The Rock Cycle and Earth Processes
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 30 mins Activity: 30-45 mins Earth and Space Science Grade Level 6-8 Middle School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction This is an introductory activity that relates […]
Photosynthesis
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 50-60 MIN Prep: 30 | Activity: 20-30 Life Science 9-12 High School Overview This investigation is a visual way to introduce students to photosynthesis. As Elodea uses carbon dioxide from the initial solution, a change in pH occurs, causing a color change in the solution. The change is detectable in as […]
Phenology: Spring Leaf Index
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45-60 MIN Prep: 15 | Activity: 30-45 Life Science 9-12 High School Overview The study of related events, particularly between plants and animals that occur on a predictable or periodic cycle, is called phenology. Phenology studies are crucial to determining disruptions in environmental relationships as climate patterns shift, and phenology […]
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and the Greening of the Planet
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45-60 MIN Prep: 15 | Activity: 30-45 Earth and Space Science 9-12 High School Overview Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels have been changing globally since about 1785. Ice core samples indicate that prior to the late 1700s, CO2Â levels were around 280 parts per million (ppm). In 1885, CO2Â levels peaked […]
Invasion! Invasive Species Activity
Introduced species (also known as alien, nonnative, nonindigenous, or exotic species) are organisms that have been either accidentally or intentionally brought into an ecosystem in which they were not formerly found. The introduction of an organism may be beneficial, have no effect, or have a negative impact on the ecosystem into which it is released. […]
Urban Stream Syndrome
Purpose, goal, and standards This activity examines urban stream syndrome and how urbanization affects stream banks. Urban streams often have issues with both physical structure and chemical composition. While this activity focuses on the physical changes, the chemical changes can be more important to the overall health of the stream. Even if a stream exhibits […]
Forecasting Future Floods
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45-60 min Prep: 15-45 | Activity: 30-40 Earth and Space Science 6-8 Middle School Introduction Moving water is one of the most powerful forces in nature. A swift-moving river at flood stage can move cars and topple houses from their foundations. The greater the volume of water and the […]
Real Data for Explaining Climate Change and Modeling Inheritance Patterns
Workshop Resource Life Science 6-12 Middle / High School  Data analysis provides evidence for posing scientific arguments and generating models. Tree ring and WFP data are collected then used to make arguments about climate change and inheritance patterns during this workshop. Analysis of tree ring data as indirect evidence about how the climate of a […]
Hands-On Activities to Model Sampling, Habitat Degradation, and Animal Choice
Workshop Resource Life Science 6-12 Middle / High School Nurture students’ curiosity! Investigate methods used by scientists to estimate population sizes. Then create a terrestrial model to observe how pill bugs respond to habitat degradation. Use inquiry to develop experiments to observe the habitat preference of bess beetles and millipedes. Let the excitement in your […]
Hands-On Science with Phenomenal Critters
Workshop Resource Life Science K-12 Elementary / High School Add action and excitement to your science class with live organisms! Discover fun, simple hands-on activities with a variety of insects and arthropods that you can use in your labs. Learn about care and handling, as well as easy ways to introduce inquiry. Additional resources available […]