Curated OER
Whose Breakfast isn't for the Birds?
Learners explore coffee production. In this cross-curriculum rainforest ecology instructional activity, students research regions where coffee comes from and investigate how the native birds in the rainforest are effected by coffee...
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How Can We Study the Differences in Animal and Plant Cells Using the Compound Microscope?
Students examine their cheek cells with a compound microscope. They identify different parts of the cell. They compare and contrast animal and plant cells with the microscope as well.
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Handwashing and Dishwashing
Learners discuss the importance of correct hand washing and practice washing dishes. Individually, they examine the germs on their hands with Glo-Germ and compare it to the germs after washing their hands. To end the lesson, they...
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Ocean Layers
Students investigate how temperature and salinity causes ocean layering. In this ecology lesson, students observe and sketch their experimental result. They report their findings in class.
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Soil and Agriculture:Lesson 3 - Soil Erosion
Students reseach the different types of soil erosion and ways to control it in this series of activities.
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Who Will Benefit if We Give Bulbs What They Need to Grow?
Students identify the elements needed for bulbs to grow. They raise tulips and give them to various members of the community. They identify local philanthropic communities and look for ways they can constructively donate time and give...
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Making a Map
Students are introduced to maps by examining the various types and practice using a key to find information. They each create their own map with a key and graph information. As a class, they read the story "Henny Penny" and share their...
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Kansas Land
Fourth graders discover the geographic regions of Kansas. In this geography lesson, 4th graders explore the different regions of Kansas and determine how the different geography affects daily life in Kansas.
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Reality Check
Fourth graders practice living on a budget. They must plan for rent, utilities, and food and determine if they can afford the luxuries of a phone, car, gas, movies, clothes, etc., using a newspaper to gather their information.
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Wind Energy
Young scholars examine the methods of wind energy. They discover how a wind turbine generates electricity. They research the feasibility of installing wind turbines in their schools and construct a model wind turbine.
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Naviagational Tools
Fifth graders create a compass, with the help of written instructions and then write six sentences discussing how compasses work and why they are helpful. They discuss the different types of navigational tools and how they are helpful.
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Teaching the Five Themes of Geography Through Picture Books
Read the story Make Way for Ducklings and introduce little ones to the five themes of geography. Reread the story, while displaying transparencies to reinforce the five themes. In groups, learners view pictures and identify the themes on...
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"Now and Then" Comparing Present Day with Medieval Times
Eighth graders compare a present-day social issue with a medieval issue. They use technology tools to conduct their research and demonstrate their new knowledge. Students present their findings to the class in the form of a PowerPoint.
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How Appropriate is that Tree?
Students identify trees and their environments using a dichotomous chart. In this exploratory lesson students use the Internet to identify conditions needed for the trees and what the climate is in their area.
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What Part of the Earth's Surface is Covered by Oceans?
Third graders investigate oceans. In this Earth science instructional activity, 3rd graders predict how much of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans. Students determine if their predictions are accurate by throwing a globe to each...
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Animal Adaption to Environment
Students explore the concept of adaptation as a means of surviving in varied environments. They discuss human adaptations and then view slideshows and video that present animal adaptations in the following environments: cold regions,...
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Making Energy "trails"
Learners explore ten different stations that demonstrate either chemical, kinetic, or mechanical energy. They examine the way energy is transferred during each station's hands-on activity. Stations include vinegar and baking soda,...
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Strawberry DNA extraction
Students study the basic function of DNA and then extract it from strawberries. For this DNA extraction lesson students examine DNA and see why the extraction of it is so important to scientists.
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Saving Big Cats from Extinction
Students explore extinction. In this biology and environmental science instructional activity, students define extinction, identify what living things need to survive, and create a persuasive poster about "saving the big cats" using a...
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Paleogeographic Mapping (o.k. Fossils Are Neat But What Good Are They?)
Learners examine how evidence from fossils can be used in paleogeographic interpretation. They gain experience in developing multiple hypotheses.
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A Botanists View
Young scholars explore plant and seed structure. They dissect a seed and identify its parts. In addition, they explain the function and compare and contrast monocotyledon and dicotlyledons.
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Northern Neighbors
Fourth graders research a province in Canada in order to compare and contrast Canada to our country. They create a HyperStudio production to display their findings.
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What Effects Do Trees Have On The Environment?
Students examine the interrelationship between trees, soil and people focusing on urban areas. They collect and analyze data about trees in their research area.
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Dirty Pictures
Students investigate how food, clothing and shelter come from soil after they examine soil from their own backyards. They map soils on the color wheel before making glue and soil pictures and tie-dying T-shirts in red soil.