NKCS MS Science Resources

There are a couple of things about this one that I think need some careful attention. For one: "A [food]chain will always start with a plant (a primary producer)." That isn't really true for the largest ecosystem on the planet, for example: the oceans. Not only are most algae not considered plants, a large number of these are unicellular and prokaryotic... the "blue green algae/bacteria" or cyanophytes. In fact, there are even deep sea hydrothermal ecosystems, for instance, that do not even rely upon photosynthetic organisms at all. These primary producers are chemosynthetic in the blackness that is the sea floor. So yes, "primary producer" is accurate... but not so for "plant." I'm also anxious to see what kids will place in between the snail and the bird (as pictured) on food chain "B" to complete the "missing link." I honestly had to work the Google to find out that spider-eating snails do exist. I feel like that is pretty obscure.

Short description of the fish. Gives students an example of an adaptation helping an organism survive in it's environment (4.3.C.a).

These are absolutely amazing. Until my students first watched a school of these "pooping clouds of sand" over the reef, I don't think they truly believed that a significant percentage of the white sand on coral beaches originated in the digestive tract of a parrotfish.

This actually covers a wide range of the objectives for earth science in both 6th and 8th grade.  If you use ISN's this ia a great resource.

links to various websites about soil, rocks and minerals

Students use various websites to explore the world of minerals.

students visit various websites to learn more about rocks and minerals

Ride the Rock Cycle Mighty Minerals Sand Hunt Simple Sediments

Animated video that explains the importance of coral reefs in the food web. Narrated by Celine Cousteau, the video is ideal for school kids and an great tool for teachers to introduce them to ocean biology, environmental issues and social activism.4.1.B.a; 4.1.B.c; 4.1.D.a; 4.2.A.a

4.1.D.a

Aligns with 4.1.B.c and 4.1.D.a

Engaging breakdown of what happens when we throw things away. Aligns with 4.1.D.a and 4.1.D.c.

Shows how each is recycled. Aligns with 4.1.D.a

Article alined with 4.1.D.c, 4.1.B.a and 4.1.B.c.