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Scale
Students apply concepts of scales to solve problems. In this geometry instructional activity, students solve real world problems using scales, proportions and ratios. They predict the actual size of a model given the scale drawings.
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Sampling Rocks
Students explore Earth science by identifying types of rocks in their schoolyard. In this geology lesson, students collect a group of rocks from their playground and categorize them based on color, shape and size. Students read the book...
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This Is a Stick Up
Students create a sundial and track the movement of the sun throughout the day. Modifications to the lesson are provided for both lower and upper elementary students.
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Area
Students solve problems involving area. In this geometry lesson, students calculate the area of an object and relate it to the area of the ocean. They define what exactly and area is and then solve problems relating to the real world.
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Create a Microbe
Students construct models of microorganisms recognizing size relationships-comparing the size of viruses with the sizes of bacterial and eukaryotic cells. They put into perspective just how small microbes are by comparing the size of...
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What's That Tree?
Fifth graders identify trees along a nature trail. Using a dichotomous key, 5th graders answer questions to aid in their identification of trees along a specified nature trail. Observations are recorded in their science journals. Sample...
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River Optimization Problem
Students define the different methods used for optimizing a particular element of a problem. For this optimization problem lesson, students optimize appropriate details of a problem using data collection, algebra, technology, and/or...
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Algebra/Geometry Institute Summer 2009 - Triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem
Seventh graders find the perimeter and area of triangles. In this finding the perimeter and area of triangles lesson, 7th graders find the perimeter and area of triangles given two sides. Students find the missing side by...
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Changes in the Copper Penny
Third graders explore the difference between a physical change in a substance and a chemical change. students study the volume, density, altering shape and chemistry of a copper penny.
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Designing Detectives
Third graders explore the idea of formulating a hypothesis and designing an experiment to test the hypothesis.
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Magnetism
Learners examine the concept of magnetism by doing several activities using magnets and compasses. They explore poles and polar repulsion and attraction.
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Death On Board La Belle: Finding Clues from Old Bones
Young scholars practice analyzing skeletal remains for clues by using the Internet. In this scientific investigation lesson, students research the La Belle shipwreck using the Internet and written materials, later completing a...
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Interaction at a Distance
Students explore magnetism. In this magnetism lesson, students discover the purpose of different magnets. Students perform an experiment by testing the magnetism through different items. Students collect data on the experiment.
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Weather Tools of the Trade
Fourth graders study the basic meteorological instruments (thermometer, barometer, weather vane, anemometer, and rain gauge). They explore how they are used, data that can be collected from them, and why records of the data are kept.
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Cutting Up in Class, Fractal Style
Students create three-dimension models demonstrating exponents, multiplying and dividing of fractions, and the use of repeating patterns in tessellations, mirror images, and tiling.
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Scientific Method and Crystal Growth
Students conduct a hands-on experiment growing crystals to demonstrate the nature of science as inquiry. They discuss and test variables that affect crystal growth. They research mineral crystallization and mineral formation on the...
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Sticky Note Math
Sixth graders explore the concept of fractions. Working in pairs, they cover a space of a specified dimension using sticky notes. Once they have covered their space, pairs write a fraction to represent how many sticky notes have been...
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Investigation 3 - Terrariums / Aquariums
Third graders create aquariums or terrariums to explain how creatures depend on living and nonliving things.
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Chemical Reactions - Borax & Glue, Cream
Fifth graders, in groups, complete two activities in which various substances are combined, resulting in a very different substances. They discuss reactants and products and chemical reactions.
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Understanding Tsunamis
Students discover the causes of tsunamis in oceans and fjords. They perform an experiment to discover how calving icebergs can create different wave patterns in the ocean and in a fjord. In addition, they draw a diagram to illustrate the...
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Pen Light Lab
Students study what makes Earth warm and explore how different locations on the planetreceive different amounts of solar energy based on the intensity of the sun's rays. They calculate light intensities and compare the
amounts of light...
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Hatching chickens
Young scholars recognize the need for gentle care of eggs. In this chicken hatching lesson, students observe the process of incubating eggs for hatching. Young scholars find the materials needed to properly care for the chicks. Students...
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Rain On
Fourth graders study the water cycle and clouds. In this water cycle and cloud lesson, 4th graders determine the definition of condensation and watch a demonstration in which the teacher makes a cloud in a bottle. They discuss the water...
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The Robot Archaeologist
High schoolers discover what is needed to program an underwater robot to complete a course of action. In this robot archaeologist lesson students design an archaeological strategy of an underwater vehicle.