Lesson Plan
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Natural Gardening

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners study the effect of pesticides on plants and insects. In this gardening instructional activity, students discuss the importance of insects. They define pesticides, evaluate their effectiveness and the problems they might...
Worksheet
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Invasive Species Science Experiement

For Students 3rd
In this invasive species worksheet, 3rd graders complete a hands on science experiment.  students then record their observations and results.
Lesson Plan
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Secret Agents of Dissolved Oxygen

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students determine the changes in different types of water in a sealed container over time. They investigate how to measure dissolved oxygen, temperature, and carbon dioxide with calculator or computer probe-ware. Students determine the...
Lesson Plan
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Good Guys or Bad Guys

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders complete a variety of activities to explore both positive and negative effects of microorganisms. They, in groups, engage in a series of experiments which illustrate the effects of certain molds.
Lesson Plan
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Pond 1: Pond Life

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students work together to investigate familiar and unfamiliar ecosystems. Using the internet, they discover how different organisms use their environment to satisfy their needs. They also examine the relationshiops between organisms...
Lesson Plan
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Creatures in Torch Lake

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate pond ecology. They gather water samples from various sources, add grass, and let it sit for a week. Afterward, using microscopes, they identify the microorganisms present in the sample.
Lesson Plan
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Primary Producers

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the role of carbon in the oceans and how phytoplankton determine the levels present. In groups, they practice measuring primary productivity using two methods. They use the internet to research the role of phytoplankton...
Lesson Plan
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Life's Big Questions: Where Did Life Come From?

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students explore the life forms that live in the hot springs of Yellowstone. They examine how microscopic creatures can survive in these extreme conditions. Students perform experiments to observe growth samples and demonstrate how a...
Lesson Plan
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Animals Between the Sand Grains -- Meiofauna

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers begin the lesson by collecting sand at low tide from a local beach. They place each specimen on trays with a tiny amount of seawater. After a week, they can observe the meiofauna present in the sand through a microscope....
Lesson Plan
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DRY UP BABY ! ANHYDROBIOSIS (freeze drying)

For Teachers 6th - 12th
In this lab, students explore how organisms are able to survive the extreme environmental conditions found in the Polar regions. Students observe and draw active living rotifers and Tardigrades, design and perform experiments to collect...
Lesson Plan
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Examine an Ecosystem

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Pupils examine an ecosystem and record what they see.  In this ecosystem lesson students use a worksheet to help them identify the organisms in their ecosystem. 
Lesson Plan
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Decomposers at Work!

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students design and conduct investigations that illustrate the process of decomposition. After a lecture/demo, students simulate the process of soil composting in the classroom. They closely chart the decomposition of their soil.
Lesson Plan
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Barnacles: Harder than Cement

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders watch the movements of the complex animal hidden inside the tiny barnacle shells. This lesson allows students to study the behavior, adaptation, and larval stage of the barnacle.
Lesson Plan
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Bioremediation

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students design and conduct investigations that illustrate the effect bioremediation has on organic matter and determine environmental applications. They, in groups, present their findings to the class.
Lesson Plan
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The Principles Of Composting

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Learners put items in a plastic bag and watch the effects of composting. While completing the experiment, students answer questions and ask permission to start their own compost pile at home.
Lesson Plan
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Life in Extreme Environments - Lakes Under Ice

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils collect chemical, physical, and biological data from a local lake throughout the year. In addition, students discuss the design of an experimental structure for water collection at several specific depths as well as assess the...
Lesson Plan
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Using A Winogradsky Column to Analyze Microbial Communities

For Teachers 4th - 11th
Students use easily obtained materials to study ecological succession in a microbiological community. They collect water samples from outdoor sources in plastic bottles to observe and record changes.
Lesson Plan
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Ocean Color

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine NASA's SeaWiFS Project Web site to explore how the SeaWiFS Project monitors environmental and climatic changes in the oceans and atmosphere. They answer questions and write a summary in support of continued funding for...
Lesson Plan
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Dirty Pictures

For Teachers 1st - 4th
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.
Lesson Plan
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CSI Clamshell Investigation

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students explore predator/prey relationships. They research information on moon snails and claims. Students draw conclusions from the data collected. They use math and graphing to determine if there is a relationship to the clam's size...
Lesson Plan
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Mussel Movements

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students consider the impact of invasive species on local environments. In this ecology lesson, watch the video, Arizona Wildlife Views, which focuses on invasive species. Students develop vocabulary, relate to meaningful comprehension...
Lesson Plan
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The Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Lumbriculus

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students explore the effects of ultraviolet light on Lumbriculus. They expose ultraviolet light to Lumbriculus (worm) and determine the lethal exposure time. They examine the worm and record their observations.
Lesson Plan
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Yogurt Production

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers work together to complete an experiment making yogurt. They test different temperatures and different amount of ingredients. They record and analyze their data.
Lesson Plan
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The City From the Ooze

For Teachers K - 9th
Students investigate the life in the mud found around ponds. They create Ooze City using pond mud. Students investigate the various layers that form and what type of organisms are in the mud.