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Ape Cave Exploration

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers simulate online the formation of Ape Cave, in order to better explain its construction. They observe, illustrate and discuss geological features of this lava tube.
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Coho Salmon Enhancement

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students build a fish trap across a small stream. The purpose of the trap is to collect baseline data of Oncorhynchus kisutch, Coho salmon, smolt numbers coming out of a spring-fed pond. Other biological data also be measured.
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Observing Cells

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students become familiarized with use of the microscope.
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Circuit Breakers

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders build a circuit breaker and examine its function within a circuit.
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Autumn

For Teachers K
Students observe the different patterns of leaves and record their observations after reading the book "Autumn Leaves".
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Project Geode

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students 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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Wildlife in a Poa

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine the species that depend on a poa grass for their habitat and interpret data to demonstrate biomass and number pyramids. They examine the plant by digging it up and pulling it apart quickly to capture all the...
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Concentration and Reaction Rates

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students investigate how varying the concentrations, volumes, and other factors affects reaction rates. Students design and conduct investigations to obtain data used to create graphs of an uncatalyzed reaction vs. a catalyzed reaction....
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Respiratory Attack Tag

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students experiment with the alveoli by showing how nicotine, tar and carbon dioxide can affect the lungs. They role play being nicotine, carbon dioxide, tar, alveoli and cough.
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Growing Tomatoes from Seed

For Teachers 4th - 6th
In this growing tomatoes worksheet, students experience and participate in the process of growing tomatoes over a three or four month span of time. Students follow six directives in producing tomato plants.
Worksheet
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Making a Periscope

For Students 4th - 5th
In this designing a periscope worksheet, students follow the directions to collect materials and make a periscope. Students answer 5 questions.
Worksheet
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Mirror Writing

For Students 4th - 6th
In this mirror writing worksheet, students follow the directions to decide which alphabet letters are symmetrical. Students use a mirror and a white light as they work in partners to trace simple shapes.
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Growing Tomatoes From Seed Activity

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
In this growing tomatoes worksheet, young scholars plant tomato seeds in February, and follow their growth through the summer break. They observe and investigate the plant growth from seed to plant.
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Ocean Currents

For Teachers K - 11th
Learners discover the geography of Earth by analyzing water currents.  In this oceanography lesson, students create visual references on a map of the globe where and why major ocean currents are moving water.  Learners conduct...
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From Polymers to Bioplastics: Looking Toward Finding Renewable Resources

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students investigate the properties of polymers. In this chemistry lesson, students explain the importance of energy sources. They produce a bioplastic from the lab and evaluate its structural integrity.
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Stretcher Making

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students explore the human body by participating in a construction activity. In this health care lesson, students identify the uses and importance of having access to a stretcher when conducting emergency medical service. Students...
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String Telephone

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Pupils investigate sound as a form of energy. In this energy, forces, and sound lesson plan, students work in pairs to examine how sound travels through solid things as they construct a telephone exchange system using string and tin.
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Surface Tension and Bubbles

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate surface tension and bubbles. In this scientific inquiry lesson plan, students explore how the surface tension of water is able to support tiny objects that actually weigh more than the water as they collect date by...
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Apply Technological Design and Scientific Habits of Mind

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are introduced to the concepts involved in technological designs. In groups, they design and build a technology related item using research to backup why they have chosen that specific design. They experiment by varying...
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Investigating the Compost

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers are introduced to the concept of biodegradability. In groups, they use the internet to research the types of materials that affect the process. They collect materials from their local community and develop an experiment...
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Weather Proverbs

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers investigate various concepts related to weather. They conduct historical research to see how the study of weather originated and the application of the latest technologies in the field. Students summarize the information...
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Who Turned the Lights Out?

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Pupils discover the life cycle of butterfly by observing its growth from egg to caterpillar and the formation of its chrysalis. Students conduct an experiment in which they design housing for the chrysalises which are either in full...
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Molar Ratio

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students conduct an experiment in which they react sodium bicarbonate with hydrochloric acid to determine the molar ration between the two reactants. Students must write correct formula and a balanced chemical equation and explain how...
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Monster Magnet Rally

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars explore the properties of the N and S poles on a magnet. They attach small bar magnets to the top of "match box" cars and attempt to crash them into each other. They each write a summary describing their findings.