Curated OER
Rock of Ages
Learners are given a classification table and samples from their location. They locate their samples on the classification table using the characteristics used in rock identification.
Curated OER
Down in the Dumps
After an introduction to municipal sludge, middle school ecologists consider the pros and cons of dumping in the Hudson River Canyon. The class is split into two groups: one to debate in favor or dumping and one to debate against the...
Curated OER
Mary and the Red River Raft
Upper elementary and middle schoolers examine how the clearing of rivers such as the Red River helped to boost the Arkansas economy of the mid-1800's. They listen to a story called, "Mary and the Red River Raft," then conduct research on...
Curated OER
Fossil Fuels: Facing the Issues
Students explore energy by researching fuel usage on Earth. In this fossil fuel lesson, students define fossil fuels, the energy created by burning them, and the impact on the environment when using them. Students conduct pollution...
Curated OER
Minerals and the Products of Mining
Students plot where minerals come from and have an awareness of how mineral use makes the world interdependent. They examine how to identify some sort of mineral products they use each day.
Curated OER
Coasts
Young scholars explain the different types of marine coasts and where they are located in the United States and its territories. They explain and identify some of the life forms that inhabit different marine coastal regions.
Curated OER
Rocks
Young scholars examine how sedimentary rocks are formed. In this rock activity students research different rock formations and different types of rock.
Curated OER
Space Day Activities
Celebrate Space Day on May 7th with aerospace lessons that are sure to get kids excited about science and engineering!
Curated OER
The Impact of Acid Rain and the Greenhouse Effect on the Environment
Students study acid rain and complete several activities that show how it affects the environment. They role play members of the community involved in a major decision involving the protection of the environment.
Curated OER
Regolith Formation
Students compare and contrast the process of regolith formations. In groups, students define regolith and discover how regolith is formed on the Earth and on the Moon. They participate in experimental activities to simulate regolith.
Curated OER
Bhutan, the Last Shangri-La: Sandwich Squash: How the Himalayas Were Formed
Young scholars create and record a model of mountain formation. They identify major mountain building formations. Students understand how the Himalaya Mountains were formed, why they are located near Bhutan, and why they are becoming...
Curated OER
Landforms of Iowa
Young scholars observe the landscape and different landforms where they live. For this landforms lesson students list and define materials that make up their local landforms.
Curated OER
Sediment Sleuths
Students classify sediments based on their physical characteristics, such as size, shape and color. They identify and describe rocks and minerals that are common to their region of the state.
Curated OER
The Effects of Volcanoes
Students use the internet to research the effects of volcanoes. They create a chart showing the negative and positive aspects that a volcanoe can bring to an area. Using PowerPoint, they create a presentation showing the negative and...
Curated OER
Oil Trap Model
Students investigate oil accumulation by creating a model in their classroom. In this petroleum geology lesson, students discuss where oil comes from and why it is vital to our society at this particular time. Students cut out a 3-D...
Curated OER
Origin of Coal
Students explore how coal is formed. They then discuss the information and answer any questions that they may have on the formation of coal. Students then answer questions in reference to the coal discussion and reading.
Curated OER
Biomes: Extreme Climate
Middle schoolers discuss the causes of global warming. In this earth science lesson plan, students examine how global warming is connected to the arctic and world climate. They write a paragraph about their interconnection.
Curated OER
Computer Lab Lesson Plan - Science
Young scholars examine rocks and minerals. Using the internet, students research rocks and how they are formed. They use word processing software to list minerals and materials that form specific rocks.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Sedimentary Rock Deposition and Weathering
Students will hike to the Mawikwe Bay Sea Caves along the frozen shoreline of Lake Superior in order to investigate the sedimentary rock deposition and weathering of the sandstone cliffs. Students will measure take measurements,...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: A Study of the Process of Sediment Deposition and Particle Sorting
Learners will investigate the way particles are sorted during deposition using gravel. sand, clay, potting soil, a 2L bottle, and water then form hypotheses as to why sorting occurs in this way.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Stream Char and Discharge: Interdisciplinary Approach
In this Interdisciplinary Field Investigation students will combine science, math, geography, creative writing and art. The setting will be a local stream (site yet to be determined, Minnehaha or Vermillion) where 150 students will...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating River Flow: Calculating the Discharge of a Stream
Before going to the stream students will need to understand depth, velocity and discharge. Students will at first be given minimal instruction and no materials. Students will be asked to try and decide the velocity and depth in order to...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Local Stream Discharge
This activity's purpose is to introduce hydrology to eighth grade students by investigating stream discharge of a local stream. The students will make observations about the stream, determine the velocity and discharge of the stream, and...