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The Heat is On!
Fifth graders investigate evidence for changes in matter that occur during a chemical reaction.
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Move It, Sir Isaac!
Third graders analyze the work of Sir Isaac Newton as they investigate the laws of motion and force. Inertia is observed through a lump of clay.
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Earth is Round?
Third graders discuss how Aristotle concluded that the Earth was round. As a class, they review theories about the Earth's shape and describe how life on Earth would be different if it were flat. Individually, they make a moon book in...
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Erosion: Slip Sliding Away
Fourth graders investigate the causes of erosion. Through several demonstrations including one using sugar cubes and warm water, they observe the effects of erosion. In groups, 4th graders conduct similar experiments and record their...
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Three Worm Lesson
Third graders observe properties of three worms. In this living and non-living lesson, 3rd graders study characteristics of living and non-living worms. Students experiment to find how light, heat and moisture effects each of the worms....
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Endangered Species: Not Only Animals
Students research endangered animals and plants. In this biology lesson, students are read Will We Miss Them? Endangered Species by Alexandra Wright before they begin searching for information to complete an endangered species booklet. ...
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To Fish or Not to Fish?
Students demonstrate the decision-making process for marine reserves designations. In this role-playing lesson students analyze maps and data relating to a proposed reserve. They formulate the best decisions based on overall issues.
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A Watershed Monitoring Module
Students explore the relevance of water quality monitoring in relation to a local wetland ecosystem. They conduct standard water quality tests using wet tests and CBL calculators and probes. Student record and interpret the results.
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Solid Earth Socratic Questions
Learners participate in a whole class discussion to relate what they know about earthquakes to the processes of plate tectonics. They respond to prompts that lead them to conclusions about the layers of the earth.
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Don't Marry the Mole!
Third graders demonstrate the power of solar energy by completing a variety of activities, including the creation of a Pizza Box Solar Oven.
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Plop! Plop! Fizz! Fizz!
Fourth graders study physical and chemical weathering. They explain how the processes of weathering and erosion change and move materials that become soil. They create a K-W-L chart to show what they know and list what else they would...
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Science: What Is a Barometer?
Fourth graders discover how barometers help to predict the weather. Using newspapers, they examine the weather forecast and determine the meaning of high and low as they pertain to pressure. After making cluster diagrams, 4th graders...
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I'm Falling For You!
Third graders are introduced to the concept of gravity by observing different objects being dropped from a high point. In groups, they complete the same activities Galileo did and record their observations. To end the lesson, they...
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Geologic Time Scale
Learners research the geologic time scale. They create and recognize the importance of a geologic time line.
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Food Webs
Students investigate the concept of an ecosystem and how they are interconnected according to a hierarchy. Students are exposed to the "Lion King" as an example of a food chain and this is very relevant. They answer several key...
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Energy Audits for the Elderly
High schoolers perform experiments to determine the nature of energy particularly in air, light and water. They conducted an energy audit using the Energy Audit Checklist and by looking at the school's bills for gas and power.
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I Will Survive!
Fifth graders explain specialized structure and variation. They describe how some characteristics could give a species a survival advantage in a particular environment. They see how specialized structures and variations help species...
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What's Going to Happen at Any Given Barometer Reading?
Fourth graders brainstorm a list of words associated with weather. In groups, they sort the words into categories and observe the weather in their area for a month. To end the lesson, they compare the barometer measurements for a...
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Is It Lunar or Lunacy?
Sixth graders are introduced to the moon and its phases. Individually, they draw a sketch of each phase of the moon and read a short article about Galileo. To end the instructional activity, they examine the difference between...