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The Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF)
Students design an experiment for NASA's STEREO/IMPACT mission to measure the interplanetary magnetic field. This lesson plan includes 3 excellent hands-on and critical thinking activities in which students explore magnetism in the solar...
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Extreme Flashlight Tag
Fifth graders view a Powerpoint show about reflecting light. They experiment through a reflection simulation on the internet. Students complete the activity by using mirrors and light to complete send light to a specified spot.
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TE Activity: Oil Spill Cleanup
Students experiment by creating an oil spill and trying a number of clean up methods. They determine which methods are the least costly and most effective. They role play as an environmental engineer and as an oil company owner who must...
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The Universe
Students describe what scientists mean by an "expanding universe" in their own words. They explain how scientists comprehend the universie is expanding. Students comprehend the vast scale of the universe. They comprehend how theory...
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Periodic Properties Lab
Students investigate the periodic properties of elements in the periodic table. For this periodic properties lesson plan, students experiment with elements from the Alkaline Earth Metals, the Halogens, the Transition Metals, and for...
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The History of Creation
Students explore the properties of matter. For this lesson about matter, students will do a series of experiments to enable them to understand about creation of the universe. In these some of the experiments students will makes stars,...
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How Trees Contribute to the Water Cycle
In this water cycle instructional activity, 3rd graders conduct an experiment where they observe and calculate how water transpires in different types of trees. Students engage in a class discussion and use Venn Diagrams to compare...
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Magnetism: What is a Magnetic Field?
Learners make a compass. For this magnetism lesson, students use the Internet to research magnetic fields and perform an experiment to find the magnetic fields around different magnets. Learners use the Internet to research compasses,...
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Hot Air
Students conduct an experiment to determine how hot air affect the path of laser. In this physics lesson, students explain why stars appear to twinkle at night. They discuss how light travels from space to Earth.
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Mountains "Fold, Fault, Erupt, and Erode"
Fifth graders conduct an experiment to demonstrate the folding and rippling of rock to form a mountain. They identify mountain chains on a map, participate in the demonstrations, and define folding fault block, igneous eruptions, igneous...
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Newton Gets Me Moving
Students discuss Newton's laws of motion. The conduct motion experiments by building "Newton Rocket Cars" from assorted materials. They propel the cars with rubber bands and wooden blocks and record the distance traveled on data sheets.
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Floodplain Modeling
Students simulate the impact of fluctuating river volumes on structures and landforms. They experiment with table top-sized riverbed models and water. Students consider how human design can help mitigate the effects of a flood.
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TE Lesson: Renewable Energy
Students examine renewable energy sources such as solar, water, and wind. They experiment to determine how renewable energy is transformed into electricity. They investigate the role of engineers who work in the field of renewable energy.
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Convection Currents
In this convection current worksheet, students experiment with hot water in a beaker and a colored ice cube to demonstrate how convection currents work. They record observations and answer questions.
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Dinosaurs
Students participate in a simulated archeological dig to gain an understanding of the earth's development as well as the organisms on it. In this dinosaur lesson plan, students work in small groups removing five pieces from the 'dig' one...
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The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
Learners explain the greenhouse effect. In this global warming instructional activity, students participate in an activity where they experience how greenhouses gases work and how they contribute to global warming. Learners complete a...
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Slinky Lab- Simulating the Motion of Earthquake Waves
Sixth graders simulate primary and secondary waves. In this earthquakes waves lesson plan, 6th graders experiment using a slinky to gain understanding of how waves are created during an earthquake. Students record observations in...
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Make It Rain!
Students complete an experiment. In this precipitation activity, students complete an activity where they make rain in a jar.
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Carbon Cycle Game
In this carbon cycle lesson, middle schoolers review the carbon cycle and visit stations in the room where they experience every phase in the carbon cycle. Students journal about their journey through the cycle and brainstorm ways humans...
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Flight
Learners are introduced to the four forces of flight--drag, lift, thrust, and weight--through a variety of fun-filled flight experiments. They "fly" for short periods and evaluate factors that might either increase or decrease their...
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Dimming The Sun
Students review the meanings of global warming and global dimming. While watching a video, they take notes on different aspects of the issue. In groups, they develop a list on what can be done to reduce global dimming. They...
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Going, Going, Gone!
Sixth graders use the scientific method to test variables of evaporation. In this evaporation lesson plan, 6th graders test a wet handprint on a paper towel and relate this experiment to weather conditions.
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Density and Convection Currents
Students listen as the teacher explains convection currents in the ocean. They experiment with finding a smoking match in the classroom with their eyes closed. Students discuss what might effect their ability to pinpoint the smoke...
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Center of Gravity
Fourth graders conduct experiments to identify the center of gravity. For this gravity lesson, 4th graders do two hands-on experiments to increase their understanding of this concept. This self-discovery lesson provides students with the...