Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sensational Soil

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Fourth and fifth graders explore soil by taking a simulated field trip under the earth. They go to an Internet site that runs a simulation which charges them with finding a source of pollution that could destroy all of Earth's soil, and...
Lesson Plan
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network

Can We Absorb Nanoparticle Pollutants?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Just because we can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there! A growing concern for environmental scientists is toxic nanoparticles in our air and water. Young scholars conduct an experiment to demonstrate how these particles can cross our...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Pollution Experiments

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders conduct experiments in simulated water pollution using a box of items to hold "pollutants"and an aquarium, representing a waterway. They observe how "rain" from a watering can poured into the box washes the pollutants into...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changing Planet: Permafrost Gas Leak

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Pair earth scientists up to use an amazing online arctic portal mapping tool and Google Earth to analyze permafrost changes. They compare changes to data on atmospheric concentrations of methane to see if there is a correlation. Then...
Activity
US Environmental Protection Agency

Role of Plants in Water Filtration

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Investigate the amazing ability of plants to filter contaminants from water with this series of in-class demonstrations. After placing six small, potted plants in plastic cups, different solutions and mixtures are poured into them that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Make Your Own Biodegradable Plastic Stuff

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students identify the four basic natural resources. They distinguish bettween renewable and non-renewable resources. Pupils recognize that all natural resources are needed by living plants and animals. Students list consequences for...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

WATER You Doing to Help?

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Auntie Litter is here to educate young scholars about water pollution and environmental stewardship! Although the 15-minute video clip is cheesy, it's an engaging look at the water cycle and conservation. Learners start by illustrating...
Interactive
Learning Games Lab

Fertilizing Chile

For Students 9th - 12th
Fertilizer can mean the difference between a profit and a loss. Scholars use an online interactive to explore the effects of fertilizing in agriculture. Given information about the nitrogen levels in the soil, they decide the fertilizer...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pollution - What is It Doing to Us?

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students recognize some forms of pollution. In this science lesson plan, students recognize and understand some of the devastating effects of the acid rains and other possible factors that are contrary to the pH balance of nature.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seepy Sandwich

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study how water infiltration can carry pollution underground. In this water infiltration lesson, students conduct an experiment on water infiltration and underground pollution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sustainable Livestock

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students investigate healthy eating habits by researching livestock. In this food sustainability lesson, students research the negative impact factory farming has on our environment due to pollution. Students define agricultural...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Filtration Challenge

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Young scholars create an all-natural water filtration system. In this lesson plan on natural water filtration, students build upon prior knowledge to build a filtration unit made of plants, soils, sand, pebbles and rocks that can purify...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Freddy the Fish

For Teachers K - 4th
Students complete an experiment.  In this water pollution lesson, students brainstorm information about river habitats and water pollution. Students then read the story Freddy the Fish and complete an experiment where they use a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forest as a Filter

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students experiment using soil and water. In this forest as a filter lesson, students identify the role of forest cover, vegetation, and foliage impacts erosion and evaporation. Students conduct a simple experiment, form a hypothesis,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Acid Rain

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students investigate acid rain. In this environmental instructional activity, students participate in an experiment using litmus paper and various liquids and then test the acidity of the liquids. Students identify reasons why acid is...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating How Pollutants Travel Through Groundwater

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students determine how pollutants can travel though sediment and explore methods of pollutant removal. They conduct an experiment on porosity and permeability of soils and simulate an EPA "pump and treat" method for removing subsurface...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Pollution Lesson Plan: Don't Trust Your Eyes

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students develop a list of actions they could perform that would protect our water resources from pollution. They formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments and draw conclusions about actual pollutants found in our water supply.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Phytoremediation

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students participate in a lab designed to facilitate the clean up and remove of substances ranging from heavy metals to dynamite. They focus on the remediation of copper. They discuss their results of this open ended inquiry experiment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Household Chemicals & the Environment

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a laboratory experiment designed to investigate the effects of chemicals, soil quality and pollution on seed growth and plant yield. They consider how best to maximize agriculture in the long term.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Erosion: Changing the Face of Earth

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore how the landscape of the planet can be changed by different elements of wind, water, ice and chemicals through hands-on activities. They examine pictures of areas around town and discuss anything they think is out...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Air Quality and Transportation

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders study about air pollution and the effects it has on our Earth. Students tally cars on a sheet that has been categorized as follows: One person in car, two persons in car, or three or more persons in car. Students go to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

To Protect Your Streams, Protect Your Mountains

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students build and experiment with a watershed to understand the effects of pollution. In this movement of water lesson, students work in groups creating rock formations and change the viscosity of the liquids falling down the mountain....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wetlands in a Pan

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore the wetlands to discover its benefits in removing pollutants in the water.  In this wetlands lesson plan, 5th graders discuss how stormwater wetlands are created to purify water. Students test the water.
Unit Plan
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Curated OER

Hedgerows

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Hedgerows prevent soil erosion, capture pollutants running off fields, store carbon to help combat climate change, and provide homes for predators of many pest species. The biodiversity lesson begins with an activity that...