Curated OER
Learning From Leaves: From Observation to Inference
Young scholars examine the adaptation of plants to their environments. They analyze and observe the structure, shape, and internal structure of various leaves, and make inferences about the structures.
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Earth Pockets
Students identify the Earth's natural resources. In this Earth science lesson, students read the book The Great Kapok Tree and discuss types of natural resources. Students use categories such as wood, paper, and trees and list items that...
Michigan Sea Grant
Fish Life Cycle
Fish are no different when it comes to a living being's primary objective—to reproduce. They do differ, including from fish species to fish species, in their life cycles, survival tactics and reproductive strategies. After discussion of...
Curated OER
Species at Risk: Recovery Teams to the Rescue!
Sixth graders discuss how certain species and plants are deemed endangered. They work together in conservation recovery teams to research an endangered species. Then they explore efforts to make sure that the existence of these species...
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Dinosaurs 1: Where are the Dinosaurs?
Students study dinosaurs and explore the concept of extinction. In this dinosaur lesson students create dinosaur eggs and view dinosaur dioramas.
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A Penguin is a Bird
Students compare and contrast the ways that penguins are different to flying birds.
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Biodiversity - Does It Really Matter?
Students examine biodiversity, ecosystems, and extinction. They are divided into groups to discuss why they think biodiversity is important.
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Variations for Survival
Fifth graders examine two related organisms that live in different environments and compare how the physical characteristics of each organism provided it with survival advantages unique to its own environment.
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Ecosystems
Young scholars work in small groups to create a poster illustrating the flow of energy through a typical ecosystem, then present their posters to the class.
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The Big Wet
Students research areas of Australia and other parts of the world characterized by a tropical wet and dry climate.
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Are You Getting Thirsty?
Students study droughts and how they affect communities and coastal ecosystems. In this ecosystems lesson plan students use data to examine drought conditions in certain areas.
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Is It Getting Hot In Here?
Students describe several factors and ways climate change could effect communities. In this climate change lesson students research climate change and complete a worksheet.
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Understanding Estuaries
Students work together to develop their own estuarine ecosystem in an aquarium. They observe the aquarium daily and record them in a notebook. They discuss the different interactions they see with the class.
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Skates
Students gain understanding of structure, characteristics, and basic needs of living things and their role in world, identify parts of skate, observe details of skate's body and skate egg case, and identify unique characteristics of skates.
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Birds of Wisconsin
First graders explore the job done by ornithologists. They role play identifying the characteristics that make a bird a bird. They discuss what makes each bird species unique. Students are introduced to Wisconsin's most common and rare...
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Architecture : A Reflection of Our Times
Students explore types of architecture and how it has changed throughout history. They predict what homes of the future may look like. Students investigate a variety of well known architects from around the world and from different...
Curated OER
Hide & Seek Butterflies
Students examine a variety of butterflies and discuss how they believe they get their color variations. In groups, they brainstorm the advantages and disadvantages of their color schemes. To end the lesson, they watch butterflies in...
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Ocean Microstructure Lesson Plan
Students explore the microstructure of the ocean by analyzing graphs created by Dr. Mike Gregg of the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory during the EPIC 2001 research cruise on the Ronald H. Brown NOAA vessel.
Curated OER
Ocean Microstructure
Students assess the ocean's microstructure by analyzing graphs created during tne Ronald H.Brown research cruise. they discuss at what depths various sea animals live and write paragraphs on data analysis from the graphs.
Curated OER
Carnivorous Plants: A Bugs Nightmare!
Students research carnivorous plants and how they trap insects. They role play as botanists to write a research field guide about a newly discovered imaginary carnivorous plant.
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Where Are the Dinosaurs?
Students explore what the dinosaurs were like. In this dinosaur lesson, the teacher peaks student curiosity about dinosaurs. This lesson would be a great starting point for a dinosaur unit since it primarily engages student interest and...
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Save Me: Mother Earth
Students read stories and articles about protecting the Earth. They collect data for a computer generated graph, and provide a key to show what the symbols represent.
Curated OER
Creating Communities
Students design a community with minimal environmental impact. They rate each other's community's presentation using the "Planning and Zoning Commission Rating Scale".