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Bird Seed Mining

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students search through the seed mixture and separate out our "mine" beads, sunflower seeds, and other grain products, making piles of each. students count up the number of gold, silver, and blue beads, and sunflower seeds from their piles
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Exploring Caves

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explain why many caves have become National Parks. They determine that caves provide shelter from enemies, and from bad weather in the summer or the winter, and provide certain mineral resources. They discover that ancient art...
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WS 9.9 Presentation Questions

For Teachers 9th - 11th
In this presentation worksheet, students answer questions about five different topics presented in class. These include acid rain, acid etching, pH testing, cave formation and kidney stones.
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GeoHunt

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students describe the difference between geological resources and othe natural resources. They list the rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels that are found in Illinois and their uses. They identify ways to conserve natural resources.
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Fossil Fuels vs. Alternative Fueling Systems

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders brainstorm the differences between the fossil fuels that people use in their transportation now and what they could use to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. They use a variety of techniques from webquests to writing...
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Building-Stone Geology

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students examine building stones in downtown St. Petersburg in order t study igneous and metamorphic rocks in central Florida ( a huge area consisting solely of sedimentary rock). Each student picks a particular rock type used in a...
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Investigating Erosion in an Outdoor Classroom

For Teachers 1st
First graders observe the effects of erosion. They work in groups to simulate erosion in a streambed, participate in class discussion, read books about fossils and rocks and then go on a fossil hunt.
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Polishing the Petoskey

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students select a stone and polish it. Throughout the process they demonstrate an understanding of rocks and fossil formation.
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Fossil Inferences

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders use their knowledge about fossils to arrange fossil pictures in sequence from oldest to youngest. They explain how fossils can be used to make inferences about past life, climate, geology, and environments and discover...
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Investigation 6 - Soil Profile

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study the components of soil. They observe the basic components of soil and relate the components to plant growth. They record color, texture, and kinds of materials on their profile log (light color, denser, grittier -...
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Under Our Feet

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students investigate the forest ecosystem to learn of the living and non-living elements of the soil. In this ecosystem lesson, students examine soil for twigs, moss, fungi, leaves, roots and other matter.   Students...
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Animals, Animals, Everywhere

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders participate in a variety of activities dealing with animal characteristics and classifications in this multi-task lesson. They use graphic organizers, make booklets, and make models.
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Volcanoes

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders study the concept of plate tectonics. In the process they embark in research and construction of a volcano. They complete a web quest while assessing how to research, give oral reports, and create a product.
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Microbes in Long Island Sound

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students discover the harm and benefits of microbes. In this biology lesson, students explore water, nitrogen and carbon cycles. They investigate the factors affecting bacteria growth.
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Mixtures of Matter

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students experiment with mixtures of matter. In this matter lesson, students investigate which liquids form a solution when mixed together and which do not. Students also identify which solids can be separated from matter.
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Pyrites

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Pupils examine the mineral pyrite and discover the differences between it and gold.  In this mineral instructional activity students identify minerals using their common properties.
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Science NetLinks: Fossils and Geologic Time

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the development of the geologic time scale. Also, to introduce them to the major time periods in earth's history, as well as to the role fossils play in helping us understand this history.
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Fossils and Geologic Time

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the development of the geologic time scale. They examine the major time periods in earth's history. Students discuss the role fossils play in helping us understand history.
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This Rock is Your Rock, This Rock is My Rock

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students develop good observational skills. They examine how rocks are made up of one or more minerals.
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Sorting Rocks

For Teachers K
Students develop a rock word web during a large group discussion. Using the categories generated during that discussion, they sort their rock samples accordingly.
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How We Use Rocks: Part 2

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students explore the uses of rocks.
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Miners

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students complete various activities related to mining and mining safety. They write an energy sentence, complete a word puzzle, cut and glue safety equipment on a mining character, solve a math code word puzzle, and complete a maze...
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Strong Chemistry

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students research and create a poster about a gemstone. In this mineral properties lesson, students view a video about diamonds. They discuss the properties of minerals and choose a gemstone to research and create a poster.
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Secrets to Healthy Soil

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore needed mineral nutrients for healthy soil. In this soil lesson, 4th graders investigate how living and nonliving elements combine to contribute to fertile soil development.