Middle School
Explore our resources for middle school students, including the Natural Inquirer journals and monographs, as well as activities, lesson plans, learning modules, and much more!
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Mountain pine beetles are important to the Western United States. They have a very special life cycle that includes staying…Mountain pine beetles are important to the Western United States. They have a very special life cycle that includes staying “supercool,” or dormant, for most of their lives. The scientists... -
Slab avalanches are the most dangerous kind of avalanche. A slab is a layer of new snow sitting on top…Slab avalanches are the most dangerous kind of avalanche. A slab is a layer of new snow sitting on top of a layer of snow, called a weak layer. Scientists... -
Cutthroat trout are a type of salmon. The scientists in this study wanted to find out if cutthroat trout behave…Cutthroat trout are a type of salmon. The scientists in this study wanted to find out if cutthroat trout behave like other salmonids. Other salmonids had been found to swim... -
Some scientists think that wildlife is mostly dependent on the immediate natural area in which it lives. The scientist in…Some scientists think that wildlife is mostly dependent on the immediate natural area in which it lives. The scientist in this study was interested in exploring this idea because she... -
Until the early 1950s, people mined copper, gold, and silver in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana. During mining operations, the…Until the early 1950s, people mined copper, gold, and silver in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana. During mining operations, the soil near the surface was removed before the minerals were... -
Soil erosion and sedimentation reduce the diversity of the natural environment. When soil is eroded and sedimentation occurs, important nutrients…Soil erosion and sedimentation reduce the diversity of the natural environment. When soil is eroded and sedimentation occurs, important nutrients are carried away from the soil. The scientists in this... -
When pairs of flammulated owls get ready to reproduce, they must find a place to build their nest. They need…When pairs of flammulated owls get ready to reproduce, they must find a place to build their nest. They need a location convenient to a food supply suitable for baby... -
One job of wilderness managers is to teach people how to behave when they visit a wilderness area. One of…One job of wilderness managers is to teach people how to behave when they visit a wilderness area. One of the ways students learn about how to behave when they... -
In recent years, populations of quaking aspen have been in decline in the Western United States. Stands of aspen are…In recent years, populations of quaking aspen have been in decline in the Western United States. Stands of aspen are now mixed with conifer trees. Each year, fewer aspen-dominated stands... -
In the Western United States, shallow rocky soils and a dry climate often make it hard for new trees to…In the Western United States, shallow rocky soils and a dry climate often make it hard for new trees to grow in areas that have been harvested of older trees....
