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"Approaching Walden: From Emerson to Thoreau"
Learners examine selected local leaves in greater detail in the classroom by using more analytical drawing techniques. They use Thoreau's drawing of a Scarlett Oak as their model. Students choose a leave from a box of leaves removed...
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Birds of Different Feathers: Species Specialization
Students identify differences in bird species and explain the concept of species specialization. They attain the knowledge that different birds occupy different habitats.
Students identify characteristics and features of birds that make...
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The Code of Life
Students study genes, DNA and medical research. They watch "The Code of Life" video and answer discussion questions regarding the transcription and translation of DNA and how errors in these processes and mutations in DNA can produce...
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Polymers
Students explore online tutorial on polymers. In this chemistry lesson, they create two polymers in the lab and compare their properties. They write a sales letter about their new and improved polymer product.
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Water Quality
Students play the role of scientists testing for water quality in the area. In this ecology lesson, students determine the water sample's pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. They write a journal reflection after the activity.
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Ecosytems: Water Purification
Middle schoolers explore how ecosystems purify water and what kinds of things humans do that alter these processes. They use a website to access information on local watersheds and develop a "river" newspaper
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Trail Adventure
Students create a trail with numbered specimens. Students complete an accurate and functional interactive trail activity brochure. They complete a web page tree identification guide and interactive identification activity. Students...
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Rapid Mycological Assessment
Students examine types of mycology methods. They practice using new vocabulary and answer key questions. They complete a field survey and analyze their results.
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Toxicology 2: Finding the Toxic Dose
Students brainstorm with group partners to decide upon a chemical they would like to test, and outline a procedure for their investigation. They then present in groups their ideas to the rest of the class as well as the chemical they...
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National Forests of Wisconsin and Puerto Rico
Fifth graders study the forests of Wisconsin and Puerto Rico. They view a Power Point presentation and predict slides to represent various forests in Wisconsin and Puerto Rico. They play a game to recognize differences and similarities...
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Using A Winogradsky Column to Analyze Microbial Communities
Pupils use easily obtained materials to study ecological succession in a microbiological community. They collect water samples from outdoor sources in plastic bottles to observe and record changes.
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Wh0-o-o-o's Out There?
Fifth graders describe the physical features of an owl and identify survival adaptations. They Investigate an owl's niche in an ecosystem. The students participate in an interactive puzzle on the internet that helps for motivation.
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The Good, the Bad and the Nasty Tasting
Students examine the effect of chemicals from marine plants or animals on predator's preferences. In this ecology lesson, students conduct taste tests and collect necessary data. They write their conclusion after analyzing experimental...
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Scientist Simulation
Students imagine themselves working as research scientists completing the end-steps of a molecular research project and interpreting the data. They compare the gene sequences of normal and abnormal mice and evaluate the protein product...
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Genetic Research: A Congressional Hearing
Students participate in a mock hearing of the U.S. Senate subcommittee on genetic research. They representing support groups for various genetic disorders present arguments for continued federal funding, while subcommittee members are...
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Desert Xeriscaping
Middle schoolers recognize native species of desert vegetation while examining the need for water conservation. They design and create a xeriscape landscape using a variety of materials.
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Honduras: Going Bananas
Students explore the popularity of bananas. They conduct a survey to understand the reasons for their popularity. Students research a banana's journey from the farm to school lunch. They compose a children's book about bananas explaining...
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Designing a Tropical Reserve System
Students explain the complexity of resource, land use, and conservation decisions.
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Effects of Seed Soaking on Germination
Students explain the standard growth pattern of a monocot seedling and word process a finished essay.
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My Favorite Meal
Students investigate ecological systems and the multiple uses of the environment by studying the osprey population.
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Sea Turtles
Students investigate eight different species of sea turtles while being involved in classroom lecture and video presentation. The characteristics used to identify sea turtles is taught to help students identify unknown species.
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The Evolution of Canis pedatus
Students examine the given characteristics of a previously unknown dog-like creature, Canis pedatus, to decide if the creatures would survive when relocated to a new environment. They work in small groups to decide whether or not the...
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Viruses and Host Evolution
Young scholars research viruses and their effects on the evolution of a rabbit population. They complete a teacher created worksheet of questions on their research. They present their research to classmates.
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Biome EcoWatch Project
Students work together to complete the Biome EcoWatch project. Using the Internet, they research the relationship between abiotic factors and living organisms within a biome. They create a multimedia presentation to share their...