Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning
In this lesson, students investigate the phenomenon of differences in water clarity among four Oklahoma lakes. Students investigate how local environmental conditions and the survival strategies and growth of phytoplankton (algae) affect water clarity. Students then design and conduct experiments that... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: April 8th, 2025
Nutrients, Genetics, and Plant Growth
Observing a polyurea-coated watermelon dropping from a 148-foot drop as a phenomenon, students will develop an understanding of how the coating is formed via a chemical reaction and what properties make the substance so durable. Through models and observational data, students will explain how the molecular... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: March 24th, 2025
Chemical Properties and Reactions
In this lesson, students learn about Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood-specific vocabulary, common disorders which may be detected with a CBC and the role of CBC in patient diagnosis. They will conduct an investigation where they analyze the characteristics of simulated blood samples and diagnose patients... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: March 6th, 2025
Understanding Complete Blood Counts (CBC)
Students will explore the effects of an increase in nitrogen and phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems. They will collect data from an algae growth investigation and complete a reading about human-produced nutrient inputs. Using these sources of evidence, students will develop a causal explanation of the... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: January 31st, 2025
Effects of Disturbance on Ecosystems
This middle school lesson is adapted from the high school lesson "How Does Your Garden Grow?" Students will explore principles of soil health, soil chemistry, and nutrient cycles by testing and analyzing soil samples. Students will also explore humanity's impact on soil health and create public service... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: April 2nd, 2025
Conservation, Ecosystems, and Soil Health
In this lesson, students investigate how digital and analog waves carry information by developing models and relating these to information transmission. This lesson is Part 3 of the "Beyond the Slinky®" series on waves and their properties. Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: December 6th, 2024
Information Transmission Through Waves
This middle school lesson is adapted from the high school lesson "How Does Your Garden Grow?" Students will explore principles of soil health, soil chemistry, and nutrient cycles by testing and analyzing soil samples. Students will also explore humanity's impact on soil health and create public service... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: December 4th, 2024
Conservation, Ecosystems, and Soil Health
Students will explore the relationship between the fossil record and the digestive system using coprolites (i.e., fossilized poop) as a phenomenon. Students will explain what coprolites can tell us about the diet of the organisms they came from by investigating the chemical and physical processes of... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: October 16th, 2024
Digestion and the Fossil Record
In this lesson, students will explore a variety of plant reproductive structures and determine differences between sexual and asexual reproduction through hands-on observations and online research. Based on their findings, students will use engineering design to create and test "seed dispersal" structures.... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: October 9th, 2024
Plant Reproduction and Seed Dispersal
In this professional development, participants explore elements of student engagement and examples of positive classroom culture. Next, they participate in a variety of engaging instructional strategies as learners and gain experience modifying and/or scaffolding these strategies to support their own... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: August 13th, 2024
