Curated OER
Gwynns Falls
Students investigate the question: What is the impact of urban development and expansion on the health of a decidious forest ecosystem and humans? They examine the issue of land development by responding to a specific scenario and...
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A Scientific Approach to Teaching about Evolution
Middle schoolers examine fossils and analyzing their significance in relation to theories of evolution. Hand-outs are provided. This instructional activity could be supplementary to a broader unit on evolution or geology.
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Blocks And Screws (or "screwy Contrivances")
Students, given a block of wood and a screw or nail, are asked to put that screw or nail into a block. They examine how many contrivances and other imperfections found in living things are best explained by the process of evolution.
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Yeast Cells and Their Environment
Students create their own experiment in which they have yeast cells growing in liquid environments. They examine the relationship between humans and microorganisms. They also practice using the scientific method.
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Date a Rock!
High schoolers figure the number of half-lives since the sample solidified, and therefore the "age" of the sample rocks.
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Estuarine Habitats
Sixth graders study the important habitats, flora, fauna, and physical factors of coastal habitats. They compare the aquatic habitats to terrestrial habitats by researching and completing tables with the information.
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The Cell Cycle and Cancer
Students compare and contrast the cell cycle of frog eggs, normal cells, and cancer cells. They watch a video about early development of the frog embryo, generate a hypothesis in small groups, and listen to a teacher-led lecture. ...
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The New Explorers: Environmental Swat Team
Pupils follow scientists into the dry forest of Bolivia as they track and record the different species of mammals, birds, insects and plants that would be lost if the forests disappear.
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Scientific Approach to Forest Management
Students use wireless laptop computers to collect, store, communicate, and organize data from the 1999 Jasper Fire area. They collect data in the field and compare it to student-collected data from prior years to develop conclusions...
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That Is Predictable
Students investigate the changes that can take place in an aquatic environment. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The research is used to report different possibilities of change because of abiotic or biotic factors.
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How Do Green Plants Grow?
Pupils explore how seeds grow. They design an experiment and predict its outcome.
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Lamarck Is Dead!
Students read Lamarck's obituary and respond to questions. They discuss the four laws from Lamarack's studies. Students apply this information to scientific theories in general.
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Peeled Trees Tell The Story
Students investigate the diversity of life that is found in Montana. They research some of the different interactions that organisms have with their environment. The lesson plan includes an extensive introduction for teacher information....
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Creative Ways To Teach Evolutionary Concepts
Learners explore evolutionary concepts in cartoons and lab activities. They describe and explain evolutionary concepts featured in a cartoon and participate in laboratory activities.
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This Place is Going to the Dogs
Students study different breeds of dogs. They watch a video, "Extraordinary Dogs", about special dogs and how they are categorized according to their adaptations. Then they create a digital video that demonstrates the qualities of dogs...
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Carbon Adventures Game
Sixth graders examine the processes and transformations that occur in carbon pools. They play a game to identify paths taken by carbon through the environment.
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"Approaching Walden: From Emerson to Thoreau"
Students examine selected local leaves in greater detail in the classroom by using more analytical drawing techniques. They use Thoreau's drawing of a Scarlett Oak as their model. Students choose a leave from a box of leaves removed...
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Birds of Different Feathers: Species Specialization
Students identify differences in bird species and explain the concept of species specialization. They attain the knowledge that different birds occupy different habitats.
Students identify characteristics and features of birds that make...
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The Code of Life
Students study genes, DNA and medical research. They watch "The Code of Life" video and answer discussion questions regarding the transcription and translation of DNA and how errors in these processes and mutations in DNA can produce...
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Polymers
Students explore online tutorial on polymers. In this chemistry lesson plan, they create two polymers in the lab and compare their properties. They write a sales letter about their new and improved polymer product.
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Water Quality
Students play the role of scientists testing for water quality in the area. In this ecology lesson, students determine the water sample's pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. They write a journal reflection after the activity.
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Ecosytems: Water Purification
Learners explore how ecosystems purify water and what kinds of things humans do that alter these processes. They use a website to access information on local watersheds and develop a "river" newspaper
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Trail Adventure
Pupils create a trail with numbered specimens. Students complete an accurate and functional interactive trail activity brochure. They complete a web page tree identification guide and interactive identification activity. Pupils answer...
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Rapid Mycological Assessment
Students examine types of mycology methods. They practice using new vocabulary and answer key questions. They complete a field survey and analyze their results.