Lesson Plan
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Permafrost

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students use a thermometer to analyze soil temperature data to determine which soil sample is normal, and which one is permafrost. In this permafrost lesson plan, students participate in a hands on activity where they identify the active...
Lesson Plan
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Water Cycle

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students investigate, develop inferences, and differentiate between different elements of the water cycle. They investigate the observable characteristics of evaporation and condensation over specific time periods
Lesson Plan
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Periodic Table Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students describe how elements are arranged on the periodic table. They compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their properties and on their locations in the periodic table. Students describe the differences between a...
Lesson Plan
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Using Density to Identify Wood Types

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students identify different woods based on their density. In this density lesson plan, students use a triple beam balance to find the mass and a metric ruler for the volume. They look through various wood blocks and identify what type of...
Lesson Plan
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Isotopes of Pennies

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers demonstrate that isotopes of an element have different masses. They illustrate atomic mass and neutrons. The periodic table is examined in length. Display of a collection of atoms is surveyed.
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Tanker Spills

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students predict the flow of an oil spill and depict it on a map. They explain the predicted route of the oil spill using knowledge of ocean currents in a short presentation to their peers.
Worksheet
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A Compound Problem

For Students 7th - 10th
In this compounds learning exercise, students compare the differences between compounds and mixtures. This learning exercise has 3 short answer questions.
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Doing Lewis Dot Diagrams

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students observe the periodic table and draw the Lewis Dot Diagram.  In this investigative lesson students construct information on several elements including the Lewis Dot Formation and take a quiz on the information they...
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Root, Root, Root for the Nutrients

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students observe the growth of a seed, predict what will happen when seeds are planted without soil, and conduct an experiment using a hydroponics system.
Lesson Plan
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Strong as the Weakest Link

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students discover the types of stress that materials undergo. They examine how bridges and skyscrapers are built to withhold the tension. They create their own structure out of marshmallows and spaghetti.
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Element Videos

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students create videos about an element on the periodic table. In this element lesson, students work with partners to create a 1-2 minute video giving interesting information about their element. They include the name, symbol, atomic...
Lesson Plan
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Birds of a Feather

For Teachers K
Students investigate birds and complete a variety of bird-themed activities. They read books and observe birds noting their physical characteristics, development and life cycle stages.
Lesson Plan
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Mass

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students participate in a qualitative discussion of the distinction between weight and mass, followed by a description of astronaut mass measurements in a zero-g environment.
Lesson Plan
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Smokey's Message

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students list and discuss positive and negative effects of wildland fire. They discuss relationships among ecosystems and fire. They participate in role-playing activities related to wildland fire management.
Lesson Plan
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Fungus

For Teachers K - 12th
Students study fungus, its reproduction and uses.  In this eukaryote lesson students complete several fungal experiments.     
Lesson Plan
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Exploring Limu Diversity

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore limu diversity. In this ocean ecosystem lesson, students classify limu according to its physical properties. Students work in small groups to generate scientific observations and sort limu by characteristics.
Lesson Plan
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Multi-Talented Electrical Energy

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students explore energy conversions by demonstrating the conversion of electrical energy into light, heat, sound, and magnetic energy. Students create a simple device that converts electrical energy from batteries to heat, light, sound...
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The Life Cycle of the Butterfly

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders study the life cycle of a butterfly by observing metamorphosis taking place in a butterfly pavilion. Students illustrate their understandings of the body parts of a caterpillar and butterfly, as well as the life cycle,...
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Density Challenge

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students calculate the densities of several liquids that appear similar.  In this physical science lesson, students go beyond understanding the way liquids of different densities behave to researching how this knowledge applies in...
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Activity #8 Which State Are You In?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers define, give similarites and differences between solids, liquids, and gases. They compare and contrast a solid, liquid and gas in terms of shape, volume, compressibility, diffusion and density. Pupils classigy common...
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What Boat Designs Float the Best?

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate buoyancy by conducting a science experiment.  In this water properties lesson, 5th graders predict which of their different paper boat designs will float for the longest period.  Students conduct the...
Lesson Plan
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States of Matter: Liquid

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students work in a mini lab where they measure the temperature every 30 seconds for several minutes as water is heated. They are asked what makes liquid different from a solid. Students view a PowerPoint on the model of liquids,...
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Changing Matter

For Teachers 1st
First graders investigate the changing states of water.
Lesson Plan
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Patterns, Functions & Algebra

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students participate in numerous activities and games. In pairs, they play card games to find relationships between a random set of playing cards. After writing samples of Dear Abby letters concerning math problems, students create a...