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Forces of Nature: Ring of Fire
Third graders will research the Ring of Fire and be able to share their findings with their partner. They will also demonstrate volcanic eruptions using a baking soda and vinegar volcano model. Then they will discover how continental...
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Structure of the Earth
Eighth graders examine the forces that are constantly acting on the Earth. They describe the theory of tectonic plates and demonstrate the two kinds of earthquake waves. They also examine the role of volcanoes in the structure of the...
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Simple Machines
First graders discuss work, force, and energy. They study how work is done. Students discuss various types of work that are done. They act out how work is done. Student draw pictures of types of work they have done.
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Sandscapes to Landscapes
Young scholars explore landscapes and create their own in a creative project.
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How Wind Works
Second graders investigate the process that creates wind. In this wind lesson, 2nd graders create a wind diagram. Students write an essay to accompany their diagram.
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Water Cycle
Learners identify the different stages in the water cycle. In this earth science lesson, students calculate the residence time of water in oceans using a mathematical formula. They explain how this cycle regulates the Earth's climate.
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Ocean Currents
Students label the names, relative temperature, distribution, and direction of flow of major ocean currents on a world map. They also explore and model the natural forces that affect the movement of ocean currents through demonstrations...
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Lesson: Sand and Water
Students review background information about water tension and adhesive forces on sand. In this sand science lesson, students visit a beach and have a sand building competition near water and away from it. Students discuss water tension...
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Weather and Wind
Learners study wind and its effect on weather. In this investigative instructional activity students write a report on wind and weather and create a movement sequence.
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Stressed to a Fault!
Eighth graders describe how stress builds up in the Earth's crust by the movement of tectonic plates. In groups, they relate the three types of stresses to the types of plate movements and explain how the stress causes faults to form. ...
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Dig Into Ireland
Students explore environments and wildlife of Ireland to find out how they were formed, and how they helped form Irish culture. Students research online to determine connections between present elements in Irish culture and wildlife and...
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Prairie Scavenger Hunt
Middle schoolers take a close look at the prairie environment. They identify common plants and animals of the prairie. In addition, pupils work in teams in order to put together a presentation on a certain aspect of the prairie...
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Kalahari Explorations
Students research the area of the Kalahari Desert. They use the online and print resources and evaluate the information they find. They present their information to the class.
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Landforms of Illinois
Fifth and sixth graders are introduced to the primary landforms of Illinois and discover how they were created. Landform cards are made for each pupil. They use the twenty-questions format until they have identified each one. Then,...
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Prairie Scavenger Hunt
Learners search for a variety of items while visiting a Listening to the Prarie exhibition.
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Mud Fossils
Young scholars observe real fossils. For this science lesson, students make their own mud fossils by pressing material into the mud and letting it dry in the sun for 3-4 days. Young scholars then get the fossils out displaying...
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Journey to Gettysburg
Young scholars use latitude and longitude to map the path of the Battle of Gettysburg.
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Landforms of Illinois
Pupils discover the primary landforms of Illinois. They examine how those landforms were formed as well. In groups, they research one of the landforms from their vocabulary list. They create their landform in a shoebox and present it to...
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Seasons
First graders create a KWL chart about the four seasons. In this four seasons lesson plan, 1st graders continue the chart by watching videos and drawings.
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2.2: Sedimentary Rocks
Second graders discuss the geologic rock cycle and work with their group to simulate creating a sedimentary rock. They conduct an experiment that demonstrates the sedimentary process and draw the steps of the rock cycle.
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Earthquake Proof Structures
Eighth graders build a structure that is able to withstand a simulated earthquake. They research earthquakes, earthquake measurement, and society's preparation for and reaction to them. Pupils build models and present them to the...
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Eco-Kids: How Students Can Help Save the World
Fourth graders identify the different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. For this ecology lesson, 4th graders create models of wind mills and hydropower. They discuss the pros and cons of using alternative forms of energy.
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Global Conflict: Kashmir
Students analyze different maps of the region. They create a timeline of the area in dispute, focusing on the creation of Pakistan, Indi and Kashmir and previous conflicts between Pakistan and India over Kashmir. Students construct a...
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Principles Of Flight: Wings That Spin
Students discover how flight is possible. In this physics lesson, students investigate the properties of a blimp and gyro-copter, comparing rotating wings and fixed wings of aircraft. Students create their own model aircraft...