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Grades 6-8

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Classroom Activity

Compare Hoof and Tooth Fossils

More than 35 million years ago, horses thrived in wet forests. Take a close look at horse fossils to see what paleontologists can learn from studying an extinct animal’s bones and teeth.

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Searching the Ocean for Deep Sea Vents

Scientists don't have to scour every inch of ocean floor to locate deep sea vents, but that doesn't mean the process is fast or easy. Learn more about these researchers' painstaking work.

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Classroom Activity

It's Aliiive--Or Is It?

Scientists have found life everywhere they've looked on Earth—even at the bottom of the ocean, where conditions are extreme. Investigate one deep sea vent's thriving ecosystem.

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Is it Alive?

Despite extreme temperatures and the absence of sunlight, you can find a variety of life on the ocean floor. Take a look at the amazing organisms that thrive in this unlikely environment.

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Classroom Activity

Underwater Plume

With the help of three friends, you can create your own mini underwater geyser. All you'll need is a soda bottle, a baby food jar, aluminum foil, food coloring, and a few more household supplies.

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Article

Scaly Surprises (Science World)

Did you know that a snake's skin includes see-through scales that cover its eyes. Or that chameleons have sticky tongues to pull in their prey? Examine squamates and their remarkable adaptations.

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Article

Leapin' Lizards (SuperScience)

Introduce younger students to squamates and some of scaly lizards and snakes that are part of this group of animals. Then put their exhibit-designing skills to the test.

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Article

Darwin: Voyage of Discovery (SuperScience)

Introduce younger students to Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle with this interview Niles Eldredge. Then challenge their ability to spot environmental adaptations with the Iguana Puzzler. 

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Article

Darwin: Voyage of Discovery (Science World)

Did you know that Darwin was prone to sea sickness? Or that he found a bird specimen he was seeking ... on his dinner plate? Examine the big insights and amusing details of Darwin's historic voyage on the HMS Beagle. 

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Article

Bats: Night Fliers (SuperScience)

Introduce younger students to bats, which make up nearly one-fifth of all mammal species on Earth. Then put their classification skills to the test with the Chip Challenge.