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Building an Ecologically Balanced Living Space
Students design and build an ecologically balanced living space based on the principles of an old growth forest. They take one part of a house (or structure in the community) and redesign it according to the principles of the forest cycle.
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Dino Fossils
Primary paleontologists discover the information they can gather from examining fossils. They place pictures in the correct sequence showing how an animal becomes a fossil. They discuss which sediments would preserve fossils better as well.
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Autumn
Students observe the different patterns of leaves and record their observations after reading the book "Autumn Leaves".
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Temperate Forest: Comparing Deciduous and Evergreen Trees
Students compare deciduous and evergreen trees. In this tree lesson, students list the differences between these two species of trees.
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Leaf Collection
Students examine the tree species in Pennsylvania. In this Pennsylvania tree lesson students use field guides to assist them in identifying tree species.
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Composting
Students discover the concept of decomposition. They examine how it makes the soil more fertile and how it helps plants. They put a compost bin in their backyard and record their observations.
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Plant Parts
Students recognize the parts of the plant and the function it provides.In this plant parts lesson, students participate in three activities relating to plant parts and properties.
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Personal Ecosystem
Students build an aquatic ecosystem using large glass pickle jars. In this ecology lesson, students build and ecosystem then observe and collect data on the habitats. In this long term project students observe a...
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What's a Tree Worth?
Learners calculate the board footage of a tree. For this forestry lesson, students use a Biltmore tree scale stick to calculate the number of board feet that would be produced. They quantify the economic value of a tree from this...
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Explorit's Tree Quiz
In this online interactive tree quiz worksheet, students respond to 6 questions. Students may check their answers for accuracy.
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DRASING NATURE
Students take samples of local trees and identify the tree using a field guide. They keep data for the tree on the Tree ID sheet. They create leaf, seed, bark, and flower prints and paint them.
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Whale of a Tale
Students apply problem solving techniques to answer a question. After reading a passage, they compare and contrast three species of whale in a quantitative fashion.
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Apple: Bare to Pick
Students investigate the seasons of the apple tree. In tree seasons lesson, students use a sun model and a globe to study the tilt of the Earth to create the seasons. Students discuss the tilt and the seasons. Students discuss...
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Comparing and Contrasting Polar and Temperate Seasons Visually
In this seasons activity, students cut and paste 12 pictures into seasonal order. Students compare pictures from Massachusetts, Canada, and the Arctic Circle.
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Four Seasons - Internet Research
Students review the four seasons and discuss what type of clothing they should wear in each season. They use the Internet to explore the weather during the different seasons.
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Let's Start Growing
Young scholars investigate how a tree grows from a seed. In this plant biology lesson plan, students use potting soil, tree seeds, and a paper cup to observe seeds growing into plants. Young scholars record observations in their science...
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Tree Identification
Students are introduced to the characteristics of trees and different techniques to identify them. They distinguish between a deciduous and a coniferous tree. Students describe at least four characteristics used to identify trees. They...
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Cell Energy-Bubbling Plants
Students discuss the process of photosynthesis in plants and that oxygen is produced as a by product. They observe underwater Elodea plants "breathing" in a hands-on activity. After setting up the experiment, they observe the plant for...
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Scales, Scutes, and Skins
Students identify the various adaptations of reptiles and amphibians. After distinguishing between reptiles and amphibians, students discuss the ways in which their adaptations aid in their survival. They participate in a hands on...
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Hang Time
Students use the equation to calculate the vertical distance an object fall during 1 second in 1/10 second increments. (The acceleration due to gravity on the Earth=a= 9.8 m/s2) Using a graphing calculator, students plot the path of a...
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Seasons
Students explore the four seasons. Through observation activities, they explore and discuss the weather changes that occur during each season. Students create a graph of the clothing that is worn during each season.
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Fire Safety-Multiple Choice Activity
In this fire safety worksheet, students choose the correct word that matches a description given related to fire safety. A reference web site is given for additional activities.
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Observation Hike
Students participate in an observational hike to study the natural surroundings. In this observational hike lesson, students hike through a state park and observe the plant and animal life. Students learn about appropriate...
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Observing Pods
Middle schoolers observe the pistil growing into a tiny string bean-like seed pod. They then observe the development of the fertilized pods between Day 17 and Day 35 and record their observations by drawing and labeling, writing, and...