Curated OER
Waltz Across Texas
Seventh graders conduct research about regions of Texas by using the web. They research an endangered plant AND an endangered animal that is found in their region. Students prepare and deliver oral reports about their region.
Curated OER
Patterns and Adaptations in Plants and Animals
Fourth graders conduct research about some of the regions of Texas. They compare plants and animals to identify different adaptations. The statistics of survival rates are measured for changes.
Curated OER
Salmon Vs. Dams: the Dam Removal Debate on the Elwha River
Learners role-play a meeting of the Elwha River council in which they present opposing views to council members on hydroelectric power and salmon fisheries resources. They brainstorm possible conflicts between various people in land-use...
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Properties of Soil
Fourth graders conduct investigations to test different types of soil from different regions of Texas. They make comparisons and identify the characteristics of the soil. The end product of the inquiry is a student report.
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Geothermal Energy in Latin America
Here is a wonderful series of lessons designed to introduce learners to the variety of renewable, clean energy sources used by people all over the world. Geothermal energy is the resource focused on. This particular sources of energy...
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Texas Weather Report
Students use provided links to observe selected weather sites and collect temperature and precipitation data for listed cities. They enter the information onto their spreadsheet. Students study maps of the Texas natural reagions,...
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Seashells of Galveston, Texas
Students take a trip to Galveston's beaches. They collect empty shells, and visit the internet site to identify the seashells they find. Students visit the linked websites to view pictures of seashells and aid in their identification....
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Non Native Species: English Ivy-Landscape Plant or Deadly Killer?
Students study the impact that invasive species have on biodiversity and more natural areas.
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Desert Xeriscaping
Seventh graders identify native species of desert vegetation, plan a xeriscape landscape, and recognize the importance of water conservation.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Water Pollution Demonstration
Water pollution is everywhere, and pollutants range from oil to fertilizers. Bring the concept to life by demonstrating the difficulties in getting particular pollutants out of water.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Water Supply
Participate in three activities that look at the earth's limited water supply and the changes water goes through as it enters each phase of the water cycle. The resource is complete with three activities that demonstrate the changing...
Agriculture in the Classroom
Design 'Y'er Genes
How do changes in DNA affect an organism? Scholars explore chromosomes, genes, DNA, and mutations by modeling the DNA of a strawberry. They build a DNA model, then manipulate it to show how changing the genes transforms the strawberry...
Curated OER
It's a Gas! Or is it?
Oceanography enthusiasts are given a series of thought experiments to consider in order to relate the solubility of gases and solids to underwater volcanoes. It is not particularly engaging to perform these thought experiments. Choose...
Curated OER
It's a Gas! Or is it?
Examine the effects of temperature and pressure on solubility and the states of matter of ocean water. Learners make inferences about the unique chemistry of ocean water at different depths. They engage in an activity related to...
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CSI on the Deep Reef
After some instruction, small groups prepare a written report on chemotrophic organisms. Though not clearly mentioned, this resource would work best if groups have the Internet available to research the vocabulary and different organisms...
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This Life Stinks
Chemosynthetic communities of cold seep areas are considered in this instructional activity. Working in collaborative groups, marine biology or oceanography learners research and prepare a report about oxidation-reduction reactions...
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Ecotourism in National Parks and Wilderness
Young scholars develop a plan for ecotourism after researching a nearby national park or wild area.
Curated OER
CSI on the Deep Reef
Students read about, discuss, and research chemotrophic organisms. In this chemosynthesis lesson, students discuss the differences between photosynthesis and chemosynthesis. They learn that chemosynthesis includes a variety of chemical...
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Desert Xeriscaping
Students recognize native species of desert vegetation while examining the need for water conservation. They design and create a xeriscape landscape using a variety of materials.
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Weather in the USA
Young scholars identify the different types of weather conditions that occur in the United States. They discover how to adapt to weather and explain forecast and warning signals.
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Home Sweet Home
Middle schoolers examine the change in the diversity of animals living in an area before and after development. In order to do this, students need to have access to an area near their school which is undeveloped. A good, "real life" lesson.
Curated OER
This Life Stinks
Students study how organisms that live in cold seep communities get energy from methane. In this organism lesson students write a brief report and identify oxidation reduction reactions and explain if these are dependent of...
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Ecology: Why Are Rice Fields Suitable Habitats for Birds?
Fifth graders discover the uses for rice by reading about the habitats of certain birds. In this agriculture lesson, 5th graders research birds from the Gulf Coast and California and their reasons for living in rice fields....
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Latex Helium Balloons: Any Alternatives?
Students discuss the latex balloon release controversy and review suggested alternatives to the latex balloon.