research the ways in which Earth's layers cause change. They will complete a "Tectonic Puzzle" and use a worksheet to answer questions about...
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IceHunters: Welcome to the Cryosphere!
Students complete an online exploration mission assigned by their teacher. In this ecology lesson, students write a newspaper article about their polar mission following certain criteria. They create a PowerPoint presentation that they...
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Paper Plate Observation
Students analyze transits from previous scientists. They identify simple objects that could have been used for documentation in the science world. They also practice scientific inquiry using methodology.
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The Drake Equation
High schoolers use the Drake Equation to calculate the probability of sustaining life on various planets. Through the use of the equation, they determine whether intelligent and advanced civilizations can be developed on planets other...
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Polar Energy
Students define and read an article on polar energy. For this polar energy lesson, students answer questions about the article. Students participate in activities related to isotopes, half-life and radiocarbon. Students make global...
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Rust Never Sleeps
Young scholars investigate oxidation-reduction reactions involving iron by conducting an experiment in which they expose iron filings to different atmospheric and ocean conditions. They relate the results to the oxidation banding...
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Powerful Pulleys
Students explore the building of a pyramid and how pulleys were used to change the direction of applied force. They demonstrate the mechanical advantage of using a pulley and apply it to modern engineering.
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Postcards From Mars
Fifth graders research and explore what life would be like for human colonists on Mars. They explore various websites, read and discuss newspaper articles, develop a chart of the hardships and conditions that would be faced by colonists...
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Etymology
Young scholars tie together planet names with Greek mythology. Students browse thru a dictionary to see where exactly these names came from and what significance they have. Young scholars explore the origins of some English words.
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Look at those Leaves!
Young scholars observe leaves for patterns and similarities. In this science instructional activity, students sort through a pile of leaves to find patterns and take measurements. Young scholars make leaf rubbings to view the details of...
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Space the Next Frontier
Students examine the use of space as the frontier of the future. Using the colonist's experience coming to the New World, they identify challenges they would face if they were to settle in space. As a class, they share what they already...
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Exploring All Frontiers
Students utilize higher thinking skills to expand their self concept to include physical, cognitive, and affective frontiers. The teacher create activities which allow students to use raw data and primary sources, as well as...