Cornell University
Renewable Resins and Composites
Merge chemistry with environmental science to study biodegradable materials. An engaging activity allows learners to experiment with different resin concentrations and composites. Through experimental tests, scholars test their creations...
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Short Story
Seventh graders identify the various elements of a short story. After reading Rudyard Kipling's short story, "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," students identify the author's purpose in writing the story as well as the elements that make it a short...
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Lake and Pond Study
Learners examine the habitat and community structure of a pond that could support Ospreys through games and worksheets. They then go on a field trip to a pond to evaluate the suitability of the pond as an Osprey habitat.
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Minnesota Ospreys and Migration
Students explore the route that Minnesota ospreys follow during spring and fall migration. They describe the important ecological characteristics of the places that ospreys pass through during their migration. They determine where...
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The Science of Respiration and Blood Circulation
Fifth graders study how respiration and circulation are connected. In this respiratory lesson students complete several activities to better understand heart rate and carbon dioxide in the body.
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Bird Interdisciplinary Possibilities
Students explore birds, their territory, breeding, and seasonal movement. They research and collect information on birds through writing letters to ornithologists, reading in books, comparing web sites, and observing pictures. Students...
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Buoyancy: Who Sank the Boat?
Students examine whether objects will sink or float. In this buoyancy instructional activity students bring in objects and experiment to see if they sink or float.
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Animal Kingdom Characteristics using Microsoft Access
Students create a computer database to discover relationships present in the Animal Kingdom. In this classification lesson, students enter data into a Microsoft Access database. They answer questions on a worksheet and create a visual...
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Lesson Exchange: Species Interactions (Senior, Science)
Twelfth graders explain relationships and interactions between species, the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche. They explore the various species interactions from their classmates through the jigsaw activity.
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Being Productive in the Arctic Ocean
Students identify the three realms of the Arctic Ocean, and describe the relationships between these realms. They identify major factors that limit primary productivity in the Arctic Ocean.
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Survivors on the Ocean Ridge
High schoolers discover the uniqueness of deep sea hydrothermal vent organisms through an exploration of the NOAA Galapagos Rift Expedition. They study the genetics and evolution of a shrimp species that lives near the vents then they...
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Polar Bear Panic!
Students identify the three realms of the Arctic Ocean, and describe the relationships between these realms. They graphically analyze data on sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean, and recognize a trend in these data.
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The Food Chain Game - A Lesson in Ecosystems
Students are divided into three groups, herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores which receive a certain number of lives. Once in their ecosystem (outside or the gym), the carnivores chase and eat either the herbivores or omnivores, the...
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Land Formations
Second graders explore land formations. In this science lesson plan, 2nd graders develop an understanding of how land is naturally developed, investigate several land formations as well as earth science and chemical terminology, and ...
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Water filtration with Plants
Sixth graders explain how soil and plants effect contaminated water in nature. In this filtration lesson, 6th graders work in groups to test biofiltration units. Students determine which biofiltration units work best and how they can...
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Growing A Coral Skeleton
Learners research the growth of coral. In this coral polyps lesson, students simulate the growth of coral by using available materials to grow crystals. Learners record observations in a scientific journal.
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Collect Data Using a Transect Line
Middle schoolers learn about transect lines through a study of marine debris. In this marine debris lesson, students calculate the items on a transect line and graph them. Middle schoolers complete a category worksheet.
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The Great MPA Debate
Students study the 'Marine Protected Areas' process. In this ocean lesson students work in groups, conduct research and present it to the class.
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My Favorite Meal
Students investigate ecological systems and the multiple uses of the environment by studying the osprey population.
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Dirt: Making Dirty Water Clean!
Fourth graders study soil and water. In this water lesson students work in groups and use a filter to clean water.
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Artist's Work/Artist's Voice: Louis I. Kahn
Students explore the process of construction and architecture. In this construction research lesson, students complete image based discussion activities and three related activities for architecture and design.
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Cranes, Crosswalks, and Big Gulps
Students watch a video and answer questions based on wildlife jobs. In this wildlife lesson plan, students learn that biologists don't just play with animals but that there is a lot of study involved.
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The Puzzle of the Ice Age Americans
Students describe alternative theories for how the first humans came to the Americas, and explain evidence that supports or contradicts these theories. They examine the role of skepticism in scientific inquiries.
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From the Gulf of Mexico to the Moons of Jupiter
High schoolers compare deep ocean conditions to those found on the moons of Jupiter. In this Earth science instructional activity, students consider the possibilities and conditions needed to support simple life. High schoolers examine...