Curated OER
Canoe and Kayak
Students explore canoes and kayaks. In this canoe and kayak lesson, students research the history, parts, and sport of the canoe and kayak. Students then practice how to use a paddle for each boat, and go on a field trip in order to use...
Curated OER
White-Water Rapids
Students examine the sport of white-water kayaking, the equipment needed to participate in the sport, and conduct research on international rivers popular to kayakers. They create a kayak and white-water course using a variety of craft...
Curated OER
Investigative Case - "Malama Keone'o'io"
Students study techniques for conducting a local environmental assessment in an ecologically sensitive area. Identification of native plants and methodologies for sampling is taught in the classroom and then reinforced in the field. The...
Curated OER
Glacier Bay Seabirds
A gorgeous collection of photographs take viewers on a virtual tour or Glacier Bay National Park with a focus on the seabirds living in the area. Adaptations to the polar climate are highlighted, different species of birds are displayed,...
Curated OER
The Hudson's Ups and Downs
Even rivers have tides. Older elementary schoolers will discuss the Hudson River and how weather, water craft, and the ocean cause tidal fluctuation. They will examine a series of line graphs that depict tidal fluctuation, then analyze...
Curated OER
Simple Thermodynamics of Transportation
Students watch videos about various modes of transportation, they examine the energy transformations that occur in each, and they be introduced to the laws of thermodynamics.
Curated OER
The Hudson's Ups and Downs
Fifth graders practice interpreting line graphs of the Hudson River water levels to assess the tides and tidal cycles in the estuary. They explore how weather can affect water levels and tides and observe that high tides and low tides...
Curated OER
Tightrope Trials
Students research the concepts of center of mass and how to make different things balance. They make symmetrical cut-outs of different "creatures" and experiment with how they balance on a tightrope of string.
Curated OER
Finding Wind Direction
Students identify the wind direction. In this weather lesson, students use a weather vane to find the wind direction. Students complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Build an Anemometer
Students investigate wind speed. In this wind instrument lesson, students build an anemometer to measure wind speed and discuss the importance of wind speed knowledge in various professions.
Curated OER
Worming Your Way Through the Soil
Students study soil, living and non-living particles in the soil, and learn about composting. In this soil study lesson, students study soil samples and discuss the living and non-living components of the soil. Students classify the...
Curated OER
The Buoyancy Factor
Students examine why some objects float in water while others sink and the ability of something to float does not depend entirely on its weight. Archimedes' principle is introduced and buoyant force is discussed. Practice calculations...
Curated OER
Phragmites australis: Invasive Plant Species
Students research and investigate invasive species, with specific focus on the exotic plant Phargmites australis and its impact on Piermont Marsh near the community of Piermont, New York.
Curated OER
Design and Function of Native Watercraft
Students design clay boats and test their floating ability. They sketch and record each test different boat designs. They compare their designs to those of native Inuit vessels by looking at images and attempting to determine the...
Curated OER
Wilderness Training
Pupils see that there are many different kinds of wilderness. They study equipment and supplies to see how they differ for different types of wilderness experiences. They discuss ways to allow access to wild places without damaging them.
Curated OER
The Driving Force
Students work in groups and note similarities and differences between their boats: size, shape, color, and unique features. They discuss 3 typical means of propulsion: propellers, sails, and paddles then share their charts with the class.
Curated OER
Wilderness Training
Students explore how to prepare for a wilderness journey. In this wilderness survival instructional activity, students construct a compass from a magnet and a sewing needle.