Aquarium of the Pacific
Ecosystem Comparison
Fifth graders examine plants and animals in two ecosystems and compare them. In this ecosystem survival lesson, 5th graders compare and contrast a coral reef and kelp forest ecosystem. Students investigate the abiotic and biotic factors...
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Weather, Climate and Atmospheric Process
Students explore Earth science by completing a could identification activity. In this weather lesson, students discuss the different forms of measurement for the weather of Earth. Students discuss global warming and examine a list of...
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Preserving Health Through Biological Diversity
Young scholars research and explore the benefits of biodiversity, particularly as it relates to human health. They write an essay in which they explain the possible effect of human activities on the emergence of new diseases.
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Birds on the Move
Students observe the migrational path of the Swainson's Hawk from northern Minnesota to the southern portion of South America. They study the migratory path of the hawk and observe how the vegetation in a particular region of the earth...
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The Circle of Life: Food Chain
Learners develop a flow chart using computer software to show a food chain combination. In this food chain lesson plan, students are first read The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry, then they create a story map of the story. Next,...
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What is the Rainforest?
Learners investigate rainforests. In this rainforest lesson, students brainstorm on a KWL chart about what they already know about the rain forest. Learners are shown pictures of the rain forest and describe what they see in the photos....
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The Creation of an Imaginary Species
Students explore the characteristics that distinguish different forms of animal life on Earth which are the results of natural selection and adaptations to their environment. The creatures are created using a game and then drawn by the...
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Discover a Pond Food Web
Students study the biodiversity of animal life in a pond. They investigate the interdependence between pond organisms by completing a pond dipping activity and completing a checklist.
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Rain Forest Adventures
Students discover locations of the world's rain forests. Once they identify the animals, plants, products, and resources located in them, they construct they own rain forest terrariums. By comparing and contrasting the two types of...
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The History of Money
In this social studies worksheet, young scholars investigate the history of paper money and coins. Students read paragraphs about what early people used for money and what kinds of banks were used. Young scholars complete a crossword...
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Disappearing Sand
Students discover what sand looks like, how sand dunes form and what minerals can be found in sand. They also examine how beach erosion occurs. They explore how to stay safe at the beach.
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Bug Hunt
Students study the characteristics of an insect and use their newly discovered knowledge to invent their own insect. They go on a class bug hunt, using the tools and supplies that biologists use when they go out in the field.
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Fossils!
Students conduct Internet research about different types of fossils, the animals they are from, and some famous paleontologists. They also participate in some interactive activities and hands-on lessons in which they create their own...
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Acid Rain
Students investigate acid rain. In this environmental lesson, students participate in an experiment using litmus paper and various liquids and then test the acidity of the liquids. Students identify reasons why acid is harmful to the...
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Seed Sorting 101
Students sort through numerous seeds to find similarities and differences. In this sorting and classifying lesson, students divide up different plant seeds based on their similarities and differences, while keeping record of their findings.
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Where in the World? Biomes of the Earth
Learners research a biome. In this biomes of the Earth lesson, students discuss what they already know about ecology and view pictures of different biomes. Learners work in groups to research a different biome. Students use the...
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Planning a Trip for Christopher Columbus
First graders plan a trip for Christopher Columbus. They use their math skills to construct a ship for Columbus' voyage. They show their ship and calculations to their classmates and build graphs to show the amount of supplies needed to...
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Biome Exchange - Send the "Stuff" Not The Kids
Students exchange ecological information with students from different geographic biomes. They box up the "unique ecologically significant features" of their area, send the box to another class in another area and then receive a similar...
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Classification and Identification
Young scholars, after exploring and analyzing diagrammatic and taxonomic keys and their association to marine sciences, identify and classify objects and organisms based on visual attributes/characteristics. They research and create...
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Scientific Inquiry
Students create a poster. In this recycling lesson, students discuss pollution and the ways humans negatively affect the environment. Students describe examples of litter or pollution they have experienced. Students collect litter from...
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Scientific Inquiry, Episode 1
Students look at ways to help the environment. In this recycling lesson, students watch a video on pollution and then collect trash at their school. They create posters to share with the school about the importance of recycling.
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Eco-Detectives
Students explore natural decomposers. In this decomposing lesson plan, students participate in a WebQuest to discover how nature handles decomposition. Students compare natural methods for decomposition with recycling efforts.
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Changing Cicada
Students discuss inherited traits and relate to the inherited traits in a cicada. In this cicada activity, students follow the life cycle of the cicada and observe the changes as it grows. Students discuss the characteristics of the...
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Are You an Ant?
Young scholars investigate different insects in their backyard. In this insect lesson, students read the book Are You and Ant? and apply the reading to their backyards. Young scholars create a list of animals that begin with the the...