Curated OER
Calibrated Peer Review: Introduction-Why Study Geology?
Learners read an article written by Sarah Andrews, a geologist who has written mystery novels featuring a geologist who solves crimes. After reading the article, students write an essay based on a Writing Prompt and begin peer review...
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Cows in Crisis
Young scholars study mad cow disease and how it has affected the lifestyles of many Europeans. They examine local cattle industry and look for steer- or cow-related products. They organize information they find and present it to the rest...
Curated OER
Survival of the Fishes
Pupils study the aquatic environment in which largemouth bass are able to survive. They participate in a mystery animal activity based on their own basic needs to determine the identity of the largemouth bass.
Curated OER
Mapping the Unknown
Pupils explain how early maps of the ocean bottom were made. They describe and execute a method for producing a low-resolution map of a surface that cannot be seen or touched. Students analyze the data from a mapping activity and...
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Watch Over Wild Wanders
Students collect and organize data relating to migratory species and habitats; undertake a habitat action plan, then maintain planting and building projects for continuing benefit to wildlife; understand the unique needs of migratory...
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Noblesville Fall
Students brainstorm questions based on a given narrative about an actual fallen meteorite. In this earth science lesson, students organize their responses into different categories.
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Honing in on Hummingbirds
Students explore ruby-throated hummingbirds. In this cross-curricular hummingbirds lesson, students listen to the book The Mystery of the Missing Hummingbirds and choose related topics to research with a partner. Students draw or...
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Exploration with Geometric Solids
Young scholars reinforce geometric concepts by playing "Guess My Solid." Through a process of elimination, they determine the shapes of mystery solids. Finally, students use various materials to construct their own geometric figures.
American Museum of Natural History
What's This?: Mythic Creatures
Fantastic beasts, and where to find them, are featured in a resource that offers images of real animals that just might have given rise to some of mythic creatures of legend.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle
Students access prior knowledge of the water cycle by completing a KWL. In this water cycle activity, students follow the movement of water through the water cycle.
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Bernoulli's Principle and Winged Flight
Third graders study Bernoulli's Principle and Winged Flight. In this biology lesson plan, 3rd graders to see how the decrease in air pressure which occurs when air is moving allows birds to fly.
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Sea No Evil
Students research the characteristics of marine life at different ocean depths. They use their findings as the basis for a classroom 'Life Under the Sea' museum exhibit.
Curated OER
What Is That Thing?
Could your class identify an old-fashioned can opener? What about a rotary phone,...
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Indirectly Direct
Student form and test hyptheses using indirect and direct observation. They launch marbles to determine the shape of a hidden object.
Curated OER
Runaway Greenhouse Effect Exercise
Students role-play biologists, coal geologists, space warfare experts, astronomers, pollution-control scientists, and hydrophysicists as they answer the question, "Why is Venus so much hotter than the Earth?"
Curated OER
Black Holes Revealed
Students explore the concept of black holes through an interactive program. They explore how they form and what materials form them. They can also visit websites in which they can research radio transmission between the Earth and space.
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Doctors as Detectives
Students consider the investigative and detective work that goes into disease control. They research specific diseases and simulate a doctor-patient diagnosis situation.
Curated OER
Comparing Fossils
Students explore early hominid evolution as they analyze bones that share characteristics of both apes and humans. Students compare and contrast key skeletal differences between chimpanzees and humans. In groups, they sort and group a...
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Dinosaurs
Students participate in a simulated archeological dig to gain an understanding of the earth's development as well as the organisms on it. In this dinosaur lesson plan, students work in small groups removing five pieces from the 'dig' one...
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Things That Glow: From Fireflies to Quantum Dots
Third graders observe light energy. In this heat and energy lesson, 3rd graders will study the concept of light as a form of energy. Students will examine the different forms of light and the type of energy it produces.
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Reaction Reasoning
Third graders experiment with chemical reactions and examine what happens to the atoms when different reactions occur. In this matter lesson students divide into groups and complete a lab experiment.
Curated OER
Inference Makes the Difference
Students explore how archaeologists make inferences from artifacts to explore what life was like in the past. For this archaeology lesson, students work in groups and make inferences about an imaginary household based on modern day...
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Naturally Magnetic Elements
Pupils explore naturally magnetic elements. In this magnets lesson, students examine the periodic table of elements. Pupils discover the parts of an atom and determine which three elements are magnetic.
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Probing Under the Surface
Eighth graders use a measuring stick to determine the shape of the inside of the bottom of a box, then apply their knowledge to an additional situation. This task assesses students' abilities to make simple observations, collect and...