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GEMS Great Explorations in Math & Science located in the CCSU Curriculum Lab
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Curriculum Lab Call Number |
TITLE and Description |
| P.R. 363.7 H685ac | ACID RAIN. This stimulating unit fosters scientific inquiry
and critical thinking skills as it harnesses the curiosity, agility, and
determination of student minds to study the troubling environmental
issue of acid rain. In addition to providing much information on
acid rain, the unit encourages students to analyze complex environmental
issues for themselves, and emphasizes community cooperation (making it
an effective companion unit to the GEMS guide Global Warming & the
Greenhouse Effect.) Grades 6-8. c1999.
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P.R. 372.7 K83al |
ALGEBRAIC REASONING. Professor Arbegla Introduces
Variables and Functions. Professor Arbegla’s "Fabulous Function Machine"
helps build a foundation in algebraic reasoning. Students gain essential
algebraic understandings, learn about equations, and apply what they’ve
learned. Makes strong connections to the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics principles and standards. Grades 3-5. c2003.
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P.R. 372.357 E18an |
ANIMAL DEFENSES. Beginning with an imaginary defenseless
animal, this highly visual unit teaches children about defensive
adaptations in the animal world. Like Hide a Butterfly, this is
an excellent way to introduce biological concepts of predator/prey and
help youngsters recognize defensive structures and behaviors. Grades
Preschool-K. c2003.
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P.R. 372.357 E18an |
ANT HOMES UNDER THE GROUND. These delightful science and
math-integrated activities introduce young children to ant behavior
using role-play, cooperative exercises, and close observation of live
ants. A large poster is assembled in stages to highlight any tunnels,
food, social structure, and life cycle. Grades Preschool-1. c2003.
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P.R. 372.357 B274aq |
AQUATIC HABITATS. These engaging life science activities,
in which students set up and observe living "desktop ponds" in the
classroom, convey key environmental concepts and illustrate the
interactive nature of living ecosystems. An excellent complement to
Schoolyard Ecology or Terrarium Habitats. Grades 2-6. c1998.
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P.R. 372.35 B234bu |
BUBBLE FESTIVAL. Presenting Bubble Activities in a
Learning Station Format. These captivating, bubble-centric tabletop
learning stations are packed with math and science content. The unit (a
natural lead-in to Bubble-ology) includes detailed teacher
assistance with classroom logistics, writing and literature extensions,
and tips for setting up an all-school bubble festival. Grades K-6.
c2004.
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| P.R. 372.35 B234b | BUBBLE-OLOGY. In this delightful, activity and
science-packed unit, students combine intense enjoyment with important
concepts in chemistry and physics through imaginative experiments with
soap bubbles. Bubble-ology is packed with solid scientific,
technological, and mathematical content and learning. An extensive
background section on bubbles is included. The unit makes a
natural and exciting extension of the GEMS guide Bubble
Festival. Grades 5-8. c1992.
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P.R. 372.7 B932 |
BUILD IT! FESTIVAL. This unit’s wealth of
learning-station activities help students make real-world connections as
they focus on construction, geometric challenges, and spatial
visualization. Geometry background is provided. Requires pattern blocks
and polyhedral, but patterns for shapes and tangrams are provided.
Grades K-6. c1999.
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P.R. 372.357 E18bu |
BUZZING A HIVE. This guide explores the complex social
behavior, communication, and hive environment of the honeybee through
activities that mix art, literature, role-play, and drama. (Live bees
are not a part of this unit.) A nice entomological partner to Ant
Homes Under the Ground, Hide a Butterfly, and Ladybugs.
Grades K-3. c1993.
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P.R. 541 B234ch |
CHEMICAL REACTIONS. An ordinary zip-locking bag becomes a
safe and spectacular laboratory as students mix chemicals that bubble,
change color, and produce gas, heat, and odor. A terrific introduction
to chemistry, this guide is often adapted for lower grade levels. Grades
6-8. c2001.
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P.R. 372.35 S671co |
COLOR ANALYZERS. An updated and enhanced version of the
classic GEMS teacher Guide, Color Analyzers asks - why does an
apple look red? Students investigate light and color, experimenting with
diffraction gratings and color filters, and creating hidden messages
that are revealed by the filters. Grades 5-8. c2005.
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P.R. 372.35 G696co |
CONVECTION: A Current Event. Students explore the
important process by observing and charting the convection currents in a
liquid, discovering one of the ways in which heat moves. They learn that
convection affects the Earth’s crust and volcanic eruptions, the
weather, the wind, and many other natural events. Connects nicely to
Discovering Density. Grades 6-8. c1996.
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P.R. 372.35 B234di |
DISCOVERING DENSITY. Why does ice cream float in root
beer? Exploring real-life connections, students delve into the concept
of density with secret formula sheets, a number of "Puzzling Scenarios",
and a liquid-layering activity. The mathematical equation for density is
also introduced. Grades 6-8. c1991.
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P.R. 372.35 B234dr |
DRY ICE INVESTIGATIONS. The intriguing behavior of dry
ice ushers students into understandings of inquiry and essential
concepts of matter, gases, and chemistry. Provides compelling experience
in scientific investigation while introducing the particulate theory of
matter, phase change, the nature of gases, and the history of science.
Grades 6-8. C1999.
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P.R. 372.7 K83ea |
EARLY ADVENTURES IN ALGEBRA. Designed to build a
foundation in algebraic thinking for students in the early primary
grades. Students learn the important role zero plays in our number
system, solve for unknowns, explore equality and inequality, and are
introduced to algebraic symbols. Builds crucial scaffolding for more
complex algebraic reasoning in later grades. Grades 1-2. c2004.
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| P.R. 372.358 S671ea | EARTH, MOON AND STARS. If the Earth is a ball, why does it
look flat? Why does the moon chage shape? How can I find
constellations and tell time by the sun? In this research-based
unit, students answer these questions and learn a great deal about the
Earth, gravity and astronomy. Sections focus on the shape of the
Earth and gravity; the moon phases and eclipses; and the stars.
Grades 5-8. c2001.
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P.R. 372.357 E18eg |
EGGS EGGS EVERYWHERE. This unit introduces young children
to the wonders of eggs of all kinds, developing age-appropriate concepts
in biology and life science. Activities combine literature, math,
role-playing, drama, and art, and introduce sorting, classifying, and
graphing. Grades Preschool-1. c1997.
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P.R. 621.3 E68el |
ELECTRIC CIRCUITS: Inventive Physical Science Activities.
This flexible unit opens with conductors, insulators, and simple closed
circuits; these early sessions can combine to serve as a basic
electricity unit. In later, more advanced sessions, students read
circuit diagrams, build circuits, and learn about series and parallel
circuits. Grades 3-6. c2004.
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P.R. 372.357 E18el |
ELEPHANTS AND THEIR YOUNG. With art, drama, and
role-play, young children learn all about the African elephant’s unique
body structure and fascinating social behaviors. Math and science
concepts include measurement, weight, volume, and comparisons of many
kinds. Grades Preschool-1. c2001.
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P.R. 577 R366en |
ENVIRONMENTAL DETECTIVES. In this challenging unit, built
around a fictional environmental-damage scenario, students learn of the
interconnectedness of the natural world and the complexity of many
environmental problems. Students consider pollution from many sources,
perform chemical and biological tests to finger the "culprit(s)," and
track changes in predator-prey relationships. Grades 5-8. c2001.
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P.R. 372.358 S671ex |
EXPERIMENTING WITH MODEL ROCKETS. These exciting rocketry
activities were specifically designed to appeal to girls as much as to
boys. The unit focuses on controlled experimentation, providing students
essential foundations in scientific inquiry. Grades 6-8. c1997.
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P.R. 372.35 A286fi 2006 |
FINGERPRINTING. Students explore the characteristics of
fingerprints in these "fingers-on" activities, devising their own
classification categories and applying their skills to solve a "crime."
(The technique uses pencil and tape, not ink.) Makes a good "partner in
crime" to Crime Lab Chemistry and an excellent opener for
Mystery Festival. Grades 4-8. c2006.
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P.R. 372.7 K83fr |
FROG MATH: Predict, Ponder, Play. In an artful
interweaving of math and literature, this unit begins with free
exploration of buttons and leads to age-appropriate sorting,
classifying, and graphing activities. The children develop
strategic-thinking skills and are introduced to the concept of
probability. Grades K-3. c1998.
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P.R. 372.3 B234ge |
GEMS TEACHER’S HANDBOOK. This helpful book includes
special tips that apply to teaching GEMS and other guided-discovery
science and math activities. c1998.
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| P.R. 551.5 G562 | GLOBAL WARMING & THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT. This guide's
hands-on activities and experiments investigate a crucial environmental
issue and help students see environmental problems from different points
of view. Students also play simulation games and hold a "world
conference" on global warming. Acid Rain makes a good
environmental partner. Grades 7-8. c1997.
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P.R. 371.395 G653gr |
GROUP SOLUTIONS: Cooperative Logic Activities for Grades
K-4. Grades K-4. c2000.
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P.R. 371 G653so |
GROUP SOLUTIONS TOO!: More Cooperative Logic Activities
for Grades K-4. The activities in these popular guides are designed for
groups of four. Students receive clues to share with their group, then
have to work cooperatively to find the solution. The guides provide help
with cooperative learning and logic in the classroom, and include
sections on bilingual presentation. Grades K-4. c1997.
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P.R. 372.357 E18hi |
HIDE A BUTTERFLY. This guide introduces children to the
basic concepts of protective coloration as they learn to identify parts
of a flower, create nature-scene mural, learn about butterflies, and
talk about animals they may have seen in the wild. (Camouflage is also
explored in Animal Defenses.) Grades Preschool-K. c2001.
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P.R. 372.358 G696ho |
HOT WATER & WARM HOMES FROM SUNLIGHT. In this
environmental unit, students build model houses and hot-water heaters to
focus on solar power. They determine how windows can affect heat, and
conduct controlled experiments. Connects well to Global Warming & the
Greenhouse Effect. Grades 4-8. c1995.
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| P.R. 372.7 C973in | IN ALL PROBABILITY. This update of the classic GEMS best
seller, with new sessions and added background for the teacher, now
places stronger emphasis on multiple ways to gather and analyze data,
and on how to stimulate discourse and discussion to build individual and
class knowledge. Grades 3-6. c2006.
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P.R. 930.1 I62 |
INVESTIGATING ARTIFACTS: Making Masks, Creating Myths,
Exploring Middens. This rich introduces children to the concepts of
inference and evidence with activities relating to anthropology,
archaeology, and diverse Native American and world cultures. Students
sort and classify natural objects, make masks and create "myths," and
excavate a show box midden. Grades K-6. c2000.
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P.R. 535 P788in |
INVISIBLE UNIVERSE: The Electromagnetic Spectrum from
Radio Waves to Gamma Rays. Students examine wave motion, then visit
"invisible energy" stations, including infrared radio, ultraviolet, and
others. They learn that these have become powerful tools in astronomy.
Students are introduced to Gamma Ray Bursts the most powerful explosions
in the Universe. Many color images are included in the "Tour of the
Universe." Grades 6-8. c2002.
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P.R. 372.35 A269in |
INVOLVING DISSOLVING. This guide, like Liquid
Explorations and Secret Formulas, creates a very positive
early experience with chemistry. Here students explore the concepts of
dissolving, evaporation, and crystallization. Using familiar substances,
they create homemade "gel-o" colorful disks, and crystals that emerge on
black paper to make a "starry night." Grades 1-3. c1993.
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P.R. 372.357 E18la |
LADYBUGS. This popular unit uses the charm of ladybugs to
present key science and math concepts relating to animal adaptation,
ecology, and interdependence. Children learn about ladybug body
structure, symmetry, life cycle, defensive behavior, and foods. Use of
live ladybugs is optional. Great with Buzzing a Hive or Hide a
Butterfly. Grades Preschool-1. c1999.
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| P.R. 3702.1 B234le Gr. 6-8 | LEARNING ABOUT LEARNING. In Learning About Learning,
students investigate how we acquire, access, and retain information.
Students delve into the human nervous system, animal behavior, health
and safety issues, product testing, and the ethics of experimentation.
They learn about what scientists actually do. Through rich and
varied activities, stories and articles, students gain insight into the
human brain. Grades 6-8. c2000.
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P.R. 372.35 B366li |
LIFE THROUGH TIME. Through time-travel activities,
students grasp the mammoth scale of geologic time and the major
benchmarks in evolution, from the earliest single-celled organism to the
most recent mammals. Evolving dioramas chronicle life-forms and habitats
from five evolutionary ages. Ten color backdrops included. Grades 5-8.
c2003.
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P.R. 372.35 A269li 2004 |
LIQUID EXPLORATIONS. A great way to introduce young
students to the properties of liquids, and (like Involving Dissolving
and Secret Formulas) an excellent physical science unit for
primary grades, Activities include classification, observation, and
experimentation; one activity supports discussion of oil slicks and
other environmental issues. Grades 1-3. c2001.
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P.R. 523.7 L785 |
LIVING WITH A STAR. Students unveil our dynamic
relationship with the Sun through a space-weather mystery, a mock
mission from Earth’s atmosphere to outer space, ultraviolet experiments,
and more. This NASA-inspired unit focuses on the impact of
electromagnetic energy and solar particles on Earth. CD-ROM included.
Grades 6-8. c2003.
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P.R. 372.7 M426 1995 |
MATH AROUND THE WORLD. (see related activities Shongo
Networks and Tower of Hanoi) This stimulating unit uses games
and puzzles from many continents to explore mathematics in a
multicultural, international context. Each game can be presented as a
two-or three-session activity or at a stand-alone learning station. Maps
and historical connections provide a social studies element. Grades 5-8.
c2000.
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P.R. 372.7 K83ma |
MATH ON THE MENU. This unit provides strong math learning
experiences in a real-world context, as students plan and expand menus,
determine ingredients, analyze costs, set prices, and design a
restaurant floor plan. Students work with data organization and
analysis, explore aspects of statistics, and strengthen their sense of
numbers, math, and money. Grades 3-5. c2000.
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P.R. 523.2 B366me |
MESSAGES FROM SPACE. This exciting unit opens with a
binary-coded message "from space" and takes the class on a journey
through our solar system and beyond. Students model size and distance,
explore how systems may have formed, ponder stellar "life zones," and
design space travel brochures. Grades 5-8. c2000.
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P.R. 372.35 B812mi |
MICROSCOPIC EXPLORATIONS: A GEMS Festival Teacher’s
Guide. The interdisciplinary richness of these learning situations
presents a wide spectrum of scientific investigation. Students expand
their understanding of science, research, and how microscopic and
related techniques contribute to diverse fields. Color Analyzers
and More than Magnifiers connect well. Grades 4-8. c2005.
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P.R. 372.45 S967mo |
MOONS OF JUPITER. Observing and recording moon orbits
over time, students reenact Galileo’s historic telescope study of
Jupiter’s moons and learn why his observations contributed to the birth
of modern astronomy. Students experiment with craters, create scale
models, and take a tour of the Jupiter system. A set of overheads must
be purchases separately. Grades 4-8. c2003.
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P.R. 535 S671mo |
MORE THAN MAGNIFIERS. In this ingenious unit on physics,
optics, and light, students use two lenses in different ways to create
optical instruments and learn how the measurable properties of lenses
are used in magnifiers, simple cameras, telescopes, and slide
projectors. A great partner to Color Analyzers and Microscopic
Explorations. Grades 6-8. c1996.
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P.R. 372.357 E18mo |
MOTHER OPOSSUM AND HER BABIES. Integrating math with
science, these activities for young children use role-play, drama,
measurement, and comparison to study opossum adaptations. Students learn
about marsupial pouches and the development of baby opossums, and about
the famous trick of "playing ‘possum." Grades Preschool-1. c1999.
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| P.R. 372.35 B366my | MYSTERY FESTIVAL. This exciting and popular GEMS Festival
Teacher's Guide features imaginative and compelling mysteries, one for
younger and one for older students. Each allows for layers of
detection, from the simplest to the more involved, to allow for several
grade levels' participation. Grades 2-8. c1998.
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P.R. 372.357 H197oc |
OCEAN CURRENTS. This companion guide to Only One Ocean
provides fascinating, real-world insights into the causes and effects of
marine currents. Students explore how wind, temperature, salinity, and
density set water in motion. They learn how the ocean makes our planet
livable and transports nutrients, people, and pollution. Makes a strong
connection to Discovering Density. Grades 5-8. c2001.
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P.R. 372.35 B234of |
OF CABBAGES AND CHEMISTRY. In this unit (an excellent
lead- in to Acid Rain), students explore acids and bases using
the special indicator properties of red cabbage juice. They learn that
chemicals can be grouped by behaviors, and relate acids and bases to
their own daily experience. Grades 4-8. c1996.
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| P.R. 372.357 S897on | ON SANDY SHORES. Students dive into the hidden world
beneath our feet in this marine-science unit on the marvelous ecosystem
we call a beach. (Access to a beach is not a requirement.)
Students explore and deepen their understanding of the "sandy shore,"
from grains of sand to commonly found animals to more complex biological
and ecological interactions. Grades 2-4. c1996.
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P.R. 372.357 H197on |
ONLY ONE OCEAN. This comprehensive companion to Ocean
Currents (see p. 5) interweaves the concepts of connected ocean
basins, animal adaptation, and sustainable fisheries. Its highlight, a
classroom squid dissection conducted by student pairs, leads to
activities about ocean fisheries and diminishing resources. Students
brainstorm and present possible solutions in a "world conference."
Grades 5-8. c2001.
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P.R. 372.35 S571oo 2002 |
OOBLECK: WHAT DO SCIENTISTS DO? In this immensely popular
unit, the strangely behaving substance called Oobleck provides students
authentic insight into real-world scientific inquiry. Students are
totally engaged in observation, hands-on investigation, a scientific
convention, and spacecraft design. Grades 4-8. c1998.
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P.R. 372.35 S671pa 2003 |
PAPER TOWEL TESTING. This unit is a stimulating
introduction to consumer science and controlled experimentation.
Students rank the qualities of four paper towel brands, compare the
costs of each, and determine which brand is the "best buy." Can be
expanded to test other consumer items. Grades 5-8. c2003.
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| P.R. 372.357 E18pe | PENGUINS AND THEIR YOUNG: Science and Math Activities for Young
Children. Inch for inch and toe to toe, an emperor penguin and a
young child can pretty well relate. This guide invokes
mathematics, physical and life sciences, and language development in an
assortment of activities that explore the emperor penguin and its
habitat. Children learn about the penguin's body structure, its
home of ice and water, what it eats, and how emperor penguin parents
care for their young. A life-sized poster invites students to
compare themselves to this four-foot-tall bird. Grades
Preschool-1. c2001.
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P.R. 372.357 C965pl |
PLATE TECTONICS: The Way the earth Works. These
groundbreaking earth science activities, including models of erupting
volcanoes, strike-slip faults, and sea-floor spreading, reveal the
dynamic nature of the Earth’s crust. Like real earth scientists,
students conduct "research" at key geological sites around the world and
record observations, calculations, and conclusions in a geological field
notebook. Grades 6-8. c2002.
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P.R. 372.357 G696re |
THE REAL REASONS FOR SEASONS. Sponsored by NASA and
carefully developed to help students overcome persistent misconceptions
about the causes of the seasons, this unit features modeling and
hands-on activities. Includes a CD-ROM with a wide selection of
photographs, films, Web-links, simulations, and software. Earth,
Moon, and Stars would make an excellent introductory unit. Grades
6-8. c2000.
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P.R. 372.35 K21ri |
RIVER CUTTERS. This popular unit explores the concepts of
erosion, pollution, toxic waste, and human manipulation of rivers.
Students create river models, acquire geological terminology, and begin
to understand geologic time. Grades 6-8. c1997.
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P.R. 372.357 B274sc |
SCHOOLYARD ECOLOGY. This guide is designed to nurture
curiosity about patterns and interactions in nature, beginning with
students’ immediate environment: the schoolyard and its inhabitants.
Students develop sampling, mapping, and related math and
environmental-writing skills. A great life science companion to
Terrarium Habitats. Grades 3-6. c2003.
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P.R. 372.35 T759se |
SECRET FORMULAS. Children investigate the properties of
substances as they make their own personal brands of paste, toothpaste,
cola, and ice cream in these compelling physical science activities.
Like Involving Dissolving and Liquid Explorations, the
unit provides real-life experiences with chemistry, and conveys key
science/math skills and concepts, including cause and effect. Grades
1-3. c1998.
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P.R. 372.35 L915si |
SIFTING THROUGH SCIENCE. This unit’s three
free-exploration learning stations integrate math, graphing, and date
analysis as children investigate various physical properties of objects.
In a culminating whole-class activity, students separate materials using
the knowledge, tools, and techniques they’ve learned. Grades K-2. c1994.
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| P.R. 551 S884 | STORIES IN STONE. Stories in Stone is a unit that deepens
understanding of the processes that form igneous, sedimentary, and
metamorphic rocks. It helps students demystify the dramatic,
inexorable processes that cycle through the geology of our planet.
Working with sets of ten samples, groups of students learn the
distinction between rocks and minerals, classify samples, and attempt to
identify "mystery rocks." Grades 4-8. c2004.
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P.R. 372.357 H827te |
TERRARIUM HABITATS. These life science activities bring
the natural world into your classroom and deepen children’s
understanding of and connection to all living things. Students
investigate soil, design and populate terrariums, and observe and record
changes over time. Schoolyard Ecology makes a great next step. Grades
K-6. c2000.
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P.R. 372.72 K83tr |
TREASURE BOXES. This guide builds on children’s
fascination with collections of small, everyday objects to introduce
discrete mathematics, statistics, numbers, logic, and language in a
cooperative learning environment. Graphing, sorting, and classification
activities also encourage appreciation for recycling. Grades K-3. c2002.
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P.R. 372.357 E18tr |
TREE HOMES. These activities focus on appreciation for
trees and the animals that live in them, stimulating children’s interest
in the natural world and emphasizing the biological need for warmth and
shelter. Students use role-play to understand adaptation and deepen
their math learning by sorting, classifying, and measuring. Grades
Preschool-1. c1998.
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Updated December 2007