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Distance Makes a Difference
Middle schoolers create a clay model of the Sun and Earth. In this space science lesson, students explain how distance affects the appearance of objects. They write a poem or riddle about the Sun in their journal.
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Geometry in Nature
Students examine how the circumference, diameter, and the relationship of Pi of a circle are related. They count the summer rings of a tree to determine its growth.
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Discovering Pi
Young scholars develop a formula that describes the functional relationship of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Working with a partner, they measure the diameter and circumference of circular objects in order to discover...
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The Gravity Of It All-Newton's Laws
Students experiment with the concept of Newton's second law of motion. After building a ramp, they determine whether a large marble or a small marble will move farther, based on Newton's law. Students record their data on the provided....
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Wide Open Spaces
Students examine the problem of groundwater pollution. In groups, they develop a solution to solve the problem of a local polluted water source. They also practice measuring the space between sediment particles and the rate of water flow.
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Boat Design
Students build a boat and make predictions. In this geometry lesson, students design a cargo boat. They must show that the boat they designed can carry the cargo.
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Focusing Light With a Lens
Students experiment with a converging lens. They observe the image of an object through a lens. They determine the magnification of the lens.
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Volume
Third graders complete scientific investigation to determine what volume is and how it is determined by size not by mass. They discuss what they know about volume before proceeding with the demonstration and experimentation. After the...
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Discovering The Ratio Pi And The Diameter
Students relate the ratio of Pi to the diameter of a circle. In this geometry lesson, students investigate the relationship of the chord of the circle the the number Pi. They define ration, chord, circumference and diameter and find...
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The Miracle Fish: Learning to Design an Experiment
Students 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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Shaquille O'Neal Hand/Foot Span
Eighth graders measure foot length and hand span in this experiment to determine the ratio. They apply the ratio to determine Shaquille O'Neal's hand span if given his shoe size.
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SURVIVING A COSMIC INVASION
Students read periodicals relating to radioacitivity and interpret a Geiger Counter. They work in small groups, share information and help each other explain the Geiger Counter. They discover the relationship distance to...
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Necessary Nitrogen
Students 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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Can you Find the Expression
Students collect data from measurements and weights for this experiment. In this algebra instructional activity, students analyze graphs they create form their data to find the expression representing the data. They label which graph...
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The Respiratory System
The student will calculate the vital capacity of the air in the lungs and trace the pathway of air into and out of the lungs. They describe the pressure changes that occur within the chest cavity when you breathe. They compare air that...
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A Closer Look at Wood
Pupils examine forests as a renewable resource and conservation practices. In this conifers lesson plan students complete a lab activity on the different types of wood.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Weight of Things
Pupils explore weight. In this math lesson plan, students predict which item weighs more and discuss how they arrived at their decision. Pupils weigh several items to determine which weighs more.
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How Can They Tell?
Pupils compare the characteristics of arcade tokens to those of a circulating U.S. quarter to determine how a video game can tell the difference between the two. They examine coins and arcade tokens very closely to observe the differences.
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Physical/Chemical Properties of a Burning Candle
Students investigate the physical and chemical properties of a candle before and after it is lit. They conduct a burning candle experiment, and complete a KWL chart and worksheet, recording the results of the investigation.
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Home Sweet Home
Learners examine the change in the diversity of animals living in an area before and after development. In order to do this, students need to have access to an area near their school which is undeveloped. A good, "real life" lesson plan.
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Household Chemicals & the Environment
Learners conduct a laboratory experiment designed to investigate the effects of chemicals, soil quality and pollution on seed growth and plant yield. They consider how best to maximize agriculture in the long term.
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Ecology and the Conservation of Natural Resources
Students examine the components of ecosystems. They compare and contrast an ecosystem to an aquatic ecosystem. They examine a local ecosystem and discuss its components.
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Science: Conditions for Slime Mold Survival
Students perform experiments to determine the nutritional needs and physical space requirements for slime mold to survive. After formulating hypotheses, they seal the petri dishes and set up the experiment along with two controls. ...
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Aluminum Foil Boats
Students design a boat of aluminum foil and calculate the density of the boat. Washers are added to the boat until it sinks. Students then redesign boat to hold more washers and recalculate the new density.