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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Tumbleweeds

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=248

A lesson plan for grade 6 Science

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science


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In this Science Update, students explore how environmentalists might use tumbleweeds to clean up toxic waste. According Dana Ulmer-Scholle, a senior research scientist at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, suggests using tumbleweeds to help clean up military test sites that have been contaminated with depleted uranium. After surveying approximately 100 desert plants, scientists determined that tumbleweeds and kosha had the highest rates of uranium at the end of the growing season. This scientific technique of using plants to clean up pollution is called phytoremediation. Science NetLinks provides a link to the audio file, a written transcript, and questions to engage students in discussion about phytoremediation, the advantages of using plants to help clean up environmental problems. This activity also contains links to “Depleted Uranium: Questions and answers about its use in war” from the International Institute of Concern for Public Health and an article on phytoremediation from the Missouri Botanical Garden.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 6

  • Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
    • Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.05: Analyze evidence to:
      • Explain observations.
      • Make inferences and predictions.
      • Develop the relationship between evidence and explanation.
    • Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
      • Communicate findings.
      • Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
      • Research.
      • Gather and analyze data
      • Visualize data.
      • Disseminate findings to others.
    • Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
      • Scientific text.
      • Articles.
      • Events in the popular press.
  • Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate an understanding of technological design.
    • Objective 2.02: Use information systems to:
      • Identify scientific needs, human needs, or problems that are subject to technological solution.
      • Locate resources to obtain and test ideas.
    • Objective 2.03: Evaluate technological designs for:
      • Application of scientific principles.
      • Risks and benefits.
      • Constraints of design.
      • Consistent testing protocols.
  • Goal 3: The learner will build an understanding of the geological cycles, forces, processes, and agents which shape the lithosphere.
    • Objective 3.05: Analyze soil properties that can be observed and measured to predict soil quality including:
      • Color.
      • Horizon profile.
      • Infiltration.
      • Soil temperature.
      • Structure.
      • Consistency.
      • Texture.
      • Particle size.
      • pH.
      • Fertility.
      • Soil moisture.
    • Objective 3.06: Evaluate ways in which human activities have affected Earth's pedosphere and the measures taken to control the impact:
      • Vegetative cover.
      • Agriculture.
      • Land use.
      • Nutrient balance.
      • Soil as a vector.
  • Goal 4: The learner will investigate the cycling of matter.