Lesson Plan
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Reaching Into Your Genes

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners interact with a video to explore the basis for the science of chromosomes. They perform a chromosomal analysis called a karyotype and explore how seemingly minute errors in chromosomes can lead to devastating illnesses.
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What a Square

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students examine the painting "Old Man With A Gold Chain" by Rembrandt. They identify geometric shapes in the painting, measure these shapes and compare the relationships of these measurements.
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Pumpkin Play

For Teachers K
Have you ever examined a pumpkin and estimated the number of lines it has? In this math lesson, students count the actual number of lines, record and graph the results. They investigate the circumference, weight and buoyancy of the...
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A Hilly Ride

For Teachers 5th
Different types of energy are the focus of this science resource. Learners identify situations in which kinetic and potential energy are exchanged. They conduct an in-class inquiry which leads them to discover that there is a limit to...
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Why Are Cells So Small?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine the relationship between cell surface area and the ability of materials to diffuse through a cell. They participate in an experiment in which they determine which materials diffuse easier than others. They...
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The Miracle Fish: Learning to Design an Experiment

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars develop procedures to explore the behavior of fish.  In this scientific experiment lesson students from a hypothesis, write a question, identify different variables and controls in their experiment. 
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How Do Organisms Vary?

For Teachers K - 8th
Students study variation of organisms. They determine this variation arises from genetic and environmental causes.
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Necessary Nitrogen

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners view a video that presents the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen. They compare types of soils and consider how different fertilizers affect soil composition.
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Analysis of Lobster Claw Function. An Exercise in Biomechanics

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students observe two chelae. They write three differences they observe in their notebooks. Students suggest a hypothesis which would explain these differences. They dissect the chela. Students analyze the lobster claw as a mechanical lever.
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Was Kepler Correct?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the elliptical orbit around the Sun. They use the information gathered to measure the distance to the Sun from the closest orbital point and the farthest orbital point.
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Change It

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders expand their knowledge about how the physical properties of a substances can be changed. They are given multiple opportunities, using first-hand experiences and familiar objects in different contexts, to identify...
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Farming Fantastic Friends

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders demonstrate scientific inquiry to design and perform an experiment involving Grow Creatures. They participate in a class discussion, and in small groups design an experiment that determines how to change the materials to...
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Building With Triangles

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders use two different techniques to construct triangles with specific dimensions. They determine how to construct nets for three-dimensional objects focusing on those made with equilateral triangles. They are able to name the...
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Leaping Lemurs! How far can you jump?

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Learners watch a segment of the PBS video which show the lemurs' ability to jump. In pairs, students collect measurement data involving each other's length of a standard step, a standing broad jump, and a long jump. They record their...
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Distance over Time

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Young scholars analyze velocity and how it is determined. They experiment with velocity in order to measure and calculate the magnitude of speed. They use examples in their novel "Skateboard Renegade" to relate velocity to real life...
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Can you Find the Expression

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students collect data from measurements and weights for this experiment. In this algebra lesson plan, students analyze graphs they create form their data to find the expression representing the data. They label which graph provided the...
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A Hilly Ride

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate situations that show how kinetic and potential energy are exchanged. They determine how friction is a source of energy transfer from kinetic to thermal energy by experimenting with a car and track. They answer...
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Mapping A Stream

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars participate in mapping an actual waterway. They include reach lengths, transects, compass reading, and scale determinations. They include windfalls, plant cover, types of streambed composition, and landmarks such as...
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Team Puzzles

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders work in co-operative teams of four to complete a puzzle. Each student initially works independently, and then the team jointly puts together the four shapes they have individually made, to complete the puzzle.
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Make a Zoo

For Teachers 4th
In this unit students work in groups to find out about an endangered animal species. They design a zoo enclosure for the animal and build a scale model. Together the class constructs a zoo! In the process of planning and building the zoo...