Lesson Plan
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How Shocking

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners describe the characteristics of polymers and rubbers and how they improve human lives.  In this shock lesson students build a shock absorbing structure using different polymer materials. 
Lesson Plan
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What's In Crude Oil?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate crude oil. In this crude oil lesson plan, students investigate fractional distillation and use this technique to separate two liquids.
Lesson Plan
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Experiments with Levers

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students investigate levers. In this simple machine lesson, students study levers and  the mechanical advantage of using levers. They will collect data and illustrate their systems for eight different tests.
Lesson Plan
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Calculator

For Teachers K - 4th
Students explore the calculator utility function on a Macintosh computer.  In this calculation lesson, students launch the calculator feature and complete a problem solving worksheet.
Lesson Plan
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Fling It

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the best design using technology. In this science lesson, students construct a freestanding object with specific materials to be able to shoot a ping pong ball and a marshmallow. They have to adjust and...
Lesson Plan
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Vegetable Olympics Shot Put

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students explore the distribution of plant seeds. In this science instructional activity, students discuss plants that explode in order to spread their seeds. Students create pea shooters and use dried peas to see how far they will travel.
Lesson Plan
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Reasons for the Seasons

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discover how the Earth's axis of rotation affects the angle of sunlight and the length of day. They take a survey and give the survey out to family members and friends. They tally their findings and then determine the correct...
Lesson Plan
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Glucose Factory

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders determine, through laboratory activity, the presence or absence of glucose in a variety of plant leaves and stems. They work in groups and perform a three part laboratory which shows them how plants convert sunlighht to food.
Lesson Plan
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Eek, It leaks!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers construct model landfill liners out of two-inch strips of garbage bags within resource constraints. The challenge is to construct a bag that will hold one cup of water without leaking. This represents similar challenges...
Worksheet
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Drop Zone Challenge

For Students 7th - 9th
In this physics worksheet, students construct a parachute using the materials listed on the sheet that will have the longest and closest target when dropped from a specific height. Then they record their results after three trials.
Lesson Plan
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Many Shapes and Sizes

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders read a story about body diversity.  In this health lesson, 2nd graders create body tracings that celebrate their unique shape and size.  Students research different ways to keep their body healthy. 
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Data-gathering Activities Relating to Trees in Their Environment

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students gather data relating to trees in their environment. In this biology lesson plan, students determine heights of trees and their ages. A canopy map will indicate optimal growing areas for the tree.
Lesson Plan
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Color Your World

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students calculate the cost of painting a room. In this surface area lesson, students create a scale model from provided dimensions of a bedroom. Groups use area formulas to find square footage, from which materials and labor costs are...
Lesson Plan
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Sunflowers

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students grow their own sunflower and create their own sunflower art work. In this sun flower lesson plan, students base their art work after Van Gogh and other artists that used sunflowers.
Lesson Plan
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Tower Power

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students explore basic building and engineering concepts by constructing a structure that supports weight. They demonstrate an understanding of basic business concepts by estimating the cost and value of a building.
Lesson Plan
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Leaf Magic

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders adopt a deciduous tree in September, and begin regular observations of their tree. They create a timeline to show how leaves change color and conduct a science experiment to illustrate color change.