University of Minnesota
Altered Reality
Fascinate young life scientists by showing them how their brain learns. By using prism goggles while attempting to toss bean bags at a target, lab partners change their outlook on the world around them, producing amusing results....
Curated OER
The Dynamics of Populations
Tenth graders analyze the growth rate of different population. In this biology experiment, 10th graders identify the biotic and abiotic factors that limit population size. They create a poster to show their findings in class.
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Get Smart
Students study sustainability and smart growth. In this geography lesson plan students identify the benefits that are expected from smart growth.
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Sustainable Island Development
Learners explain how the basic human needs of a large group of people can be met. They describe and evaluate alternative methods for providing water and food, producing electricity, handling wastes, and transporting goods and people....
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The History and Future of Human Population Growth
Young scholars create a timeline of human population growth based on guided reading. In this biology lesson, students analyze the trend of how population increased over time. They share their findings in class.
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Human Population Growth Simulation
Students simulate the growth of human population. For this biology lesson, students explore different perspectives on this issue. They write a reflection at the end of the activity.
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The Human Geonome Project
Young scholars explore the Human Genome Project (HGP). Students research a fact situation, examine genetic data given, and discuss choices available for a solution. Young scholars consider the ethical question and consequences of each...
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Skeletal System
Seventh graders explore the functions of the skeletal system. They collaborate in small groups to determine the function of the skeletal system, the types of joints and movement, bone strength and growth, and bone injuries including...
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Circulatory System
Students rotate through various physical activities checking their carotid pulse after each. This activity will give knowledge to students about health behaviors and understanding the exercise aspect of growth and development.
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The Changes of Puberty
Students study about the changes of puberty for boys and girls. In this health lesson, students study how the body changes during puberty and make a presentation about a significant change that can take place during puberty and how to...
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Farming in Space
Eighth graders examine the ways that NASA could create space farms, In this space farms lesson students complete an experiment where they grow several plants.
K12 Reader
Chaparral Ecosystems
Explore the impact of wildfires with a reading passage about ecosystems. Pupils read the passage and respond to five questions related to the content of the text.
Curated OER
Tree Seedling Planting- My Relationship and Responsibility to our Forests
In this trees lesson plan, 4th graders read the book, A Tree is Growing and complete a KWL chart on how trees grow and how they are used. Students research the symbiotic relationship of humans and trees, create tree collages, plant a...
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Ecotourism in National Parks and Wilderness
Young scholars develop a plan for ecotourism after researching a nearby national park or wild area.
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Talking 'Bout Regeneration
Students research the regenerative capabilities of certain organisms. They present their findings at a student regeneration symposium aimed at exploring the possibilities of human regeneration.
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The Effects of Alcohol and other Teratogens: A model using Zebrafish
Students investigate the interference of various drugs on an embryo through experimentation. This is an open-ended lab to allow students to see effects of various chemicals humans choose to put in their bodies and create questions they...
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On the Brink
Students view a film about environmental issues. They discover how environmental degradation can lead to disease. They identify the relationship between population growth and the environment.
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School Lighting Audit Preparation
Students work together to develop a school lighting audit plan. They practice using new vocabulary related to an energy audit. They also identify the components of a school lighting audit.
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Problem Based Learning Scenario
Students research about the function of MPA's. In this marine science lesson, students explore how humans influence changes near these areas. They explore different MPA's in the Great Lakes region.
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Native Species Restoration and its Impact on Local Populations
Students explore how predators help control the growth of prey species for a more balanced ecosystem.
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I Know What I Am... but, What Are You? (Classifying Living Things)
Learners examine how to classify living things by effects, environment, and activity. They explore various websites, develop a list of facts they learn about classifications, and participate in a distance online learning session with the...
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The Copper Basin Problem
Students view a video about how human actions impact the environment. They design a set of experiments to address some of the problems and issues raised by the video.
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How Tall Are We?
Students in a Kindergarten class measure each other's height using large building blocks and then visit a 2nd and a 4th grade class to measure those students. They display the results in bar graphs, comparing the different age groups.
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Power of Germs
Students view the film, Guns, Germs, and Warfare. They create projects based on the impact of germs on the development of societies and countries.