Curated OER
Weather Where We Are
Students investigate the reports of local weather. They identify types of weather data and correlate it to the conditions. Using the data students draw a picture of the current weather. They conduct the same investigation for all four...
Curated OER
FRAM: The Most Famous Ship in the World
Seventh graders role play the roles of naval engineer apprentices. In groups, they work together to design a ship which cannot be damaged by freezing ice. They use the internet to research the weather and ocean conditions of the water...
Curated OER
Up, Up, and Away
Second graders observe the changes that water has when there is a change in a state of matter. In this lesson they observe the results of applying heat to water with the end result of conversion to a gas.
Curated OER
Photosynthetically Available Radiation (PAR) Measurements Part 1: Calculating the Solar Constant using a TI-8
Twelfth graders are introduced to the term Photosynthetically Available Radiation. In groups, they participate in an experiment to determine how ecosystems survive the conditions in the Arctic. They calculate the amount of solar energy...
Curated OER
Medicine: Then and Now
Middle schoolers read ancient Greek texts to explore ancient healing practices and compare them to those of modern times. They explain Greek healing practices for wounds.
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Glaciers and Ice Wedging
Fourth graders observe buckling sidewalks and potholes before attempting to determine how these things are caused. They freeze water filled plastic cups that have been covered. As the water freezes, the students observe what happens to...
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Mapping Dinosaurs in Place and Time
Third graders study the continents that specific dinosaurs lived on. They compare the continent's location and climate when dinosaurs live there with its current location.
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Waste, Then and Now
Students discuss and compare the waste disposal habits of today with those of Native Americans of long ago.
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The Principles Of Composting
Young scholars put items in a plastic bag and watch the effects of composting. While completing the experiment, students answer questions and ask permission to start their own compost pile at home.
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Finding Jupiter's Moons
Students explore Jupiter's Moons. They calculate and predict the location of Jupiter's 4 large moons. In addition, they draw Jupiter with its moons correctly shown for the time of the observation.
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Into the Pond
Seventh graders use a pond to explore macroinvertebrates and other organisms. They use a dichotomous key to classify the organisms and maintain a journal recording their findings.
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Solar System Fun Facts
Students read facts about the Solar System. In this solar system lesson plan, students read facts on the dimensions, planets, and workings of the solar system. There is a big emphasis on Saturn.
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Scientific Advances Could Bring Back the Dodo & Mammoth
Students reflect on the possibility of bringing extinct species back to life. In this ESL instructional activity, students debate the pros and cons of extinction reversal then complete several activities centered around the topic.
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Protecting Agriculture's Tools
Students brainstorm which tools farmers can control and why. They discuss how to conserve water, air and soil. They discuss the role of farmers and how they feed the world.
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Dumptown Game
Students engage in an interactive play scenario. They are the new managers of a fictional city and live in a place where nothing is recycled. Students are faced with various problems that need to be solved. They work together to propose...
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People and the Physical Environment of Illinois
Young scholars read about the settlement of Illinois from statehood to the present. They categorize different areas of need such as survival, economic and social. Students make a list of ways people used the physical environment in...
National Park Service
Rock Ranking
Junior geologists sort rocks and soil. They separate a sample of river gravel by size, shape, color, and other characteristics. To include Common Core standards, you could have little ones graph the number of particles in each sample.
Curated OER
Graphing Data - Temperature
Seventh graders measure and record temperature over a given time period. They compare the recorded temperatures to the 40-year recorded normal average temperatures for the same area. Students display and interpret their findings in a graph.
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How Warm is the Water?
High schoolers research how surface sea temperature changes throughout the year. They draw a time series of sea surface temperatures for each month of the year and a depth profile for a summer and winter month using an OceanExplorer...
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Phases of the Moon
Sixth graders observe the changes in the moon's appearance over a two week period of time from their homes. They record and illustrate their observations and also complete daytime moon viewings as a class.
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Air Pollution Over Where?
Learners predict the movement of an air borne pollutant using their understanding of air currents. They determine which governments and/or communities should be contacted to be forewarned. They also explore the properties of their...
Curated OER
Creating a Thematic Map Using S'COOL Data
Students observe weather patterns, collect data, and make a weather predictions for various locations on a map.
Curated OER
Should We Allow New Mining in the Upper Peninsula?
Pupils compose an essay taking a position on whether or not a proposed
mine near Marquette, MI should be opened. Students defend their position addressing relevant issues through factual supporting details. Their essay includes an...