Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Native American Three Sisters Gardens

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students investigate companion planting. In this  communtiy gardening lesson students explore the tradition of the Native American Three Sisters gardening approach. Students act as botanists, anthropologists, folklorists, and curators.
Website
American Museum of Natural History

Tornadoes Spinning Thunderstorms

For Students 6th - 12th
Tornado winds can reach more than 200 miles per hour. Learners explore wind speeds and more characteristics of tornadoes with an online lesson. They learn how tornadoes form and how scientists attempt to predict them. Can be used as an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bats: Need Nectar, Will Travel

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Beginning wildlife biologists become adult bats, baby bats, snakes, owls, bobcats, or land-clearing developers in a grand role-playing activity. In a large open space, they play a game in which they move to designated areas based on what...
Activity
BrainPOP

Migration Activities for Kids

For Teachers K - 3rd Standards
For as long as there has been life on earth, animals, including humans, have used migration as a means of survival. This collection of activities supports young scientists as they learn about this behavioral adaptation, encouraging them...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Gulf Oil Disaster

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers take a closer look at the Gulf oil spill of 2010. In this global issues instructional activity, students analyze political cartoons related to the crisis. High schoolers discuss their impressions of the crisis and U.S....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Great Balls of Fire

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders compare and contrast natural and synthetic fabrics. In this science investigation lesson, 6th graders test the flammability of 6 natural and synthetic fabrics.
Lesson Plan
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The Day the Water Ran Out

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore ecosystems by researching desert characteristics. In this drought activity, students identify the potential impacts of a drought on their home state and interview people who are familiar with water studies. Students...
Lesson Plan
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A Tough Nut to Crack

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Children, based on a set of criteria, evaluate the quality of pecans. They research recorded history of pecan trees as well as how their seeds moved across western Missouri into southeastern Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Mexico. In...
Lesson Plan
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Drought Threatens Huge Man-Made Lake

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students locate Lake Mead, then read a news article about Lake Mead drying up and how that would effect water and power supplies to the region. In this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a map and vocabulary...
Worksheet
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Uses of Minerals

For Students 7th - 8th
In this minerals worksheet, students read an excerpt about gold and then respond to the questions that follow. They explain how the weight of gold affected the history of some western states and why gold is expensive.
Lesson Plan
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Put on a Happy Face!

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students explore using recycled materials. For this ecology/art lesson, students use recycled materials to create a Halloween mask. Students view folk art made of natural and available resources, and discuss possible cultural uses for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dancing Rainbows: A Pueblo Boy's Story

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students read the book "Dancing Rainbows," and complete a variety of activities across the curriculum. In this Native Americans lesson plan, students create pottery, discuss Pueblo traditions, discuss the importance of rain, and learn...
Lesson Plan
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Clothesline Sleuth

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students explore the make up of fabrics. In this agriculture lesson, students examine the cotton and wool crops of the United States and discover how fabrics are created.
Lesson Plan
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Build-A-Horseshoe Crab

For Teachers K - 6th
Students discover many facts about horseshoe crabs. Students identify the main body parts of horseshoe crab. They explore the habits of the horseshoe crab and their importances to the ecosystem. Adaptations for younger students are...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Radical Raptors

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Students are introduced to raptors and their role in the environment. They identify three characteristics of raptors and list several types of raptors found in nature. They discuss their positive and negative experiences with raptors and...
Lesson Plan
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Bats

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Pupils examine the migration patterns of the long-nosed bat. They identify threats to the animal and the plants bats help pollinate. They participate in a game to help them with the information.
Lesson Plan
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A Tough Nut to Crack

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students study the origins and background of the pecan.  For this agriculture lesson students divide into groups, complete an activity and worksheets.
Lesson Plan
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SEEDS WE EAT

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students identify seeds humans eat and do not eat. Students make seed collections, using common kitchen foods. Students display seeds from the foods they serve and discuss them with their guests. Students complete activities which...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Assigning Roles: Becoming Advisors to Individual Nations and Assembling Country Profiles

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers role play the role of advisors to countries on the issue of global warming. In their groups, they identify the main issues affecting their country along with any opposing viewpoints. They use the internet to research...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

BATS: NEED NECTAR, WILL TRAVEL

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students play the role of nectar feeding bats on their annual migration and try to avoid the different hazards that hinder their progress. They describe the annual migration of long-nosed bats including key elements such as: where the...