Curated OER
Plate Tectonics
Students participate in a series of experiments to learn about plate tectonics and the different materials of the Earth. In this plate tectonics lesson plan, students use eggs, water, beakers, paper, and more materials to learn about the...
Columbus City Schools
Thinking Like A Soil Scientist
Ready to roll up those sleeves and get your hands dirty? Dirty with soil science content, that is! Overcome those "But it's just dirt" objections with a trip outside to collect soil samples for some in-class analysis. Use the...
Curated OER
Pangaea Puzzle
Students explore plate tectonics and the formations of the Earth's surface and why maps are distorted. In this Earth's surface lesson students complete a lab and answer questions.
Curated OER
Soil Investigations
Middle schoolers examine the basics about soil. In this soil lesson students describe the physical properties of soil and explain what soil profile is.
Curated OER
How Was Coal Formed?
Geology can be a lot of fun. Learners review geology related vocabulary, make flashcards, use encyclopedias to answer questions, then explore the formation of coal. They identify dates and order them into key time frames of geologic...
Curated OER
Teeshirt Printing
Learners become responsible and involved citizens. In this t-shirt printing lesson students design and create a teeshirt with a message about citizenship and responsibility. Natural objects are used as stamps.
Curated OER
Water, Water Everywhere, Even Underground
The "Engage" section of a wetlands lesson plan asks young ecologists to examine a wetlands poster. You can easily find one online and display it using a projector. Pupils immerse a piece of sandstone and a piece of granite in water to...
Curated OER
Frozen Film
Students discover how light reflects off surfaces. In this hands-on demonstration, students examine how variations in color are produced by light interference.
Curated OER
Bell Live! The Great Lakes: A Superior Adventure
Students participate in a virtual field trip to Lake Superior. In groups, they perform experiments in which test the level of toxins and bacteria in the water. They also watch video segments life in the lake and discuss their observations.
Curated OER
Air Pollution Over Where?
Students predict the movement of an air borne pollutant using their understanding of air currents. They determine which governments and/or communities should be contacted to be forewarned. They also explore the properties of their...
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Rock Cycle
This tutorial explains the rock cycle--from beginning to end! It is full of activities, assessments, games, slideshows and all kinds of interactive material. Learn what rocks are made of and how they change from one form to another....
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Rocks and Processes of the Rock Cycle
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Instructional videos, grade-level texts, interactive activities, and quick assessments about rocks and processes of the rock cycle.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigations Based on the Rock Cycle
In this lab investigation, students will study different types of rocks and formulate questions about the conditions under which they formed. This lab requires students to use the concepts learned about the rock cycle to develop a...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Rock Jeopardy!
Students reinforce their understanding of rocks, the rock cycle, and geotechnical engineering by playing a trivia game. They work in groups to prepare Jeopardy-type trivia questions (answers) and compete against each other to demonstrate...
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas Mc Donald Observatory: Rock Cycle
This activity combines the concept of Earth's rock cycle with the characteristics of other planets in the solar system.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: Rock Cycle Skit
After learning about and researching the rock cycle, middle schoolers create a skit about it that must include relevant vocabulary words. The final skits are videotaped.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating the Rate of Weathering on Various Rock Types.
In this Earth Science field investigation, students will make observations of the rock above and below the Minneopa State Park waterfalls. Students will then make observations of gravestones at Minneopa Cemetery. Through these...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating the Minnesota River's Glacial History Near Henderson, Mn.
While visiting three separate sites in or near the Minnesota River valley, students will question the deposition environment of rock types found and the creation of the valley itself. Students will discover find types of rock found far...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Tunnel Through!
Students apply their knowledge about mountains and rocks to transportation engineering, with the task of developing a model mountain tunnel that simulates the principles behind real-life engineering design. Student teams design and...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Soil Core Sampling
Students learn about one method used in environmental site assessments. They practice soil sampling by creating soil cores, studying soil profiles and characterizing soil profiles in borehole logs. They use their analysis to make...
Quia
Quia: Dig Into Geology
Site provides games and activities that will allow students to have fun, and learn more about rocks and minerals at the same time.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Geological Forces Changing the Landscape at Minnehaha Falls
Students observe and discuss what forces have changed Minnehaha Falls and shaped the geological features surrounding it.