Earth Science
Weather Wonderland
Atmosphere & Weather - Type: B
Grade Level: K-2
Check-Out Time: 6 weeks
Because the air is invisible, it is a difficult concept for you students to understand. Through these activities students will discover the properties of air: weight, space, temperature change, movement, and how air affects our lives. Through the use of problem solving, the students will be led to ask questions; colect and analyze data about air. The activities range in duration from a single class period to several days.
Weather or Not
Atmosphere & Weather - Type: B
Grade Level:3-4
Check-Out Time: 6 weeks
The many facets of weather as well as some basic properties of air highlight this module. These activities are geared for 3rd-4th grade students, however, with some modification could be used with 2nd or 5th grade. Some of these activities require an initial set-up period and then continue over a period of several days.
Junior Geologist
Geosphere - Type: B
Grade Level: K-2
Check-Out Time: 4 weeks
In these introductory activities about the geosphere, students will be involved with putting together a rock collection. The emphasis will be on recognizing and describing the different physical characteristics of their collection. Opportunity for graphing, measuring, and creative expression are included in the activities of this module.
This Earth Really Rocks
Geosphere - Type: C
Grade Level: 3-5
Check-Out Time: 6 weeks
In this collection of activities on the geosphere, students will put together a rock collection, and begin to develop an awareness about the formation of the earth's surface. Students will have an opportunity to recognize and describe different formations and be involved in gathering data through observation and/or experiments. The activities in this unit provides for the instructor to go beyond the lesson, enabling him/her to personalize a lesson.
The Active Earth
Geosphere - Type: C
Grade Level: 5-7
Check-Out Time: 6 weeks
This is a collection of 13 activities that cover a variety of topics on the Geosphere. These topics include weathering, erosion, fossil information, radioactive decay, and how technology changes the surface of the earth.
The Changing Planet
Geosphere - Type: A
Grade Level: 5-7
Check-Out Time: 6 weeks
This unit begins with lessons on the Theory of Continental Drift, Plate tectonics, earthquake formation, and volcanoes. Next the students participate in mineral explorations and develop an understanding of how sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks are formed. Assessment activities are included throughout the unit. The final assessment is a 5 day activity that simulates a real life experience in which students extract minerals from a mountain.
Groundwater Flow Kit
Hydrosphere - Type: B
Grade Level: K-2
Check-Out Time: 6 weeks
This comprehensive kit contains a groundwater simulator with activities for elementary to high school. It also contains a complete set of transparencies, video tapes, and an audio tape to help integrate music into your science curriculum.
Surface Water Quality Tests
Hydrosphere - Type: B
Grade Level: 7-12
Check-Out Time: 3 weeks
The HACH Surface Water Quality Testing Kit allows a group of students to do field work in this critical area. Tests include ammonia, free and total chlorine, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, pH, phosphorous, plus a thermometer for measuring temperature. Here is a great way for your students to study the impact of wastewater on receiving streams.
Sun, Shadows and You
Solar System, Galaxy & The Universe - Type A
Grade Level: K-2
Check-Out Time: 6 weeks
Many common natural events occur so regularly that we become almost oblivious to them. Yet, they form a very interesting topic of inquiry for children. What causes it to get dark? Where is my shadow on a cloudy day? Children have many questions about the sun and their shadows. This unit was created to motivate children to find the answer to many questions they may have about the sun, other stars, and their shadows.
Earth and Its Neighbors
Solar System, Galaxy & The Universe - Type A
Grade Level: 3-4
Check-Out Time: 6 weeks
Differences between the earth and the planets of the solar system will be studied in this unit. Students will also gain an understanding of how light travels from the sun, moon and earth. Students will show the relationship of day/night to the rotation of the earth. Through the use of problem solving the students will be lead to ask questions and collect and analyze data about the sun, moon and earth. The lessons range in duration from a single class period to several days.
Saginaw Bay Watershed
Grade Level: K-1, 2-4, 5-7, 8-10 (four separate kits)
Check-Out Time: 6 weeks
This module was developed to provide teachers with resources that build student understanding of the "science"of our watershed as well as foster a sense of stewardship toward it. This module provides resources that align with the Hydrosphere, Organization of Living Things and Ecosystems benchmarks of the Michigan Curriculum Framework. These are each addressed within the context of Saginaw Bay Watershed.
*Only available to teachers that have received the training for this module.