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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Pollution

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders study the impact of human activity on water quality and on the ecosystems of Earth. After a discussion on the various ways that water can be polluted, groups of youngsters get together to figure out the best way to clean a...
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Lesson Plan
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Kenan Fellows

Sustainability: Learning for a Lifetime – Soil

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Do great gardeners really have green thumbs—or just really great soil? Environmental scholars discover what makes Earth's soil and soil quality so important through research and experimentation. Learners also develop an understanding of...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Living-Nonliving

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students determine that environments have living and nonliving parts. They discuss what makes something a living thing and something a nonliving thing. They make a chart and list characteristics of living things and nonliving things.
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Handout
US Environmental Protection Agency

Thirstin's Wacky Water Adventure

For Students K - 3rd Standards
Make a splash with young scientists as you teach them all about water using this activity packet. Thirstin, a cartoon glass of water, walks children through the water treatment process, teaches them about different sources of water, and...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Connotation and Denotation:

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate the effect that connotations can have on writing. They are shown examples to build background knowledge before attempting the exercise. They finish by writing a paragraph to practice what they have learned.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Prairie Predator and Prey

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders brainstorm a list of animals that live on the prairie, and classify them as predators and prey. They conduct interviews where they ask the animals what they need to look out for to sustain life on the prairie.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigation 3 - Weathering

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study 4 types of weather processes: wind, running water, plant growth, and freezing water. They explain how the processes of weathering and erosion change and move materials that become soil. They draw diagrams...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dinosaur Traces

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students identify and interpret the type of evidence found at a typical dinosaur dig and mimic a paleontologist by taking crayon rubbings of simulated bone impressions. After the rubbings are taken, the students reconstruct the complete...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Much Is an Ecosystem Worth?

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Students examine the value of ecosystems. They read and analyze an article, evaluate ecosystem services, research the benefits of biomonitors, and design a public service announcement.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Quality of Life

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners discover that people influence the quality of life of those around them. They read the literature selection 'Berenstein Bears, Don't Pollute' and discuss the many ways people have changed the environment by polluting.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Air Matters

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers research the affects that particulate matter has on the quality of our air and our health. Students analyze a streaming video on air pollution and complete an internet research assignment to find ways to reduce...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Isopod Activity

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students enter information and compare relationships that they are measuring.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Formation

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders investigate how soil is formed. They analyze types of soil samples, examine soil using a magnifying glass or microscope, complete a chart, conduct a soil and plant experiment, and construct a soil profile.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Filtration

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students explore, analyze, study and demonstrate the procedures that municipal water plants may use to purify water for drinking. They cover the clean water processes of aeration, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What a Waste

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students analyze components of garbage. They collect and sort a few days' worth of garbage. They chart the results of an investigation.
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Activity
Discovery Education

Discovery Education: The Dirt on Soil

For Students 3rd - 8th
This interactive website explores the various soil layers and introduces you to the lifeforms that live in those soil layers.
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Lesson Plan
Utah Education Network

Uen: What's in the Dirt?

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders will observe changes in a small environment.
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Website
PBS

Pbs Teachers: The Real Dirt on Farmer John: Family Farms in America

For Students 9th - 10th
Trace the evolution in American agriculture with this interactive timeline. Learn how the history of one small Illinois farm reflects the larger changes, decade by decade.
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Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Comparing Soil Samples From Different Locations

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
In this field investigation, young scholars compare various soil samples taken from specific locations. Students compare samples, record data, create a chart or graph, and keep records in a journal.
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Article
Other

Pipeline: Soil Characteristics Demystifying Dirt [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Soil is the foundation of conventional on site wastewater treatment.The drainfields used with on site systems work because the soil around the trenches acts as a filter and removes organic matter, some of the nutrients present in...