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The Mechanisms of Decay and Decomposition

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders study how all living things die. They are introduced tot he life cycle and the concept of an ecosystem. Students have a introductory exposure to trophic levels (producer-consumer-decomposer) in the environment.
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Fingerprints

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students analyze their fingerprints. In this fingerprint lesson, students make prints and observe the patterns for arches, loops, and whorls. They write a brief autobiography about themselves titled "I'm Thumbody."
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Magnify That

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Learners observe many different objects using a magnifying lens. In this magnification lesson plan, students learn that scientists use different tools, and they use the tool to magnify objects in the classroom to see objects in better...
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Hero Or Zero?

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students investigate science and technology by reading a children's book.  In this reading comprehension lesson, students read the story Archibald Frisby and discuss the ways we use science and technology in everyday life....
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A Bioluminescent Gallery

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students examine the different types of luminescence in deep sea organisms. In this bioluminescence lesson, students investigate how color and light aide deep ocean organisms by describing the characteristics of the habitat and...
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Let's Hit the Slopes!

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students study benthic communities in the Gulf of Mexico and explain their roles.  In this investigative lesson students participate in a group activity and study how to calculate and index of biological communities. 
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Where's the Oxygen?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars study seawater and how temperature and salinity influence it.  In this oxygen lesson students complete a lab activity on dissolved oxygen. 
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What's So Special?

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students study the biology and morphology of Lophelia corals.  In this investigative lesson students explain how the coral contributes to communities, and create a poster.  
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Distant Relatives

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students investigate observations between widely separated populations of anchialine cave fauna.  In this biogeography lesson plan students discuss theories that could explain the given observations. 
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To See or Not to See

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars identify and discuss key factors that determine how effective color camouflage is in certain habitats.  In this investigative lesson students divide into groups and study light. 
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Basic Orienteering

For Teachers 4th - Higher Ed
Students study orienteering. In this science lesson, students study the parts of a compass and use the compass to set a bearing and follow the bearing on the compass.
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Observation Hike

For Teachers K - 12th
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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Aging of Trees

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students examine tree rings to determine its age.  In this tree ring lesson, students examine core tree samples, identify the tree rings, and then determine its age. Students complete a worksheet, deciding which of the two core...
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Archery

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Young scholars study archery. In this archery instructional activity, students develop basic archery and hunter safety skills. Young scholars discuss the history of archery and bow hunting.
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Canoe and Kayak

For Teachers 4th - Higher Ed
Students explore canoes and kayaks. In this canoe and kayak lesson, students research the history, parts, and sport of the canoe and kayak.  Students then practice how to use a paddle for each boat, and go on a field trip in order...
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Special Place

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Learners observe and describe a "special place" chosen along a nature trail. In this habitat observational skills and writing lesson, students take a walk on a nature trail and choose a spot to sit and meditate. Learners complete a...
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Animal Tracks

For Teachers K - Higher Ed
Students study animals. In this science lesson plan, students make plaster casts of animals that live in the area. Students identify the tracks.
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Carmaleetas

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Young scholars identify the relationship between predator and prey in the food chain. In this food chain lesson, students work in groups and play a predator and prey game. Young scholars discover what happens when a predator does not...
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Edible Wild Plants

For Teachers 5th - Higher Ed
Students explore the benefits of recognizing edible wild plants.  In this wild plant lesson, students collect, make ready and eat edible plants.  Students answer questions about the plants.
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Is There A Fungus Among Us?

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders classify fungus into two different groups. In this fungus lesson, 6th graders collect as many pieces of fungus as possible. Students then classify these pieces of fungus as saprophytic or parasitic. 
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Animal Adaptations: Focus on Bird Beaks

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore bird beaks as animal adaptation. In this bird adaptation lesson, 6th graders conduct an experiment to determine the connection between the shape of a bird's beak and the food it eats.
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Ear Shape

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore hearing.  In this hearing and sound lesson, students participate in a scientific inquiry to compare ear shape and hearing ability.  Students work with a partner to listen to soft music and use various materials...
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Blowing Bubbles, Blowing Colors

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Students examine the properties of bubbles by testing different bubble making materials.  In this scientific experiment lesson, students create a bubble brew with different soaps while observing the different strengths and sizes of...
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Sugar Bush Sap Production - Human Environmental Impact on Sap Sand

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders compare the amount of sugar sand present in tree sap. In this environmental science lesson, 11th graders measure different tree circumference. They prepare a report and share findings in class.