National Wildlife Federation
What is DBH?
When measuring the circumference of a tree, does it matter how high you place the measuring tape? Most scholars have never considered this question, but scientists know that measurement techniques must be standardized. The 13th lesson in...
Curated OER
Erosion: Slip Sliding Away
Fourth graders investigate the causes of erosion. Through several demonstrations including one using sugar cubes and warm water, they observe the effects of erosion. In groups, 4th graders conduct similar experiments and record their...
Prestwick House
Connotative vs. Denotative Meanings
Besides the dictionary definition, words also carry the added weight of meanings that are inferred or implied, meanings conferred on words, or connotations. To gain an understanding the importance of connotation, class members engage in...
Curated OER
Seasons
Students explore the four seasons. Through observation activities, they explore and discuss the weather changes that occur during each season. Students create a graph of the clothing that is worn during each season.
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Climate Types
In this weather worksheet, middle schoolers describe the rainfall distribution found in two different areas of the world. Then they compare the various types of climates found around the world using the graphs shown on the sheet.
Curated OER
Looking at the Water Cycle
In this Looking at the Water Cycle worksheet, read an explanation of the water cycle and fill in missing words. Students also create a poster about the water cycle, deliver a weather forecast, and research further questions.
Colorado State University
What Is Energy?
Don't let the energy of your classroom falter! Explore the scientific definition of energy through play. A hands-on lesson focuses on the change of energy from one form to another.
Curated OER
Here Today-Gone Tomorrow
Young scholars explore changes and how to adapt to them. They discuss the seasons, changes in the weather, and different stages of matter. Students write a poem about change. Additional cross curriculum activities are listed.
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Dryline Characteristics
Learners view animations of several atmospheric variables (e.g., temperature, rainfall) during a cold front passage and locate the dryline, determine its direction of movement, and list at least two weather conditions associated with the...
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The Effect of Rain on Morning Temperatures
Eighth graders study the effects of the water cycle. They create a graph of the air temperature versus solar radiation on a rainy and clear 24 hour period using data from a provided link. Afterward, they answer questions to determine the...
Curated OER
Weather Variables Lab
Students examine what happens when air temperature drops and gets closer to the dewpoint. They perform a lab activity which illustrates the effects on humidity, precipitation and barometric air pressure.
Curated OER
Time and Rate
In this rate graphing worksheet, students graph four examples of rate vs. time. Then students complete 20 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Analyzing Meteorological Data From Mars
Students compare real-time Earth and Mars measurements for temperature, wind speed, humidity and atmospheric pressure by accessing Internet-data resources from NASA. They access real-time weather data and maps for their school location.
Curated OER
Weather and Oceans: Uneven Heating of the Earth
Students investigate what causes the heat on Earth. In this Earth heating instructional activity, students experiment with different heat sources and determine where the Earth gathers the most heat. Students explore vocabulary words...
Curated OER
Create Your Own Fog
Students describe weather conditions and climates. They describe patterns of changing weather and how they are measured. Students explain and predict general weather patterns and storms. Students form fog in a jug.
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Cold Front Characteristics
Students study the weather conditions before, during, and after cold front passage. Two cold front examples are provided so that comparisons can be made. They are divided in two large groups. Each group studies a different cold front case.
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Chasing El Nino
In this El Nino worksheet, students review this specific change in the climate cycle by completing 20 short answer questions.
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Condensation
Middle schoolers explain how water changes from vapor to liquid with a change in temperature by engaging in this experiment. They use a worksheet imbedded in this lesson to guide their inquiry.
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Perpetual Motion
Students discuss movement of air currents and then experiment to create visible models of air currents. Students connect the model to weather patterns.
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Air Pressure and Wind
In this air pressure and wind worksheet, students answer fifteen questions about how air pressure is measured, what it is, the reasons for changes in air pressure and the weather as air pressure changes. They also answer questions about...
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Barrier Islands
Third graders explore how barrier islands work. In this erosion lesson, 3rd graders create barrier islands in stream tables and simulate wave action to see how it affects their island.
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El Niño
In this weather worksheet learners complete an interactive activity on El Ninos then answer a series of short answer questions on how they occur.
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Zoo Poo
Learners use Internet research to determine the amount of carbon dioxide produced per unit energy for biomass and coal. In this alternative energy lesson, students research to find out how much energy and carbon dioxide several coal and...
Curated OER
Pebbles Sand and Silt
First graders investigate soil, sand and silt. In this environment lesson, 1st graders discuss how changes occur in the environment and the effects of weather. Students perform their own investigation and record their predictions,...