Lesson Plan
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Getting Thirsty?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars explore the concept of drought and its significance as a natural hazard. In this drought lesson plan, students complete 13 questions on an "Introduction to Drought as an Ecosystem Stressor" worksheet and discuss the...
Lesson Plan
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It's All About the Roots

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the process of hydroponic agriculture. They grow beans in different hydroponic solutions, compare results and graph their observations.
Lesson Plan
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Backyard Habitats

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students identify habitat elements. They create a habitat in a backyard, on a balcony, at a workplace, or in a schoolyard and provide the four basic requirements of wildlife survival (food, water, cover, and places to raise young). They...
Lesson Plan
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Disappearing Rocks

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the causes of erosion and observe how different surfaces erode differently. They recognize erosion and predict what type of erosion caused it. In addition, they predict the outcomes of erosion on different materials.
Worksheet
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Changes in Ecosystems

For Students 9th - 10th
In this changes in ecosystems activity, students complete 21 various types of questions related to ecosystem. First, they determine whether each statement is true or false based on vocabulary. Then, students determine whether natural...
Lesson Plan
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Oh Deer! and English Learner Writing Extensions

For Teachers 3rd - 7th
Students follow deer through Yellowstone Park and record the number of deer from year to year. In this basic needs of deer lesson plan, students work in small groups and chart the number of deer each year and give explanations using as...
Worksheet
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Considering Systems and Controls

For Students 5th - 10th
In this systems and controls worksheet, students write the major function, identify three controls, and give examples of each system. Students do this for highways, school, desert ecosystem, and communication. 
Lesson Plan
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Etosha: Poppin' Out at You

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders research an African animal of their choice and relate the concepts of population, climate and biodiversity to their animal. They examine how population interacts in an ecosystem.
Lesson Plan
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Plants, Animals and Our Environment

For Teachers K
Students draw and label the basic needs of animals. They draw and label the basic needs of plants. Students understand the basic needs of plants and animals are not only the same, but are interrelated. They know that the environment...
Lesson Plan
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Sharks: Fact or Fiction

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders discover the truth about sharks. In this shark lesson, 2nd graders use different resources to help distinguish between fact and fiction with what they have heard about sharks. They complete an attached activity sheet.
Lesson Plan
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Monk Seal Research Expedition

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students study data. In this seal research instructional activity, students act as scientific researchers observing Monk seals in their habitat. They work in small groups to record data from a video and when through they share a piece of...
Lesson Plan
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Salt Marshes And Their Inhabitants

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars investigate the ecosystem of the salt marshes. This is done in order to develop an appreciation for this type of environment. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Students are given samples of different...
Worksheet
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"Blow, Wind, Blow" - Wind Power

For Students 5th - 8th
In this renewable energy learning exercise, students learn about wind power. They then answer the 2 questions on the learning exercise. The answers are on the last page of the packet.
Lesson Plan
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Guetemala's Changing Forest

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders compare their local ecological zone to the tropical rainforest. In this natural ecology lesson, 8th graders complete an activity about the differences in ecological zones. They compare their biome to the Guatemalan...
Lesson Plan
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Concrete Research

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students explore concrete. In this physical science and computer research lesson, students work in groups to answer specific  questions about concrete. Each group of students completes a different worksheet with a specific subtopic....
Lesson Plan
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Urban Ecosystems 3: Cities as Population Centers

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers discover that throughout history cities have been centers of population but that human exploitation of fossil fuels was key to the growth of large cities worldwide. They research urban growth through a number of websites.
Lesson Plan
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Rocks, Minerals, and Erosion

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders describe the difference between minerals (composed of the same substance throughout) and rocks (composed of two or more minerals). They recognize that there are three classes of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
Lesson Plan
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Hypothermia: Temperature Changes Under Varying Conditions

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students conduct an experiment to determine what type of clothing would be most suitable for outdoor activities. They determine the temperature changes of the skin under various wet clothing materials and graph the temperature changes. ...
Lesson Plan
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Failing Ecosystems: Haiti and the Caribbean

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders study the impact that climate has on the land. They discuss how deforestation leads to erosion and soil damage and how trees and vegetation help to stabilize the land. They draw a large map of the Caribbean and show Haiti...
Lesson Plan
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Social Studies and Children's Literature

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Pupils are read a story about Alejandro and how he builds an oasis to attract animals. Using the text, they discover the needs of the animal not only for water but for safety. They discuss different environmental issues as well as...
Lesson Plan
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Vibrant Volcanoes

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Young scholars explore volcanoes. In this science lesson, students discuss the characteristics of volcanoes and view a video segment about a volcano. Young scholars examine plate tectonics.
Lesson Plan
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Deep Freeze

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars practice various sampling methods for retrieving data under water, ice, and soil. They use the sample material to make temperature measurements, chart contents, and draw their own conclusions as to what is happening in the...
Lesson Plan
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Sun Seeking Plants

For Teachers K - 1st
Students investigate the story "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle. This story is used to introduce the children to the concept that seeds change and grow into plants when conditions in the environment including temperature, light, water and...
Lesson Plan
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Acid Rain: Where Have All the Rainbows Gone?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the pH scale and sources of acid precipitation.  In this acid rain lesson plan students complete a lab on acid rain then complete a handout.