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Put It to the Test
Students identify different types of rock and sediments and how they react to acid through experimentation. Students use knowledge gained in thr experiment to identify types of rocks. Students create data tables for accuracy and clarity...
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Water Quality Comparison of Pulpit Rock Stream and Welton Falls
Eighth graders analyze different water samples given to them by their teacher.
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Museum Adventure WebQuest
Students discover the background and properties of minerals. They examine fluorite and record data after testing it. They use the internet to help them discover information about minerals.
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A Burst of Light
Students discover the many uses of minerals in industry. They use minerals to conduct flame tests and to demostrate color. They practice safety tips in the lab.
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Classification
Learners gather and classify samples of a given item (rocks, fossils, seeds, etc.) They discuss various ways of classifying and that there are many different ways that are acceptable.
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Mohs Hardness Test
Fifth graders examine what the Mohs Hardness Scale is before testing a number of minerals to determine their place on the scale. They test a fingernail, a penny, a knife blade, a metal file, and several unknown minerals and rocks using...
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Smoothing Out the Rough Spots
Fifth graders experiment to observe the changes created on a surface by mechanical action of water with varying amounts of mineral content and abrasive qualities. They write the predictions of their outcomes and describe all of their...
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COMPARE SOILS BY GROWING PLANTS
The student will identify the difference in the rate of plant growth in three soils that vary in organic matter.1. Obtain three to four flowerpots, different types of soil, a record chart, three to five beans for each pot, and water....
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Project Geode
Young scholars predict the appearance of a geode's internal structure based on its mass and density. They form a hypothesis based on the data they collect. They also identify common minerals found in Illinois.
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Case of the Missing Pumpkin
Fourth graders explore holidays by participating in a pumpkin activity. In this vegetation instructional activity, 4th graders discuss the different uses for pumpkins, not just Halloween decorations. Students identify the nutrients...
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Vermicomposting
Fourth graders explore insect life by viewing a soil presentation in class. In this composting lesson, 4th graders read assigned text about the process of composting soil and the necessity of soil in plant life. Students view video clips...
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Soil Formation
Seventh graders investigate how soil is formed. They analyze types of soil samples, examine soil using a magnifying glass or microscope, complete a chart, conduct a soil and plant experiment, and construct a soil profile.
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Regolith Formation
Students compare and contrast the process of regolith formations. In groups, students define regolith and discover how regolith is formed on the Earth and on the Moon. They participate in experimental activities to simulate regolith.
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Inside Earth
Pupils study the makeup of the earth, including the core, the mantle and the crust. They compare the temperatures and thicknesses of each layer. In pairs, they make a model of a cross-section of the earth out of modeling clay.
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Fossil Impressions of Ancient Life
Students make a mold using Plaster of Paris and then make a cast using that same mold. They pick a fossil and describe how it looks. They write a fictionalized story about its life, or burial. (
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The Rotten Truth
Fourth graders investigate compost. In this Science lesson, 4th graders take notes on the components of soil and its relation to plant growth. Students describe the steps in making compost.
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Global Environmental Change
Students examine environmental change of land, water, and air, discuss Clear Skies Legislation, and experiment on solid compaction and
resultant water filtration.
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CREATE A CAVE
Students investigate the concept of caves by conducting an experiment. The lesson plan contains background information for the teacher. They collect data while making observations and write a review of the concept once the experiment is...
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Working Worms
Fourth graders examine earthworms. In this earthworm lesson, 4th graders investigate how earthworms help prepare soil for planting. Students examine other living and nonliving elements in a garden habitat.
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Soil Management
Fourth graders examine different opinions on soil management. For this soil management lesson, 4th graders use a variety of resources to research how agriculture and the environment are related. They investigate cause and effect...
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Geologic Time Scale
Students research the geologic time scale. They create and recognize the importance of a geologic time line.
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What Land Works Best?
Fourth graders explore different types of land. In this land lesson, 4th graders investigate how water, climate, and soil type determine what types of crops may be grown. Students discover these elements while playing an interactive game.
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Water Pollution
Young scholars study four samples of "rain water". They asked to determine the pH of the samples and then to neutralize them. Students are asked to predict any negative effects which might be associated with water having a low pH and...
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NASA's Mars Gamble Pays Off Part 2
Tenth graders explore the planet of Mars. In this Earth Science instructional activity, 10th graders read articles on the make up of Mars. Students complete a worksheet on their reading.