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Bermuda: Search for Deep Water Caves 2009: Out of Darkness
Students analyze the three models on the origin of troglobitic fauna. For this life science lesson, students also consider how the Zonation model explains the fauna's origin. They also use the Internet to research solutional and volcanic...
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So, What's it Doing Today?
Students describe short-term variations in oceanographic parameters in the Gulf Stream. In this ocean habitats lesson students use satellite imagery to obtain information in the Gulf Stream.
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Keep it Complex
Students consider the importance of biodiversity in the ocean layers. In this oceanography lesson, students use the Shannon-Weaver diversity index to analyze data. Students analyze the information collected and write a report...
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African Savanna
First graders are introduced to the ecosystems of savannas throughout the world. Using new vocabulary, they identify and describe the characteristics of a savanna and the animals that live there. They also describe the Earth's physical...
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What Are Ecosystems?
Third graders recognize and examine ecosystems. They observe and describe habitats within ecosystems and observe and identify organisms with similar needs that compete for resources.
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"Julie of the Wolves"
Fifth graders research life in Alaska and compare life there to their lives in this lesson. They read "Julie of the Wolves." They research through the novel and other reference books facts about the Alaskan climate and geography. They...
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Reef Fish Real Estate in the South Atlantic Bight
Young scholars research a species of reef fish to determine its habitat requirements as both a juvenile and an adult. They use this information to create a pamphlet in the style of a real estate brochure that describe the habitat and...
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Native vs. Non-native Species: Who Will Win?
Young scholars examine non-native species and the problems they have caused in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. They create a "Wanted" poster for one of the species. They describe the effects of non-native species on the schoolyard...
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Science: Where the Worms Live
Students build mine-earthworm habitats to discover their niche in them. They make predictions about what the niche looks like in a week and draw a picture of it. Students notice the tunnels in the soil and how the sand and dirt are now...
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Monsters of the Deep
Students describe major features of cold seep communities and list the organisms that are typical in these communities. In this deep sea environment lesson students work in groups and research their given cold seep group.
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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 plan students research climate change and complete a worksheet.
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Species on the Edge
Learners examine sea turtles. In this endangered species lesson, students analyze sea turtle habitats. Learners hypothesize why sea turtles could go extinct.
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Food Web Mystery
Young scholars describe typical marine food webs, and explain why food is generally scarce in the deep-ocean environment. They discuss reasons that seamounts may support a higher density of biological organisms than would appear to be...
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Organisms and Their Environment
Learners explore Earth's biosphere. In this biosphere instructional activity, students participate in group activities regarding biotic and abiotic factors, population density, and species' habitats.
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Make it a habitat
Students consider the adaptation of life forms through natural selection to fill various niches and accommodate changing environmental conditions. They select an ecosystem and conduct research to provide as much detailed information as...
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I See a Coyote
Students role-play coyotes looking for natural resources. In this natural resources lesson plan, students examine the relationship between animal life and the environment. Students play a game that demonstrates how natural...
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Ecosystem Interactions in Refuges
Seventh graders, using national parks as models, illustrate the energy flow in ecosystems. Working in groups, they use murals, flow charts, or other visual displays to record their findings. Students represent the food chains and webs...
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Biological Sciences
Students examine biodiversity and interrelatedness concepts. In this ecology instructional activity students go on a field trip and fill out a data sheet.
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Galapagos Adaptations
Students examine photographs of closely related species found in the Gal??pagos environment, observe differences and similarities between species, and form hypotheses about species differences and the relationship to the environment of...
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Basic Needs of Plants
Fourth graders explore the four basic needs of plants. They examine plants as they grow. Students discuss the changes that they see in the growing plants. They observe what happens to a plant when one of its basic needs is taken away.
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Polar Bears in Houston
First graders read a book about animal babies from the Arctic and discuss what a polar bear needs to survive. They design a suitable zoo habitat for a polar bear using crayons and paper.
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My Habitat Address
Sixth graders draw a habitat and write about what they would need to survive in the habitat. They define the input of items such as materials, energy, and information, and what goes out of the habitat. They play a "Habitat Address" game,...
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Let's Go to the Video Tape!
Students examine biological diversity and see how it relates to the concepts of variety and relative abundance. In this investigative lesson students view a video on biodiversity and complete an activity.