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Posts by Category: Science

Introduction to the Iditarod Sled Dog Race

Date: August 23, 2009

Introduction to the Iditarod Sled Dog Race
Developed by: Herb Brambley
Discipline / Subject: Geography/Social Studies/Science
Topic: Iditarod Sled Dog Race
Grade Level: 1 and above
Resources / References / Materials Teacher Needs:Movie – Nanook of the NorthMovie – Alone in the Wilderness

Book – Enchantment of America:Alaska

Book – Balto by Natalie Standiford

Globe

Flashlight

Internet site with animation of earth’s orbit:

http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/energy/earth_sun_relations_seasons.html

Lesson Summary: This lesson introduces Alaska and the Iditarod to the students.  It is also a lesson on why we experience the change in seasons.
Standard’s Addressed: (Local, State, or National)1. NSES 6.4 Earth and Space Science2. PA S&T 3.4D Explain and illustrate the cause of seasonal change.

3. USNGS 6 How Culture and Experience Influence People’s Perceptions of Places and Regions

4. NCSS 3 People Places and Environments
Learning Objectives:1. Students will describe the movement of the earth in relationship to the sun.2. Students will explain how the tilt of the earth relates to the change in seasons.

3. Students will identify differences between our culture and that of people from the artic regions.

 Method of assessment for learning

  1. Students will draw the tilt of the earth and its relationship to the sun in each of the 4 seasons.
  2. Students will demonstrate the movement and tilt of the earth in relationship to the sun.
  3. Students will list differences between their culture and Nanook’s culture.
Procedural Activities

  1. Using the globe and solar system model, describe the orbit of the earth around the sun.
  2. Use the flashlight and globe to show how the tilt of the earth causes parts of the earth to receive less sunlight certain times of the year.
  3. Show students the Internet site with the animation of earth’s orbit.
  4. Since we receive heat and light energy from the sun, parts of the earth get less heat and light during some months and are therefore colder.
  5. Relate lifestyle and culture to climate.
  6. Show students the movie Nanook of the North.
  7. Have students list differences and similarities in culture they observed.
Materials Students Need:Worksheet page with picture of the sun and earth’s orbit.
Technology Utilized to Enhance Learning:Computer with internet access to show animation of earth’s orbit.
Other Information:Preview Nanook before showing it to your class. Some material may not be suitable for children.
Modifications for Special Learners/ Enrichment Opportunities:This is a great hands-on lesson for learning the orbit and tilt of the earth.Students who understand the concept of earth’s tilt may describe in their journals the affect there would be on the seasons if earth had no tilt.

Posted by herb in Lessons, Science, Social Studies Tagged ,

Make a Volcano!

Date: February 7, 2009

Summary:  Teachers and students can make their own model of a volcano following this simple plan.

Download Lesson Plan:  Make a Volcano!

Volcano Model

Posted by Cathy (2009) in Lessons, Science, Social Studies Tagged ,

Polar Bears

Date: September 15, 2008

Summary: After reading Polar Bears by Gail Gibbons students will complete an ABC or 123 dot-to-dot of a polar bear. The teacher will read the Polar Bear Fact sheet and students willpoint to the corresponding physical feature on their completed dot-to-dot polar bear. For example, when the teacher reads the fact, “Polar bears have small ears so they won’t freeze.” Students point to the ear on their picture. After all the facts have been read, students watch the National Geographic Video. The teacher then introduces the polar bear song to the children.

Posted by Cathy (2009) in Lessons, Science, Social Studies Tagged , ,

Alaska’s Arctic Animals

Date: August 29, 2008

Summary: During the study of Alaska’s Arctic animals and where they live students will be able to tell the teacher one cold fact about each animal. A cold fact is anything that tells how these animals survive in such a harsh environment. Two facts, for example, that help the willow ptarmigan survive are that he turns white in the winter (his camouflage) and that he grows extra feathers in the winter, even on his feet (for warmth). This information is reviewed and reinforced by playing the Arctic Animal Memory Game and Arctic Animal Bingo.

Posted by Cathy (2009) in Lessons, Science, Social Studies Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Toothpick Experiment

Date: August 29, 2008

Summary: Students will look for red, yellow, blue and green toothpicks distributed in a grassy area and discover that the green toothpicks are more difficult to find because they are the color of their surroundings.

Posted by Cathy (2009) in Lessons, Math, Science Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Willow Ptarmigan — Master of Disguise

Date: August 29, 2008

Summary: After conducting the toothpick experiment and reading Gone Again Ptarmigan students will see in this art activity how important camouflage is to Alaska’s state bird, the willow ptarmigan and other Arctic animals. (Other Arctic animals that change their coats or feathers with the season are the Arctic fox, the short-tailed weasel (known as ermine in their winter coats), the snowy owl, and the snowshoe hare. Polar bears keep their camouflage all year long!)

Posted by Cathy (2009) in Art, Language Arts, Lessons, Science Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Science Lessons for Any Grade Level

Date: February 10, 2008

These lessons are in PDF format.  The lessons can be adapted to any grade level.

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Iditarod and the Science of Force by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Use the Iditarod XXXV DVD in your classroom to show the beauty, wonder, intensity, and reality of the race. Here’s a way to use it to illustrate some physical science concepts. As your students are watching, pause the DVD and ask them to point out examples of these things.  (Use the race DVD from any selected year or use Iditarod Insider video clips.)  This lesson is for any grade level.

Iditarod and the Science of Force

Leaping to a Healthy Heart by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

All Iditarod sled dogs must undergo veterinary examinations to make sure they are 100% healthy to race. A key component of this is the condition of their hearts.    This lesson can be used at any grade level.

Leaping to a Healthy Heart
Worksheet: Leap Olympics Checklist
Worksheet: Leap Olympics Events

A Sled Dog’s First Year by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Students will learn how a sled dog grows up and what it learns in its first year of life.  Discipline / Subject: math, science, social studies, art, reading – varies with activity teacher develops.  Topic: the growth and development of a sled dog pup referenced to its age in its first year of life.   Grades 1 – 3

New Year – a sled dog pup’s first year (science)
Worksheet: sled dog pup first year synopsis
Worksheet: sled dog pup math problems

Halloween Musher Costume by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will experiment with different articles of winter clothing to determine which are warmest. Then students will learn the necessary layers of clothes a musher wears, a “costume”, to survive Arctic elements during the Iditarod. (Sometimes mushers in full gear certainly look like they are in a costume!  This lesson can be adapted and used during other months.)  Topic: heat transfer/insulation, grades 3 – 8

Halloween – Musher Costume (science)
Worksheet: Musher Costume Investigation Lab Sheet

Is it Still Summer?  Developed by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Students compare how long they “feel” seasonal weather compared to the calendar seasons and how long people “feel” seasonal weather in Alaska.  Topic: comparing local seasonal weather to the calendar and to Alaskan seasonal weather.  Science, writing, grades 3 – 8

Is It Still Summer? (seasons)
Worksheet: seasons activity

Arctic Animal Trading Cards by Jane Blaile, Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Following an introduction to Alaskan animals, students will research further information and make trading cards of the animals and facts about them.  Topic: animals of Alaska, science, art, and writing, grade 2 – 8

Arctic Animal Trading Cards (science)
Worksheet: trading card pattern
Worksheet: trading card rubric

There’s a Moose on the Loose!  Developed by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students will use data on moose measurements to construct a life-sized moose through researching, designing a model, and building it.  Topic: moose and their body structure and size, math and science, grades 5 – 8

There’s a Moose on the Loose! (models)

Investigative Reporters by Jane Blaile, 2008 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students work in small groups to research a science topic for a class presentation.  Topic: various depending on what topics are offered as choices, science, grades 5 – 8

Investigative Reporters (science)
Worksheet: example guidelines
Worksheet: investigative reporters rubric

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Alaskan Beanie Classification by Kim Slade, 2007 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary: Students classify animals that live in their area and in Alaska using a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast characteristics.  Animal Classification, Science, Grades 1 – 7

Alaskan Beanie Classification
Worksheet: Animal Information Sheet

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Arctic Days by Kim Slade, 2007 Teacher on the Trail™

After reading the book Arctic Lights: Arctic Nights, students will track and record times for sunrise, sunset, as well as the average high/low temperatures on the twenty-first of each month. They will create models in order to examine the relationship the earth and sun have on seasonal change and the length of day.  (Book by Debbie S. Miller)  Topic:  Dynamics of light in Alaska, Language Arts, Science, Grades 3 – 6

Arctic Days
Worksheet: Arctic Days Record Sheet

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One Small Square by Kim Slade, 2007 Teacher on the Trail™

Lesson Summary:   After making One Small Square frames, students will explore habitats by taking a close look at one small
square of Earth at a time.  Topic: Observation and Comparison, Multidisciplinary, Any Grade Level

One Small Square
Worksheet: One Small Square Pictures

View Lessons from Terrie Hanke, 2006 Teacher on the Trail™ at This Link.

Posted by Diane in Lessons, Science Tagged , , , , , , ,