Pollution Lesson Plans

Students examine the different types of tests used to measure the environmental effects of hazardous waste. They work together to determine the impact of pollution on different ecosystems. They read a case study and answer questions to end the lesson.

Students investigate water pollution. They develop an understanding of the behavior of organisms, of the structure and properties of matter, and of natural and human induced hazards by conducting lab tests. They present their data appropriately in the form of graphs and report their investigation, results and conclusions in the form of a written lab report.

Students explore ocean pollution.  In this ecology instructional activity, students view a video entitled This Pretty Planet and identify common biodegradable products. Students participate in activities designed to simulate the negative effects of pollution on plants and animals, and brainstorm ways they can help keep the ocean clean.

Young scholars research car emissions of various cars and find the toxins emitted.  In this stoichiometry lesson, students calculate the relationship between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. Young scholars collect data on emissions and create graphs using Excel. Students compare their results. Young scholars apply their results to solving the pollution problem.

Learners examine pollution and how it affects the environment. They discuss how human activities lead to more pollution. They talk about the importance of recycling. There is a skit, resource links, and activities provided to make this a complete experience.

Students differentiate between point and non-point pollution and determine how the different types of pollution are harmful to aquatic ecosystems. They complete a series of tests on a sample of "polluted" water and a sample of "pure" water.

Students recognize the causes of pollution and how they can help prevent them. In this pollution/conservation lesson, students listen to the story of The Lorax and read a booklet on pollution. Students research and create a multimedia project on pollution.

Students identify different types of pollution. In this environmental lesson, students discuss pollution that could affect their school building. Students use tape on index cards to measure the air pollution on different sides of the school building. Students record observations.

Students build models that engineers use to prevent air pollution. In this air pollution lesson, students explore air pollution and the technologies that engineers have created to prevent it and clean it up.

Fourth graders construct mini-ecosystem, pollute the ecosystem, observe, collect, and record data on the effects of these pollutants on their ecosystem, organize data on spreadsheets, create graphs, and design presentations to share with classmates.