MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM PROGRAMS
The Asombro Institute can bring a bit of hands-on science and the desert to your classroom. All programs provide an opportunity for students to learn about science through hands-on activities. Each program is aligned with the New Mexico STEM Ready! science standards (including the Next Generation Science Standards) and Common Core mathematics and English Language Art standards, where appropriate. Please call the Asombro Institute office (575-524-3334) to schedule your classroom presentations.
- Where: In your classroom
- Cost*: $60 for first presentation; $30 for additional, same-day presentations (additional travel charges may apply for schools outside Las Cruces, NM – $25 + 45 cents per mile)
- Maximum Group Size: 1 class per presentation (exceptions on an individual basis)
- Length: Approximately one hour per presentation (some lessons are multi-day)
Asombro provides programming in all four science disciplines in the NGSS curriculum: life science; physical science; earth & space science; and engineering, technology, & applications of science. Please scroll down to see our specific program offerings. A brief description of the program and applicable science standards are listed for each lesson. Click the science standard to read more on the Next Generation Science Standards website.
*The regular cost of classroom programs is $100 per lesson. However, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are able to offer a reduced price of $60 for the first lesson and $30 for each additional, same-day program.
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Energy Transfers around a Kangaroo Rat in the Desert
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Human Impacts: Water Use
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Insulating You, Insulating EarthTo understand how increases in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increase global surface temperatures, students will model the natural and enhanced greenhouse effect. Students conduct an experiment using their own body heat, thermometers, towels, and mylar blankets.
SCIENCE STANDARDS ADDRESSED
Click here for a standards sheet with both science and common core standards. |
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Natural Selection of Blanched Lizards at White Sands
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Creosote Bush Genetics: Do these genes make me look big?
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![]() Magnets and Migration
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Restoring Connections (Schoolyard Lesson)Students examine photos to discover that parts of Chihuahuan Desert have changed from a grassland to a shrubland ecosystem. After participating in an interactive game, students will explain that drought and grazing by livestock are two of the causes of shrub encroachment. Students use models to show how shrub encroachment causes increased erosion which exposes the hardened caliche layer. They will use aerial photos to estimate percent shrub cover and determine that a shrubland habitat is unsuitable for a keystone species – the banner-tailed kangaroo rat. After learning about the effects of shrub encroachment, students construct an argument to explain how a part of the ecosystem is impacted by this change.
SCIENCE STANDARDS ADDRESSED
Click here for a standards sheet with both science and common core standards. This lesson may be followed by a field trip to the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. Learn more here. |
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Get Out and Graze!Students learn about heritage livestock as they play the roles of Angus and Raramuri Criollo cattle grazing on a rangeland under abundant and then limited forage conditions caused by climate change.
SCIENCE STANDARDS ADDRESSED
Through grant funding, this lesson is available as an Asombro-led program in your classroom. Materials are also freely available online and can be accessed here. |