Columbus City Schools
The Mystery of Earth’s History
Every living creature can leave a fossil record, yet most fossils belong to extinct organisms rather than ones currently living. Scholars learn about dating rock layers, fossils, and the environment of the past. Pupils understand that...
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Creating Animal Prints
Students investigate the habits of animals by studying their prints. In this animal life lesson, students investigate the different types of tracks left from animals by researching the Internet. Students utilize clay or...
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Structure of the Earth
Eighth graders describe and identify the three layers of the Earth. They work together to construct their own earth model. They share their creation with the class.
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Where are all those teeth?
Students explore the legend of the tooth fairy. They create a tooth necklace out of dough and glitter.
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Franklin Mountains
Fifth graders examine photographs of the eastern and western Franklin Mountains. As a class, they discuss what is shown and the different colored rocks and the orientation of the layers. In groups, they are given clay of two different...
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What's Crackin' Under New Zealand
Students construct a model of the Earth using clay and oranges. In this earth science lesson, students explain the causes of earthquakes and volcanic activity. They write their findings in their science journal.
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Fossils
First graders write a brief informational description of a real life object, person, place or event using information gained from observations. They create their own fossil imprints and write a brief description about the fossil that...
Channel Islands Film
Cache: Lesson Plan 1 - Grades 9-12
Archaeologists have discovered a cache of Native American relics. They want to preserve these relics by removing them from the rapidly eroding site to a lab where they can be studied. Native American traditions demand that the items...
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Changing Landforms
Learners investigate different types of landforms. In this landforms lesson, students explore landforms by participating in a WebQuest. Learners research the reasons behind landforms changing and create a picture using KidPix.
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Understanding Lava Layers
Seventh graders view "Volcano" by National Geographic Video. They experiment with baking soda and study lava flow. They describe volcano and earthquake patterns. They analyze weather and climate changes and how they relate to the natural...
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Scale/Ratio
Investigate the use of ratios in scale drawings. Learners scale objects up or down using ratios then find the actual size of something using ratios. They apply their knowledge of ratios as they make their own telescopes in science...
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Seashore Explorers
There are three separate lessons within this resource that can be used together, or that can each stand alone. In the first, five simple activities allow junior scientists to examine the amazing properties of water. In the second, they...
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Digital Mitosis and Claymation
Take mitosis and meiosis out of the biology textbook and onto the screen! An innovative class project prompts young biologists to create an animation movie using clay, showing the phases involved in mitosis or meiosis by...
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Families Around the World
Students discover the similarities and differences in families from around the world. In this multicultural lesson, students create their own family album and label each family member. There are suggested activities such as investigating...
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Math and the Greek-Golden Proportions
Fourth graders study math and the golden mean. In this math meets Greek history lesson, 4th graders study ratios and proportions in relation to the Greeks. The use of clay is incorporated ino this lesson.
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The Magnificent Breathing Machine
Students discover their magnificent breathing machine. In this science lesson plan, students learn the functions of the lungs in our bodies and become aware that in breathing an exchange of gases takes place in the lungs.
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Our Natural Resources
Students discuss key terms used to describe ecosystems and how humans are altering natural resources. They listen to the book, Grandfather's Wisdom, and list the renewable and nonrenewable resources they have used or consumed in the past...
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Geographical Features
Fourth graders explore geographical features through the creation and construction of an original island. In small groups they write a description and draw a blueprint of their island using a draw/paint computer program, and using...
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Toolmarks Lesson Plan
Students examine the scientific method and lab procedures. They solve problems using experimentation, observation, and the scientific method.
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Growing as a Group
Learners design a plan to help families who are in need. In this citizenship lesson plan, students brainstorm and implement a service project in their own community. Learners discuss how to provide food for families who are in need.
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Being Thrifty is So Nifty
Students watch a video that focusing on budgeting while completing worksheets that include charts. They brainstorm ideas for budgeting time and money. They culminate the activity by planning an order from two different restaurants.
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Understanding Lava Layers
Seventh graders trace the lava flow of an erupting volcano. In this earth science lesson plan, 7th graders experiment using baking soda and vinegar. They record and share their observations.
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Spider Webs
Students create spider webs. In this spider webs instructional activity, students research various types of spider webs then write a report about a spider of their choice. Students also make their own web similar to an orb...
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Why Does the Bulb Light When There is Flow?
Learners analyze light bulbs and their design. They create filaments and build a circuit for testing the filaments. Through experimentation, students discover how filament wire works. They explore the role of protons, electrons, and...