Lesson Plan
Agriculture in the Classroom

A Holiday Tradition: Which Christmas Tree Will You Choose?

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Different varieties of Christmas trees provide an interesting way to combine social studies, science, math, and technology. Class members not only research the history of the Christmas tree holiday tradition, they compare and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shorts in January? Is Climate Change Good for Us?

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students investigate the differences between weather in the past and in today's world.  In this climate change lesson, students review what they currently know about global warming, then discuss ways climate change might make life...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Food for Thought

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students explore the food chains in a variety of ecosystems and its relationship to the survival of threatened or endangered marine animals or fish in the ocean. The interdependence of the species is investigated in this lesson.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Mars

For Teachers 4th - 10th
Students, working in small groups construct scale models of the planets and solar system. They examine images of Mars and discuss what might have caused the features. They record facts about their planetary research in their journals and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oceans and Weather

For Teachers 4th - 9th
Students analyze the impact the ocean and its currents have on weather. In this oceans and weather instructional activity, students analyze data comparing inland and coastal weather, and analyze satellite data for evidence of El Nino.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electricity/Magnetism

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore magnets as fundamental parts of generators and how they are used to produce current electricity. They distinguish between the north and south pole of magnets and the difference between repel and attract. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ocean Zones

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students create a mural showing ocean zones and the diversity of ocean life. They use reference books to create a list of plants and animals that would live in each zone.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Lesson: Space Exploration

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students explore space. In this current events lesson plan, students visit selected websites to learn about NASA, Mars, the Seti Institute, and space exploration terminology. Students make space glossaries and their own telescopes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Build the Taiga: Hands on Biome-Building

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students explore environmental awareness by completing a construction project. In this biomes lesson, students identify the different elements for life to thrive in an ecosystem. Students utilize a cardboard or wood box to create a biome...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making A Compass

For Teachers 4th
This interesting science instructional activity is about the compass. Students make a compass out of a magnet, sewing needle, cork, and a glass dish. The instructional activity includes both a pre and post-test for the students to take,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Swords, Arrows, and Eggs

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Learners enjoy hands-on learning experiences. In this current events lesson, students may visit the Lulworth Castle, Roald Dahl Museum, Glasgow Science Centre, Salts Mill, or the Sherwood Forest online or in-person to discover details of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's in Our Woods?

For Teachers K - 12th
Students observe their local forest and document the change that occurs over the school year.  For this forestry lesson plan, students utilize a GPS to mark a certain area of the woods as their study area for the remainder of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Salmon and the Non-Native Species

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students investigate the affect of non-native species on Pacific Salmon. In this non-native species and Pacific Salmon lesson plan, students participate in a competition and habitat loss game. They play the game in groups, while...
Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

Exploring the Science of Water in Art: Water Cycle Lesson Plans

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Water cycle lesson plans provide an opportunity for teachers to collaborate, and students to discuss this important resource.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Save the Bay!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore environmental protection by creating a presentation in class. In this Chesapeake Bay instructional activity, students discuss the current threats from human beings towards the delicate balance of life near the bay....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Monterey Bay

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students read background information about Monterey Bay, California, and conduct related experiments. In this ocean in motion lesson, students read information about the location, wildlife, and characteristics of Monterey Bay. They...
Lesson Plan
University of California

Plankton

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Plankton: so much more than just a SpongeBob character. Three different activities have kids looking at both phytoplankton and zooplankton in pictures, as well as collecting their own samples (depending on your access to a saltwater...
Lesson Plan
ARKive

Species Discovery

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
How many of your students know that even today new species are being found all over the globe? Introduce them to the amazing diversity our planet houses with a creative activity about animal variation and classification. They'll use a...
Unit Plan
University of Southern California

What Is The Ocean?

For Students 4th - 8th
Go on a tour of the ocean through the lens of a scientist. Learners read maps of the ocean floor, study tide behavior, examine wave motion, and analyze components of soil. Each lesson incorporates a hands-on component.
Lesson Plan
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Curated OER

In My Opinion

For Teachers 3rd - 6th Standards
Young writers craft letters to the government stating their opinion on different topics. They pick an environmental or ocean issue, research it, and craft their formal persuasive letter. Ensure your learners include supporting facts and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sinking Races

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Students build plankton models and compete to see which sinks most slowly. They write, or orally present ,the adaptations they incorporated to slow the sinking rate of their organisms. Race results can be grounds for some prizes!
Lesson Plan
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Curated OER

Earthquakes and Volcanoes

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Even though volcanoes look alike, they can be very different based on the types of lava that erupts from their surface. Learn about strata volcanoes, shield volcanoes, and the varying viscosity of lava with an engaging hands-on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Peace Corps Challenge Game- Water Quality

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students advocate for clean water.  For this water pollution lesson, students play the Peace Corps Challenge Game, discuss the effects of polluted water and write a letter to the mayor of Wanzuzu highlighting the situation of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Immersion Presents Monterey Bay

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students study Monterey Bay. In this Monterey Bay lesson, students create a model of upwelling around Monterey Bay. Students simulate surface water movement relative to prevailing winds.