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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Discovering a Law of Space Physics

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners use data collected by an astronomer to determine the relationship between the time it takes the planet to orbit the sun and the average radius of the planet's orbit around the sun. Students use trial and error to find the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate Systems - Which Location Is Best For Me?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the difference between weather and climate.  In this climate systems lesson students search the Internet for the parts of the Earth's system, gather climate data and complete a challenge scenario. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Daily and Seasonal Cycles

For Teachers 1st
First graders identify the sun as a source of heat and light. They identify features of houses that help keep use sheltered and comfortable throughout daily and seasonal cycles. Students are told that summer is the best season to...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plate Tectonics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research separate elements of the theory of Plate Tectonics, then share that information with each other, drawing conclusions from the culminated information.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocks, Minerals, and Erosion

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders describe the difference between minerals (composed of the same substance throughout) and rocks (composed of two or more minerals). They recognize that there are three classes of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Structures and Behaviors of Planarians

For Teachers 2nd - 11th
Students investigate planaria of the phylum platyhelminthes. They use DigiScope technology to observe and describe the structure and movements of planarians.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sweet Candy Comets

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders use candy to make a comet. In this lesson, 4th graders examine the role comets have played throughout history, students watch NASA videos about comets and complete the lesson by making an edible model of a comet. This...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate Change & Coral Activities

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students study how the ocean stabilizes our planet's climates and how global warming is becoming a threat to this fine balance.  In this climate change instructional activity, students identify that fossil fuel emissions are responsible...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Galaxies

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders explore the structure and content of galaxies. Through discussion, lab, and hands-on activities, they discover the general structure of the three types of galaxies as well as the effect they have on the structure and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter in Motion

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders examine matter, what it is and what the different states are. In this matter activity students view The Magic School Bus Meets Molly Cule and answer questions.
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Lesson Plan
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Volcanoes And Atmospheres

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify the volcano as the primary source of atmospheric gases, to explain the formation of ozone, and to recognize the dangers of volcanic gases through the use of technology in the classroom.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Universe: Designed or Evolved?

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students brainstorm and write arguments for Evolution and Intelligent Design. They research the history of each of these ideas. They also examine the controversy of teaching one or both ideas in schools.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Students become familiar with coal as an energy source and how it is mined.  In this coal lesson plan, students research the effects of coal mining on the environment. Students discuss the various problems associated with coal mining....
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cyclic Universe: Worlds Without End

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students compare and contrast the Big Bang Theory and the Cyclic Universe Model. They explain basic properties of the univers which make life possible. They evaluate ideas about the origin of the universe as to their scientific value.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Triangulation to Locate Meteorites from Witnessed Falls

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers participate in a mock investigation in which they must interview and record data given by 3 people ("witnesses") in an effort to triangulate the location of a meteorite.
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Lesson Plan
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Getting to Know Soil

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students make predictions and analyze soil. In this soil properties lesson, students make predictions about soil properties for various soil samples. Students examine the types of soils and record their observations. Students analyze...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Big Bang Evidence

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders study the Big Bang theory.  In this big bang theory lesson students research the Internet and complete several activities and create a presentation.
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Lesson Plan
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Using the Very, Very Simple Climate Model in the Classroom

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study the relationship between the average global temperature and carbon dioxide emissions.  In this weather lesson students develop a test scenario using a model then read and interpret graphs of data. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ocean Botttom Profile

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students interpret a graph of ocean depths and topographic features. This task assesses students' abilities to interpret figures, organize and represent data, apply knowledge of scale to a profile, and apply theoretical knowledge.
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Lesson Plan
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Creating Public Awareness - Indoor Air Quality

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students design a poster about indoor air quality. In this indoor air quality lesson, students make a billboard that tells the occupants of a building about at least one air quality problem.
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Lesson Plan
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Using the Problem Solving Wheel

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Students solve problems about air quality. In this air quality lesson, students receive a scenario from the problem wheel and find solutions to the air quality problem. Students write a paragraph summarizing what they learned.
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Lesson Plan
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Movement of Air Diorama Activity

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners make a diorama to illustrate the process of mechanical airflow. In this movement of air lesson plan, students discuss ventilation and air movement indoors. Learners discuss ventilation systems and study pictures of the systems....
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Movement of Air Mind Map Activity

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Students explore the movement of air.  In this air lesson, students discuss and give examples of air ventilation.  Students compare outdoor and indoor air quality.  Students create mind maps as a visual representation of what they have...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding the Indoor Environment: The Movement of Air

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Young scholars discuss HVAC to assess prior knowledge. Students create a rubric to assess their modals of HVAC units, and build the models according to instructions and discussion by the teacher.