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Understanding a Geological Map
Students identify different types of maps and observe a geological map. In this geology instructional activity students create a replica map of a geological area that includes a key.
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Cold Fronts
Students determine its' direction of movement, and list at least five weather conditions associated with the specific front, given animations of several atmospheric variables during a cold front passage. They list at least three weather...
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Whole Lotta Shaking Going On
Students explore earthquake activity in California. They observe the historical data and create databases and graphs of the earthquakes. Students analyze the data and form a hypothesis about future earthquakes.
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Igneous Rock Formation
Fifth graders use the computer lab to search for answers to questions on their workshet. They discuss the creation of igneouss rocks and listen as the teacher lectures about lava. Students follow directions to mix a batch of salt dough...
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Using the Very, Very Simple Climate Model in the Classroom
Learners study the relationship between the average global temperature and carbon dioxide emissions. In this weather activity students develop a test scenario using a model then read and interpret graphs of data.
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The Robot Explorer
Students design a robotic vehicle to explore underwater caves. In this robot technology lesson, students brainstorm, research, and report about a robotic vehicle design capable of sensing objects and taking appropriate actions to avoid...
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It's Time to Make Time!
Students explore the evolution of time measurement, and explain the relationship of sunrise/sunset to length of daylight. They collect data and calculations to determine length of daylight during a given day.
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Climate Patterns across the United States
Students articulate differences between climate and weather using examples in a written statement. Using climate data from across the country, they describe climate patterns for various parts of the United States on a map. Students...
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Geological Maps of the Western Regions
Students study the geological makeup of the West. In this geological maps lesson plan students creat a map that includes a key and present it to the class.
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TE Activity: A Roundabout Way to Mars
Learners investigate Hohmann orbit transfers using cardboard and string while focusing on the orbits of Earth and Mars. They look at the planets orbits around the sun and transfer orbit form one planet to another to determine what a...
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Acid Rain
Students use real-time weather maps to determine the likelihood of acid rainfall in a region. Students apply their understanding of interaction between weather systems, land and air pollution, to address acid rain and the effects on...
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Dinosaurs Were Real!
Students investigate the history of dinosaurs, as real animals. In this dinosaur lesson plan, students examine basic concepts that help them understand the history of all life. Included in this article is information on the world of the...
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LCROSS Moon Mission
Students read to discover the sequence of events of the LCROSS moon mission. In this space science instructional activity, students read an article about the LCROSS moon mission and the events that took place. After reading,...
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Exploring the Dynamic Nature of the Sun
Students compare and contrast images of the sun taken at different times and viewed at different scales. They record their observations in a journal and create a graphic organizer to help analyze their observations.
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Watch the Sky for Lightning
Students identify lightning in pictures from the provided Internet site. They study a definition of lightning as a form of heat energy that can be dangerous. They state and illustrate a minimum of three lightning safety rules.
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Lahar Travel Time
Ninth graders analyze published geologic hazard maps of California and comprehend how to use the map's information to identify evidence of geologic events of the past and present and predict geologic changes in the future. They select...
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Sustainable Development
Twelfth graders explore the difference between natural and man-made environments. In this renewable resources lesson students evaluate the economic importance of resources.
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Mobile Phones
Investigate how mobile phones impact their lives through this technology lesson that has students discuss the history of the cell phone and research how cell phones are being used in third world countries. Students create a blog for new...
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Asteroids
Students examine a potential asteroid impact site. They describe evidence and theories for extinction events.
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Testing the Caverns
Students build model caverns using paper mache or clay and bury them in a tray of sand. They test the models by dropping balls onto them to simulate an asteroid hitting the earth. They evaluate the effectiveness of a structure against...
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Exploration to Mars... or Not? An Exercise with Split-Screen Electronic Peer Review
Students use split-screen technology which is utilized for an electronic peer review assignment that has students justify whether humans should continue their investigations of the Red Planet or not.
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GMOs: Should We Grow Them?
Students examine the ethics of biotechnology and genetically modifying various organisms. They complete various activities and labs on GMOs and then write a position paper regarding their individual opinions on the subject.
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A Look At Sunspots
Students research how the development of new technology has increased our knowledge of how the sun works. This lesson is part of a three-part series aimed at showing students how our knowledge of the universe must be inferred through the...
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Classification of Minerals
Students identify a specific mineral using Moh's Scale of Hardness. They also conduct research about the mineral looking for factors such as value, abundance ,location, and current uses. The lesson integrates technology with the making...