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Magnetic Discovery Bottle
Students examine how to conduct simple investigations and use simple equipment to gather data. In this magnet activity students decide what types of objects are attracted to magnets.
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Understanding Bernoulli's Principle
Fifth graders explain why we fly. In this space science lesson, 5th graders discuss Bernoulli's prinicple and its relation to flight.
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Summer Activities: Let's Try Bubble Blowing!
Students observe as the teacher blows bubbles from a large bubble pipe in order to take note of the colors and sizes of the bubbles. For this bubble blowing lesson, students experiment with a variety of bubble-blowing objects,...
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Discovering Wind
Students discuss what they think wind is before listening to Pat Hutchins, The Wind Blew. Next, the go on a wind walk outside to look for signs of wind using their senses. As they walk, they teacher scribes their observations. The next...
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Project Geode
Students predict the appearance of a geode's internal structure based on its mass and density. They form a hypothesis based on the data they collect. They also identify common minerals found in Illinois.
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Earthquake Preparation and Survival Strategies
Learners examine the different ways that earthquakes have been predicted. In this earthquake lesson students plan ways that people can prepare for earthquakes.
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What Do You Do With An Orphaned Cheetah?
Students brainstorm techniques for teaching baby cheetahs survival skills. In this science lesson, students view an episode of "Cheetah Orphans" and work together to analyze the situation and develop a plan to teach the baby cheetahs the...
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Describing Motion-Speed
Pupils study speed and learn how to calculate it. In this investigative lesson students participate in an activity that shows them how to calculate speed then they fill out a worksheet.
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Wonderful Waves - Ocean Waves and Erosion
Students examine how waves are generated by wind, create a model that uses wind to create waves and conduct an experiment that demonstrates the effect that waves have on the coastline.
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A Moving Experience - Forces and Inertia
Young scholars view a video and complete corresponding activities to observe inertia. They observe and predict the effect various forces have on objects.
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Discovering Chemical Changes
Fourth graders predict what happens in a teacher demonstration of a chemical change, before watching it. They observe the demonstration and list what the see on the board before determining which represent chemical change. Working at...
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Observing and Predicting Weather from a Weather Station
Fourth graders us a Weather Log data chart to record the date, time, day, and weather. They discuss different instruments and charts needed to record the information. Students turn in their weather logs at the end of two weeks and...
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Get to Know Snow!
Students learn about snow. In this snow themed instructional activity, students read a book, make a painting, and observe snow. A math activity timing how long it takes for snow to melt is included.
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Water and Ice
Students examine the relationship between water and ice. In this physics lesson, students read the book Amazing Water and participate in an experiment where they freeze water into ice cubes. Students observe the changes in the water when...
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Water Cycle Stories
Students explore the water cycle. In this water cycle lesson, students simulate the water cycle by placing an ice cube in a Ziploc bag and observing the changes which occur over time. Students record the mass of the Ziploc bag and record...
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Lost in Time
Students study time and how to accurately calculate it. In this time lesson students complete a lab activity in pairs and discuss their findings.
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Activity Plan 4-5: Opposites Attract!
Students experiment with magnets and sort objects based on magnetism. In this hands-on physical science lesson, the children are introduced to magnetism through discussion and experimentation and have the opportunity to use different...
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Measuring Wind Speed
Students study wind speed and collect wind speed data. In this wind speed instructional activity, students visit a website to learn about the local wind speed forecast for their week. Students discuss wind and wind speed. Students...
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Discovering Magnets and Graphs
Sixth graders investigate averages and statistics by discovering magnet strengths. In this magnet experiment lesson, 6th graders utilize different magnets and attempt to attract different materials to them. Students record the...
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It's All in the Genes
Twelfth graders investigate the inheritance of traits through several hands-on activities that illustrate the transmission of genetic characteristics. Students study advanced topics including multiple alleles, polygenic traits,...
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Water Quality in the Greenhills Stream
Seventh graders conduct year long study of water quality over different seasons using variety of probes, including D.O., pH, conductivity and temperature, that are attached to portable technology. Students select three data points in...
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Exploring the Beach
Students explore the beach. In this marine habitat lesson, students inspect sand grains, design beach profiles, classify marine life, and examine natural beach habitats. Students use spreadsheets to record data from their activities at a...
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Finding the Average Temperature
Students calculate averages. In this average temperature instructional activity, students collect data and use their problem solving skills to calculate average temperatures.
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The Beaufort Scale: A Local Model
Learners study the Beaufort Scale and use it to study wind in their community. For this wind study lesson, students watch a DVD about climate change and learn about the Beaufort Scale. Learners complete a worksheet for the topic.