National Wildlife Federation
Habitat Web
Young scientists weave together an understanding of ecosystems with this fun collaborative activity. Taking on the roles of different living and non-living elements of specific habitats, learners use a ball of yarn to create the web of...
Curated OER
Energy Alternatives
Students brainstorm a list of all of the ways they use energy in a day. In groups, they research the energy situation today and discuss what is being done to solve the problem. They also examine the issues related to this in politics...
Curated OER
Animals and Cosmetics Testing Lesson Plan
Students educate themselves as consumers. In this animal welfare lesson plan, students research the pros and cons of testing cosmetics on animals. Students develop alternatives for cosmetics testing and share their results with their peers.
Curated OER
Marine Debris and Me
Students study the environmental issues that pertain to the marine environment. In this research ocean landfills lesson students come up with alternative means of disposal.
Curated OER
The Lesson: Species Under Threat
Students consider the plight of endangered species. In this global studies lesson plan, students research selected websites about endangered animals and identify global issues that contribute to their demise.
Curated OER
Product Design and Production in the Global Economy
Eleventh graders explore the design, manufacture and consumption of personal audio devices and cellular products. They examine the related issues, choices, and consequences in the global economy for such purchases. They research...
Curated OER
It's a Wrap
In this problem-solving, action-oriented activity, students explore the impact that wrapping paper has on our landfills. Students brainstorm ideas to address the problem and also write an article to educate adults and peers about the...
Curated OER
Sustainable Dining
Learners evaluate the how their product choices impact the environment. They discuss the concept of sustainability in agriculture. Students give reasons for buying sustainable food products. A cost-benefit analysis concerning sustainable...
Curated OER
Ecological Dilemmas
In this ecological dilemmas worksheet, learners read about people's impact on ecosystems. Students complete 3 activities that require them consider the negative impact humans have on their environment.
Curated OER
Exploring Ecosystems
Fourth graders investigate ecosystems. In this ecosystem lesson, 4th graders explore producers, consumers, and decomposers and study the interdependence of each.
Curated OER
Stamp It!
Students explore environmental issues through art. In this stamp lesson, students use preconsumer waste paper and colored pencils to create rubber stamp designs. This is an environmentally safe lesson.
Curated OER
Clean Air: Our Health Matters
Students learn about the human respiratory system. In this pollution instructional activity, students identify the parts of the respiratory system and what happens to them when they breathe in polluted air. Students learn about the...
Curated OER
Economics -- Third Grade
Third graders read the Dr. Seuss book The Lorax. In groups, they answer questions that are related to economics and distribution of goods. They also identify the environmental issues present in the book and perform a skit in front of the...
Curated OER
Design-a-Lesson-Packaging a Product
Pupils in a teacher education class address consumer related issues involving packaging. Using volume, surface area and graphs, they create a package for a given volume of a product. They design modifications for this lesson plan and...
Curated OER
Affluenza
Students are introduced to the "disease" of affluenza. After watching a documentary, they identify the forces that have changed the nation into a consumer society. As a class, they discuss ways to avoid catching on to this phenomenon.
Curated OER
Trash...it really piles up!
Young scholars investigate a contemporary "midden" by analyzing trash collected from various sources and determining life-style choices people make. They see that reducing the amount of waste we generate is helpful to the the environment.
Curated OER
High-Tech Food: Science in Your Shopping Cart
Kids are given a lot to think about, as they delve into the world of high-tech foods. They discuss GMOs, biotechnology, food enhancements and domestication. They view videos, engage in class discussions, complete worksheets, and learn...
Institute for Humane Education
In Your Face: Reclaiming Billboards
Ads here, ads there, ads everywhere—but what do they communicate? Pupils discuss this topic and develop a list of personal values. They then work as creative directors at an advertising firm to create billboards that reflect community...
Curated OER
Arkansas and NAFTA
Build literacy through social studies and reading strategies. This lesson plan focuses on using pre-reading, vocabulary building, and comprehension questions to boost literacy while educating learners on international trade, NAFTA, and...
Teach Engineering
Light Up Your Life
How do lighting types affect energy efficiency? Explore different types of lighting and the energy they use. Pupils learn about types of lights and calculate the energy used during a typical school year. They discover that being energy...
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Creating an Advertisement
Advertising for the purpose of influencing public policy regarding the use of alternative fuels is the focus of an innovative and engaging lesson. Learners are split up into six team in order to create an advertising campaign that...
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Narrative Prompt
Reading about history is nothing like experiencing it firsthand. Encourage your eighth graders to do the next best thing with a historical narrative prompt, in which they describe the experience of a first-time traveler on the...
Curated OER
Communism
Sixth graders study how Russian government has changed and how the attitudes of people have changed as a result of these political changes, while learning how to write a persuasive paper, type paragraphs, and use WP utilities.
Curated OER
Biodegradability
Students study the effects of water, salt water and heat on common household materials. They separate an emulsion and show that the materials are completely recoverable and observe the effect of acetone and water on polystyrene.