Curated OER
Compass Crusaders
Students discover how to use a compass and how to use that knowledge in the field while applying orienteering and mathematical skills.
Curated OER
Balance, Rhythmns and Stomp Rockets
Students practice stepping and jumping, using specified foot action, in rhythm. In groups, they practice jumping onto stomp rocket launchers and demonstrate how to increase the distance by raising the angle of the launcher. After each...
Curated OER
Water Quality Assessment
Learners evaluate water quality of different sources. In this water assessment lesson students chemical testing, identify biological factors in the stream, and write a paper on their position of the stream's quality.
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Starch Yer Thinkin' About Corn Products
Seventh graders study the parts of corn and explore the role of starch. In this corn products lesson plan students prepare a model of water and stones.
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Magnets, Electromagnets, and Motors
Students investigate the concepts of magnetism and its properties. They construct a magnet and test foods for iron content. Then students define the use of a motor and make their own electric motor while working in small groups. Then...
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The Pure, The Mixture, The Unknown
Ninth graders participate in classroom discussions, demonstrations and hands-on laboratory activities about pure substances and mixtures with a focus on common household materials. They investigate: What is a pure substance? What is a...
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TE Activity: How Fast Can a Carrot Rot?
Students experiment to define which environmental factors favor decomposition by soil microbes. They decompose carrots in dirt, weigh the carrots periodically to determine how long it takes. They look at how engineers use this type of...
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The Extraordinary Life of the Alaskan Tundra
Students investigate the characteristics of the tundra on the North Slope of Alaska. They conduct Internet research, develop a chart of the types of vegetation, plant growth, and fauna found on the tundra, identify examples in their own...
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Landscape Observation: How Portland Has Changed
Students read The Lorax and discuss how populations change the environment. Using given photos, students use a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the Portland of yesterday to present day Portland. They write a comparison paper and...
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Electrical Current
Young scholars describe an electrical current and the factors that determine the resistance of an object. In this electrical current lesson students discuss their knowledge of voltage, current and resistance.
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Do These Properties Matter?
Third graders rotate between three property stations, the solid station, the gas station, and the liquid station. They experiment with each activity until the teacher gives the signal to change.
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Into the Pond
Seventh graders use a pond to explore macroinvertebrates and other organisms. They use a dichotomous key to classify the organisms and maintain a journal recording their findings.
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Soaring With Air Power
Fourth graders view a Newton's Apple show that explores glider mechanics, explore the four forces, build and fly a glider to specific guidelines. They adjust the glider for greater accuracy and distance using four forces, and assess...
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Robot Turning Lab
Students design a robot that can turn 90 degrees. In this robotics lesson, students explain the applications of their invention. They present their design in class.
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Compost Columns
In this unit of lessons, students examine the role of compost columns and recycling. They create a KWL chart about garbage in Chicago. They also examine life cycles and packaging of everyday products.
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Making Sense of Unusual Findings
Learners work on the development of observation skills and seeing how they can be used in different contexts. The lesson is good for helping the beginner and novice, along with encouraging and reminding the expert observer of right...
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Relative Dating in Archaeology
Learners create a timeline that explains how ancient cultures used artifacts. In this Relative Dating in Archaeology lesson, students examine artifacts and draw conclusions about their origins. Then learners analyze antiquated objects or...
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Athletic Reader
Students research the history of the sport they are participating in. They conduct research and write a report, create a timeline of the sport, and investigate the history of the sport in other countries. Students then observe and...
Read Works
Read Works: Field Trip
[Free Registration/Login Required] A literary text about a boy named Jeremy who got sick on the day he class was going on a field trip. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.