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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You're as Cold as Ice!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the movement of glaciers and how they have affected the Earth.  In this geology lesson students simulate the effects glaciers have on landscape and watch video segments. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Grand Canyon

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study the Grand Canyon. They research the Grand Canyon and locate the Colorado River on the map of Arizona. They discuss erosion and read how sedimentary rock was formed. They view photographs of the Grand Canyon and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Sandstone & Conglomerate - An Introduction to Sedimentary Rocks

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students review the three types of rocks and the rock cycle. They participate in an experiment in which they discover the lithification process of sedimentary rocks. They record and share their observations.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock Cycle

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders participate in a Rock Cycle game to gain an understanding of the cycles that form metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cruising the Mantle

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students explore the plate boundaries of the earth. Through the use of video, internet and hands-on activities, students examine the types of plate boundaries. They create a model to illustrate the movement and interaction of the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ride the Rock Cycle

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students identify the steps in the rock cycle. They complete a K-W-L chart before the activity begins. They answer questions about the stages to complete the activity.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bhutan, the Last Shangri-La: Sandwich Squash: How the Himalayas Were Formed

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create and record a model of mountain formation. They identify major mountain building formations. Students understand how the Himalaya Mountains were formed, why they are located near Bhutan, and why they are becoming larger.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecoregions of Texas

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders discuss why hunter-gatherers might have favored certain areas in which to live. In pairs, they research specific regions to examine in depth. Students present their eco-region vegetation findings (in this case Central...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock Cycles, Crayon Cycles

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine the rock cycle and the path that rocks go through to rearranged in different ways. They define key vocabulary terms, then in small groups conduct a variety of experiments using crayon shavings as simulated rocks and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocks and Their Properties: Day 5

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars demonstrate their knowledge of rock formation processes in varied ways by sharing their cooperative research projects with the class. They generate well-framed questions in response to each presentation.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Effects of Volcanoes

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students use the internet to research the effects of volcanoes. They create a chart showing the negative and positive aspects that a volcanoe can bring to an area. Using PowerPoint, they create a presentation showing the negative and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creating Journals

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students take a virtual tour of Yosemite and selects photographs to use in their journal.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ride the Rock Cycle

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students examine the steps of the rock cycle. They describe what happens to the rocks in each of the stages. They participate in a rock cycle game to help them with the steps.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ocean Botttom Profile

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students interpret a graph of ocean depths and topographic features. This task assesses students' abilities to interpret figures, organize and represent data, apply knowledge of scale to a profile, and apply theoretical knowledge.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creeping

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars observe, measure, and graph a model of slow down slope movement representing soil creep. This task assesses students' abilities to collect, record, and organize data, set up graph axes, plot data points, draw line graphs,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Probing Under the Surface

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders use a measuring stick to determine the shape of the inside of the bottom of a box, then apply their knowledge to an additional situation. This task assesses students' abilities to make simple observations, collect and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

River Planning

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students use a model to conduct an experiment involving dam construction. Based on their observations, they draw conclusions about social, economic, and and environmental issues and make a decision concerning dam location. As a group,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pass the Plate

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students define constructive forces. They describe how landforms are created as a result of constructive forces. Students recognize active volcano areas in the United States. They demonstrate an understanding of Panagea.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth System Science

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the Earth and its ability to support life. They discuss the geosphere and the water cycle and complete the Water Wonders activity. After completing the activity, they respond in their journals and reflect upon the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sedimentation

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students are introduced to the various types of sedimentation. In groups, they define the term and research what causes it to happen. They compare and contrast the different types of sedimentation and research how it occurs off of Cape...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Thoreau Look at Our Environment

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders write journal entries o school site at least once during each season, including sketched and written observations of present environment. They can use sample topographical maps and student's own maps. Students can use...