Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Lettuce" Learn About the Water Cycle

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Young scientists investigate the water cycle through a lettuce seed experiment. For this experiment, learners plant lettuce seeds inside of a ziplock bag in order to create a small greenhouse. They observe condensation and precipitation,...
Lesson Plan
K20 LEARN

Transpiring Trees: Plant Transpiration and the Water Cycle

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Looking for a tree-rific addition to your water cycle unit? Teams of young foresters examine the role of transpiration in the water cycle through a week's worth of activities. Pupils analyze how trees take in and transport water during...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Trees Contribute to the Water Cycle

For Teachers 3rd
In this water cycle instructional activity, 3rd graders conduct an experiment where they observe and calculate how water transpires in different types of trees.  Students engage in a class discussion and use Venn Diagrams to compare...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forest Floor Terrarium

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study the aspects of a forest floor ecosystem, including decomposition, the water cycle, food webs, the needs of living things, and physical vs. chemical change over an extended period. In addition, students conduct observations...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

WET Science Lesson #11: How Light Affects Water

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Scientists listen to the story of Wadja Egnankou who works to save African mangrove forests. They experiment with refraction and the introduction of particulate matter to water. They conclude with creative writing about the need for a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Students analyze the impact of climate variability and change utilizing a broad span of topics over a wide range of grade levels. This three lesson plan unit is easily adapted for the various instructional levels listed.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Make a Difference!

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
We are very dependent upon other life forms around us to survive. Here, scholars explore relationships in the ecosystem with the help of Auntie Litter and the pollution patrol. They imagine a world without grass, making connections to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Cycle: Weather Lesson 1

For Teachers 1st
First graders go on a water walk, collect weather data, and measure rainfall for a month. They examine the water cycle in this series of lessons.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students observe what happens to water as it goes from a solid to a liquid.  In this exploratory lesson plan students gain an understanding for the water cycle while working in groups observing what happens to water as it changes...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rainforest Deforestation and the Water Cycle

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students create terrariums (mini rainforests). They observe and discuss the life processes that occur in their terrariums and how changes in these processes affect the plants and organisms inside. They collect and graph data and present...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forest Ecology or Who Lives Here?

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore a hardwood forest. In this forest ecology lesson, students examine the diversity and animals and plants as they explore their habitats at Poricy Park Conservatory. Students determine how biodiversity and abiotic elements...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trees For Trout!

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders determine the impact of native forests, local clearcuts and local clearcuts and local reforestation projects on the survivablity of Rainbow Trout in their area. They record and document the stages of the trout throughout...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Soil?

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners examine soil. In this earth science activity, students define and describe weathering and erosion as it relates to soil. Learners compare and contrast potting soil with forest soil and complete a science observation worksheet.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Marine & Aquatic Habitats -- Journey of a Drop of Water Through a Watershed

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Learners discuss pollution and the steps in the hydrologic cycle. They follow a drop of water through a watershed simulation. They discover the components of a water cleaning system as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Life in a Forest Stream

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Students assess macro-invertebrates from a stream. In this science lesson plan, students observe, classify and identify organisms found in a stream. A lab station is constructed at the stream sight and students study the different...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Unknown Secrets of the Rain Forest

For Teachers K - 3rd
Learners explore the rain forest and where they are located. Students examine why the rain forests are important and what is happening to them. They investigate the water cycle and life cycle of a frog. Learners build a rain forest in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Migration Woes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students are able to describe the reproductive cycle of the gopher frog. They are able to describe the impacts of habitat loss and degradtion on gopher frog populations. Students are explained that many factors limit the survival of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

RIDE THE WILD LEAF

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners identify and interpret that leaves provide food for new trees and plants. Students cut out leaves and glue them on the appropriate number on included worksheet. Learners collect different types of leaves and make leaf rubbings....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mini-Ecosystems

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students use plastic bottles to create terrariums and plant Venus Flytraps. They observe the plants and the terrariums for illustrations of the water cycle and species' adaptations to a specific environment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pond Life

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students recognize the habitats of animals that live near or in a pond.  In this pond lesson, students examine pond water and look for pond organisms. Students observe organisms with a loupe and complete a worksheet.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Rock Cycle

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders, in groups, examine soil samples with magnifying glasses. They discuss the living and non-living things they find in their soild samples.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecological Citizen

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine the interconnectedness of living and non-living things that constitute an ecosystem. They examine fallen trees,insects, living trees, leaves, food webs, and forests. They conduct various activities and write poems about...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecosystems and Remote Sensing

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students obtain remote sensing data to compare and contrast global biomass data with global temperature data.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Erosion

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders complete activities to observe the effects of erosion. For this erosion lesson, 2nd graders define erosion and learn the process. Students complete an erosion experiment.