How can we help protect an endangered species? A 2 week deep dive experience learning about endangered species around the world with a special focus on local California species.

archaeology project

Cloud in a Jar: Use warm water, ice, and hairspray in a jar to simulate cloud formation through condensation.

Identifying Matter: Have students use the list of properties they created as a class in the “What Is Matter?” starter activity to answer the following question prompts. Each prompt can be answered using the term solid, liquid, or gas, and each term is only used once. Prompt #1. A _____ has a definite shape and does not take the shape of its container. It also has a definite volume because it takes up a definite space. (The answer is “solid.”) Prompt #2. A _____ does not have a definite shape and takes the shape of its container. It has a definite volume because it takes up a definite space. (The answer is “liquid.”) Prompt #3. A _____ does not have a definite shape and can take the shape of its container. Its particles flow freely around each other because they are not connected. Oobleck (Non-Newtonian Fluid): Mix cornstarch and water to create a substance that acts as a solid under force and a liquid when resting.

Needs versus wants, economics

Synthesizing Systematic Curriculum, Existentialist Curriculum, Radical Curriculum, Pragmatic Curriculum, Deliberative Curriculum

Crop Selection Invite an extension agent into the classroom to discuss the selection of crops in your local area. Have him or her discuss how environmental changes affect crop species selection.

The Perfect Pet Ask your students how many prefer cats and how many prefer dogs. Tally the results and discuss what traits they like about each animal, recording their answers on the board. Explain to your class that their task is to hypothetically breed the perfect pet. Although species cannot be crossed in real life, for this activity, they will be able to mate dogs and cats freely to create what they consider the perfect pet. Using what they have learned about genetics and breeding, have each student come up with a plan for how he or she would go about creating this pet.