Mercury Lesson Plans

Students explore the dangers of eating high levels of mercury and how small amounts of mercury in water accumulate in greater quantities in organisms higher in the food chain. They list the health of effects of high levels of mercury on humans.

Young scholars study the planet Mercury and develop an understanding of the planet's composition, geology, and other important characteristics. They explore a Web resource on the planet Mercury which is the central focus of this instructional activity.

Learners learn about the characteristics of the planets Mercury and Venus. In this planets lesson, students learn about these planets and their differences from Earth. They also learn how the inventions of engineers have made it possible to learn about these planets.

Students examine the work of NASA. In this space exploration lesson, students watch "1958: Project Mercury Begins." Students then view a PowerPoint presentation about the history of NASA and research each of the manned space programs.

Fifth graders focus on the various types of fish living in different water environments. In groups, they research the different methods used to fish and participate in experiments to determine the effects of mercury on fish, the environment and the people who consume the food. They take field trips to aquatic environments and share their findings with the class on what might happen if the environment is not taken care of.

Second graders investigate the concept of temperature with the help of using ice and mercury thermometers to measure it. They record data as the ice melts in the cup and graph how the temperature changes as it reaches room temperature.

Students develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry. They develop an understanding of chemical reactions, structures and properties of matter. They develop decision-making skills in natural and human-induced hazards.

Young scholars research the affects of mercury in the environment. They identify mercury presence in household and school items. They watch a demonstration of bioaccumulation of mercury in various organisms from the bottom to the top of a food chain.

Students write a position paper on the causes and effects of mercury poisoning.

First graders identify and explore the four inner planets. In this planet science lesson, 1st graders watch a PowerPoint about the planets. Students read the book Our Solar System and discuss the inner planets. Students create a book with a page about each of the four inner planets. Students also complete a search for the Solar System worksheet.