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Erupting Volcano
Fourth graders watch teacher conduct the following experiment. Wearing safety goggles and old clothing is advised. The experiment could ruin clothing and hurt unprotected eyes. Follow the steps below having students write down what they...
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Fishing gear
Students investigate he fishing gear and techniques utilized by commercial fishers in Magdalena Bay. They determine the ecological impacts of different fishing techniques.
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Geology/Earth Structure
Third graders examine the rock-soil cycle. They identify the steps and describe what happens. They also discover the three layers of soil.
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Fuel Cells
Young scholars examine how fuel cells and combustion engines work. Using the internet, they research the positives and negatives of the various energy sources. In groups, they complete an experiment with a working fuel cell model and...
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Looking at the Community Tree
Third graders review the characteristics of living and nonliving organisms. As a class, they observe a tree and describe the interactions between the living and nonliving organisms surrounding it. To end the instructional activity,...
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All I Want for Christmas is a Nice, Clean Earth
Young scholars observe properties of items, determine time it takes for organic/inorganic items to decompose, identify differences/similarities between decomposition, identify practical uses in litter/garbage control, & establish...
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The Wildland/Urban Interface Dilemma
Students examine all sides of the issues surrounding wildland fire. Groups assume the roles of different people who must decide what to do about a fictitious wildfire. They have a discussion to analyze the issue. A good, real life...
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The Opposable Thumb
Students explore the physical importance of the opposable thumb among primates. They discover which of their simplest daily activities are possible only because of their opposable thumbs.
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Machines: Useful But Dangerous
First graders study, observe, and use a simple machine. They study necessary safety and review posted safety rules related to using a machine and identify strategies for reporting any accidents or injuries.
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Shrink to Fit
Third graders review the characteristics of living and non-living organisms. After viewing a transparency of a forest scene, they complete a worksheet to identify what would be needed to make a small model of the forest having the same...
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Hide and Survive: A Natural Selection Activity
Students explore the theory of natural selection given certain scenarios. In this biology lesson, students graph data taken from the experiment. They explain the factors that contribute to the survival of the fittest.
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One Tough Worm
Students explain the process of chemosynthesis. They are able to explain the relevance of chemosynthesis to biological communities in the vicinity of cold seeps.
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Making Sense of Things: The Human Body and Senses
Students conduct an experiment to evaluate the accuracy of their senses.
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The Difference is the Truss
Students use a computer to simulate building and testing bridges with various types of trusses.
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Machines Use Energy
Third graders observe and discuss examples of friction. They discuss what experimentally increases and decreases friction. They then predict which surface will produce the most friction and verify the prediction.
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Habitat Is Home
Young scholars are introduced to the concept and components of a habitat. They discuss the key components of a habitat and describe how certain factors can cause disturbances in a habitat and change its population. Activities are leveled...
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Water Quality Monitoring
Students comprehend the four parameters of water quality. They perform tests for salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and clarity or turbidity. Students comprehend why scientists and environmental managers monitor water uality and aquatic...
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Photosynthesis and Respiration
Eighth graders differentiate photosynthesis and respiration. In this biology instructional activity, 8th graders draw a diagram explaining these two processes. They answer a quiz after the instructional activity.
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Clean Kansas Water
Students gain an understanding of ways we can be responsible custodians of our water supply. Students explore the governor's clean water initiative involving the Lower Kansas/Republican river basin and the pollutants present there.
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Cool, Clear Water - Or Is It?
Students use a problem solving method to offer a solution to one of the water quality problems within the Kansas Lower Republican River Basin. Groups research a problem area, then produce a skit, poem, song or story to illustrate the...
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Palm Use in Biology
Young scholars view bacteria through a microscope. They draw and label the bacteria using microbiology software loaded onto their Palms.
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Running Water/Rivers-Life Cycle
Students explore the parts of a river system and use topographical maps to determine the stage of the river.
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Tell Someone About Earth Day
Students discuss ways in which grown ups can save energy, money and the Earth in preparation for sending out Earth Day e-cards. They make an Earth Day action list.
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Water Quality and the St. Mary¿¿¿s River Project Monitoring
Students list different parameters of water and explain how each is important to the balance of the St. Mary ecosystem. They identify the different instruments and explain what they test.