Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Water Density Boundaries
Students create observable layers in water that represent a separation based upon density differences. They model density boundaries using differences in temperature and salinity. They, in groups, perform a meaningful experiment...
Curated OER
The Water Cycle
Students research the water cycle and identify main vocabulary associated with the water cycle. They build and observe a closed system model that demonstrates the water cycle in action.
Curated OER
Can't Bayou this Water Cycle
Students identify the stages in the water cycle. They observe a local water source and view the cycle in action. They create their own water cycle using software.
Curated OER
Avalanche
Students investigate the concept of avalanches and how they effect people who use the slopes. They conduct research using multiple resources that includes the internet in order to create a final oral presentation.
Curated OER
The Gene Scene
High schoolers investigate the concepts of micro and macro evolution. They also research the effects of mutations in the process of genetic adaptation to different environments. They develop a hypothesis of how the environment can...
Curated OER
Beaks To Survive
Students discuss and identify the types of adaptations that are made by different organisms in order for them to survive. In groups, they describe the features of beaks and discuss how it affects their chances for survival. They share...
Curated OER
Gwynns Falls
Students investigate the question: What is the impact of urban development and expansion on the health of a decidious forest ecosystem and humans? They examine the issue of land development by responding to a specific scenario and...
Curated OER
Average Vehicle Occupancy In Your Community
Students determine the average vehicle occupancy in their community. In this transportation lesson students develop and analyze a survey to determine attitudes towards air pollution and transportation.
Curated OER
Science: Testing Water for Toxicity
Students investigate the potential toxicity of water samples using California blackworms to test water quality. They observe the worms' behaviors in different water samples and determine which sample has the highest toxicity. At the...
Curated OER
Wind Gauges
Young scholars use FoilSim interactive software to become familiar with the way in which the flow of air across or around an airfoil affects its ability to create lift.
Curated OER
Design of Airfoils and Problem- Solving Using FoilSim
Ninth graders, after reading the explanation given below, complete the problem-solving activities to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts presented.
Curated OER
Temperature and Altitude
Students, after reading the explanation given below, use FoilSim to gather and record data on temperature and altitude generated by the FoilSim control panel.
Curated OER
Valley of the Butterflies
First graders explore why butterfly populations in Idaho's Lapwai Valley have decreased.
Curated OER
Environment: Understanding Change
Students predict changes that will occur in the environemt after trees are cut down around a house. They focus on changes in the hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. By examining the rings in a tree's trunk, they...
Curated OER
Sow Bug Habitats
Students conduct an experiment to determine what type of environment sow bugs prefer. They use petri dishes with partially wet paper towels to assess whether they prefer wet or dry habitats.
Curated OER
Seasonal Changes
Students examine wildflower data compiled from their student journals from the school year. They determine patterns of seasonal growth then use these patterns to predict patterns for missing data.
Curated OER
Coarl Reef Degradation
Students explore methods of preserving Hawaii's ocean ecosystem. Using underwater cameras, students take pictures of the underwater reef. They perform activities to determine the history and degradation of the coal reef. While...
Curated OER
You Decide
Fourth graders, who live on a Native American reservation, investigate how land management is addressed at Tribal Council meetings. They participate in a simulation of a meeting as the discover the workings of tribal government. They...
Curated OER
Thinking inside the Box: Dangers of Tanning Beds
Students research their assigned position pro- or con- for the statement "The use of tanning beds by teens should be regulated" and write a short position paper. They participate in a debate concerning the statement. Students write a one...
Curated OER
Biological Sampling Device Using a Sea Perch
Pupils construct plankton nets to be towed and collect specimens to be examined and analyzed in the classroom. They develop research skills through collection of an aquatic sample. They write lab reports after interpreting, identifying...
Curated OER
Attenuation of Light in Water
Students explore what happens to light intensity as depth increases using a light intensity logger. They construct a PVC model to hold water and identify what factors could influence the amount of light attenuation.
Curated OER
Underwater Habitats
Students make a hydrophone and attach it to their Sea Perch ROVs. They use the hydrophones in conjunction with the underwater cameras on the ROVs to explore their local aquatic environments.
Curated OER
Rainforest Deforestation and the Water Cycle
Students create terrariums (mini rainforests). They observe and discuss the life processes that occur in their terrariums and how changes in these processes affect the plants and organisms inside. They collect and graph data and present...