Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning
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: June 15th, 2022
Effects of Disturbance on Ecosystems
This extended multi-standard lesson uses the phenomena of the Dust Bowl to understand ecosystem stability and human impacts on the environment. Students examine art, plant-soil interactions, climate data, and agricultural practices to develop concept maps synthesizing the ecosystem-based causes of the... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: May 25th, 2022
Climate, Ecosystems, and Human Impacts
Participants will determine how to sequence science lessons through the lens of authenticity to increase student engagement. Participants will engage in a non-example of an authentic science learning experience. Following the activity, participants will reflect upon their experience and how it demonstrates... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: April 14th, 2022
In this lesson, students make connections between severe weather events and human behavior. Students will play through AWARE: Advanced Weather Awareness & Response Education, a digital game-based learning (DGBL) module; explore population growth data; and research the economic sectors and natural resources... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: November 18th, 2021
The Influence of Natural Hazards on Human Activity
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: May 19th, 2022
Chemical Properties and Reactions
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: August 3rd, 2021
Plant Reproduction and Seed Dispersal
Students will explore the relationship between the fossil record and the digestive system using coprolites (i.e., fossilized poop) as a phenomenon. By investigating the chemical and physical processes of digestion and connecting these to prior knowledge of fossil formation, students will explain what... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: June 14th, 2021
Digestion and the Fossil Record
In this lesson, students will develop cladograms and phylogenetic trees to predict manatees' evolutionary relationships to several other mammals. By comparing trees based on morphological characteristics with trees made from protein sequences, students will deepen their understanding of why scientists... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: June 29th, 2021
Using Genomic Data to Evaluate Evolutionary Relationships
Students will investigate how digital and analog waves carry information by developing a model and relating it to information transmission. This lesson is Part 3 of "Beyond the Slinky®," a three-part lesson series on waves and their properties. Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: May 19th, 2022
Information Transmission Through Waves
This lesson is a middle school adaptation of the high school "How Does Your Garden Grow?" lesson. Students will explore soil health principles, soil chemistry, nutrient cycles, and environmental impacts of soil quality. Students will construct models that demonstrate the flow of matter and energy in... Read more »
Created by: Heather Shaffery
Date Updated: May 18th, 2021
Conservation, Ecosystems, and Soil Health
