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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reading the Periodic Table

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the structure and function of the periodic table of elements. Though memorization drills and games, students working in pairs, identify the elements of the periodic table, their grouping, their properties and their...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to Constellations

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine constellations. In this astronomy lesson plan, students study various constellations and identify five major constellations. They will construct a model of one of the constellations.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Going in Cycles: The Life of an Aluminum Can

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the life cycle of aluminum cans. In this recycling instructional activity, students review the manufacturing process and how to make a closed loop cycle. Students also have the opportunity to present what they've...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Working for Water

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine the ways that government works to help improve aquatic habitats. In this water habitats lesson students view a video and plan a school restoration project. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Baleen Whales vs. Toothed Whales

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders review mammal characteristics and study two types of whales. In this mammal study lesson, 2nd graders discuss mammals and define their five characteristics. Students complete a whale worksheet and define differences...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Day an Egg Solved the Mystery of the Cell

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students conduct an experiment comparing human cells to chicken cells. In this cells lesson plan, students conduct an experiment to see how nutrition moves through cells and how to better take care of their bodies.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Incredible Light Bulb-Egg Drop Challenge

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine how spacecraft land on Mars. Using eggs or lightbulbs, they design a craft that withstand a drop from a table or ladder, competing in groups to see which module demonstrates the most successful landing.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Nitrogen Cycle

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Students design and create a compost pile in order to study the Nitrogen Cycle. They then use the scientific method to determine if plants grow better when they add organic matter from their compost pile to the plant's soil.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Corals and Coral Reefs

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students label the continents, oceans, and seas on a provided world map and use it to determine where they would expect most of the world's coral reefs to be found based on provided information the teacher has read to them.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ocean Zones

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students create a mural showing ocean zones and the diversity of ocean life. They use reference books to create a list of plants and animals that would live in each zone.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comets And Meteor Showers

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students fill in a diagram of a comet. They listen to a short lecture, view flash animation descriptions of comets and meteors and then use the presented information to complete a worksheet.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Minnesota Ospreys and Migration

For Teachers 7th - 9th
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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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Ultimate Predator

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students listen to a lecture by the teacher about the "Ultimate Predator." They design a new "Ultimate Predator." Students present their creations to the class and attempt to convince their classmates that their predator is indeed the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Night Sky

For Teachers K - 1st
Young scholars discover why stars can only be seen at night. They participate in a read aloud of, "Night Sky" by Carole Stott and, "Switch on the Night" by Ray Bradbury. Using the sky objects described in the readings, they brainstorm...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

HAPPY SOIL, SAD SOIL

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students will be able to identify the characteristics of healthy soil and unhealthy soil.Take the class outside to an area of thick grass near trees, if available. Compare the clothes people wear to the thin cover. Discuss the reasons...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

LOSING GROUND

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students will observe wind erosion and how crop residue prevents erosion.Point out the three kinds of fields to the students. Do as much or as little instruction as needed to explain the pan with crop residue. Conservation tillage...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Unit 3 Cell Structures: Cell Theory & Organelles

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Learners examine cell structures in depth. They decide what grade they want to work for and do the assignments for that grade. They complete various assignments on cell theory and organelles.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Features as a Resource

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students investigate how land and water can meet basic needs. In this natural resources lesson, students locate water features on a Landscape Picture Map and describe how water is used to meet their needs.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Lives Here?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students examine water conservation efforts in desert regions as they act as members of a city council committee investigating the issue in a...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Landscape Picture Map

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore pollution of water sources. In this ecology activity, students define and identify natural resources. Students use map skills to locate local rivers and lakes used for recreation. Students brainstorm ways in which to...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Plants Spiral Puzzle

For Students 4th - 6th
In this plants crossword, students solve clues for parts and definitions of plants to complete the crossword. Students complete 8 spaces in the crossword.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Plants-Missing Letters Spelling Activity

For Students 3rd - 5th
In this plant spelling worksheet, students are given definitions of words related to plants and fill in the missing letters to finish the matching word. A reference web site is given for additional activities.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Archaeology and Prehistoric Native Americans

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the terms paleontology and archaeology and examine how they can help us learn about prehistoric Native Iowans.  In this archaeology lesson students discuss these terms and view a video on Native Americans. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

This One is for the Birds

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers create a bird feeder to form their technological skills and create a better bond with nature. In this nature lesson plan, students use websites, technology, brainstorm ideas, and build models.