Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Periodic Table & Its Trends-Day 6

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Learners intergrate science, technology and society into exploring the periodic table. They investigate one element of their choice and write a one page paper on the elements discovery, properties, uses, and the effect on society.
Lesson Plan
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"Space" Investigations

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders understand the patterns of change observable on Earth as a result of the movement of the different bodies in the solar system. They identify the physical characteristics of the different components of the solar system.
Lesson Plan
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Shellfish Shenanigans

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders create simulations of a reality-based TV show that investigates the near death of a contestant from a seafood meal. They examine the physical symptoms of anaphylactic shock, and create protein fingerprints.
Lesson Plan
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Mussel Identification Activity

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students identify given species of animals, such as various mussels, by sets of physical characteristics as they use a key. They also read about mussels on the Illinois River and look at mussel species in the online database. Finally,...
Lesson Plan
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Mission Meals

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers engage in a investigation of the types of meals that astronauts eat in space while examining the types of nutritional elements needed for optimum physical tasks in space. They are given different foods and then document...
Lesson Plan
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Mineral Munch

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore the sodium content in foods they eat. After observing a table setting, 2nd graders then identify items made from rock. They taste low sodium crackers and compare them to regular crackers. Students discuss the...
Lesson Plan
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Frenzied Food: Fantastic Fuel?

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students infer the causes of obesity. In this health science lesson, students brainstorm ways improve to their diet. They write personalized journals with goals on how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Lesson Plan
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Environmentalism: Then and Now

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders examine the history of the conservation movement and how it relates to contemporary issues.  In this Environmental Science lesson, 10th graders research the roots of the environmental and conservation movement and...
Lesson Plan
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Dino Dung!

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine how there is more to poop than they think! After reading through material, they answer a series of questions on coprolite, and explore the diet and physical attributes of dinosaurs, as well as their environment.
Lesson Plan
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Teaching the Chemical and Structural Properties of DNA

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students work together to answer questions about DNA. They identify where DNA is found and its function in the cell. They note any physical similarities they have with their family members
Lesson Plan
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What Changes Occur When Ice Melts?

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Young scholars explore the physical process of melting. They observe melting ice and answer questions related to energy transfer during phase changes.
Lesson Plan
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Infrared Zoo Lesson 2 Index Dinner in the Dark

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Students discover how certain snakes can find prey using a natural infrared sensor. They think about small prey animals and how a pit viper snake finds them in the forest. Students explore the physical characteristics of the animals...
Lesson Plan
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Sand Castles: Pre-engineering 101

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners examine how soil holds together and what the effect of particle size and water content is on soil.  In this engineering lesson students complete a lab, record their observations and discuss what they learned. 
Lesson Plan
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Ziplock Chemistry

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students investigate various chemical reactions when creating mixtures in ziplock baggies. In this chemistry lesson, students will recognize various chemical reactions and cite evidence. Safety and assessment strategies are included in...
Lesson Plan
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Online Exploration: Telescopes From the Ground Up

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore a web-based illustrated text and interactive graphics to determine the relationship between the operation of telescopes and light. optics. They work in small groups to become an expert on one of the ten eras of telescope...
Lesson Plan
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Fieldwork: Horizons Under Ground: Digging Through Wetland Soil

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners study the different soil types and describe the different soils in various environments.  In this soil lesson students walk to a reserve and discuss what they saw. 
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Mr. Bones

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students play CD-ROM game My Amazing Human Body, and participate in relay game in Phys. Ed. where they put together skeleton on which body parts are labeled.
Lesson Plan
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Flambe Elements

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders discuss atoms and electrons as well as atoic structure. They view atomic structure via the computer. Students watch a demonstration in which the teacher demonstrates glass tubing turning yellow in a Bunsen Burner flame....
Lesson Plan
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Maps and Models

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study maps of New Mexico examining settlement patterns over time and the location of water sources. They research the history of their community and discover how cultural groups interacted, adapted to their physical...
Lesson Plan
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Photovoltaics and Solar Energy

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students experiment with photovoltaic cells and determine the energy use of their appliances. In this renewable energy lesson, students calculate the energy emitted by a photovoltaic cell through an inquiry-based lab. They keep track of...
Lesson Plan
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Ozone and Temperature Data Analysis, South Pole Antarctica

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss the layers of the atmosphere, and the history of the ozone hole. They discuss the chemistry of the ozone formation. Students compare seasonal data collected with ozonesondes. They compare Antarctic and Arctic ozone hole...
Lesson Plan
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Global Warming: Life in a Greenhouse

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine the evidence that scientists have used to support the existence of global warming and the greenhouse effect. How the concepts have been developed and evaluated form the focus of this lesson.
Lesson Plan
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Acids and Bases: Together again!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify principles behind acid-base reactions. They predict factors that may affect an acid-base reaction. Students identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations.
Lesson Plan
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Snack Attack: Food Packaging Activity

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students design and create packaging material for food. In this snack attack lesson, students design a package to protect a food item from heat and water. Students consider costs of materials, design, and test the package to see if it is...