According to the United Nations, climate change affects every country on the planet. This research project encourages scholars to explore the factors that affect climate change from different perspectives: climate scientist, policy...

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...

Show the class the world as they've never seen it before—from way above! Learners try to unravel the mysteries presented by rich satellite imagery, learn to interpret topographic maps, and study erosion by constructing their very...

Ninth graders study the climate regions of Europe. In this geography skills lesson, 9th graders determine how weather and climate are influenced as they research the climate zones of specific locations and write about the ways that...

Students analyze the water issues of Cape Verde in the Peace Corp lesson. In this water resources lesson, students analyze the concept of water being harvested from fog. Students explore the Peace Corps project site by watching...

Around 93 percent of the reefs on Australia's Great Barrier Reef have been bleached, and almost one quarter of them are now dead. Scholars research the sea temperatures, especially around the areas with coral reefs, to make connections...

How is sea coral like a thermometer? Part three of a six-part series from NOAA describes how oceanographers can use coral growth to estimate water temperature over time. Life science pupils manipulate data to determine the age of corals...

Students use satellite data to explore sea surface temperature. They explore the relationship between the rotation of the Earth, the path of ocean current and air pressure centers. After studying maps of sea surface temperature and ocean...

Fourth graders examine patterns that influence population density in the various regions of California. The unit's three lessons utilize graphic organizers for the interpretation and presentation of data.

Third graders identify ways that cactus plants survive in the desert. They distinguish between water acquisition and water conservation and create their own plant that could survive in a desert climate.

Third graders explore interesting environments by exploring Louisiana. For this wetland lesson, 3rd graders utilize the web to research the State of Louisiana, the bayous in the area, and the Gulf of Mexico. Students write a journal...

Learners articulate differences between climate and weather using examples in a written statement. Using climate data from across the country, they describe climate patterns for various parts of the United States on a map. Students...

Students work together to research water quantity, quality and safety standards. They complete a lab to discover how to use the water from an air conditioner. They write a paper to show their findings.

Sixth graders complete an El Nino scavenger hunt. In this earth science lesson, 6th graders describe the conditions that create El Nino and compare it to normal condition. They discuss how this phenomenon affects marine ecosystem.

Students research the United States and discover its different climate zones, geographical features, animal life, and various cultures. Students complete a research chart using books, encyclopedias and the internet and present their...

High schoolers explore the concept of global warming. In this climate change lesson, students explore the provided links to PBS NOW sources and research the greenhouse effect and the effects of global warming. High schoolers support...

Students discuss energy. In this energy challenges lesson, students read about greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change. Comprehension questions from the reading are provided. 

Snow is actually translucent, reflecting light off its surface which creates its white appearance. Pairs or individuals access the given website and answer questions about snow cover. They analyze graphs and charts, examine data, and...

Eighth graders research the career of Arctic transportation. In this arctic transportation instructional activity, 8th graders read a book about Arctic truck travel and review the historical aspects of transporting goods in the Arctic....

Students examine how goods and ideas moved along an ancient trade route between China and Europe. They make charts of items, ideas, etc. that were transported along the Silk Route.

Young scholars examine NASA's SeaWiFS Project Web site to explore how the SeaWiFS Project monitors environmental and climatic changes in the oceans and atmosphere. They answer questions and write a summary in support of continued funding...

Students research a biome.  In this biomes of the Earth lesson, students discuss what they already know about ecology and view pictures of different biomes.  Students work in groups to research a different biome.  Students...

Fifth graders make a graph and write an essay to interpret the data of birds that take advantage of habitats near rice farms. In this data lesson plan, 5th graders calculate the information given to them and interpret it in an essay form.

Students select a country and conduct research on the culture, population, geography, and government of their country. They conduct research using the Internet and a variety of resource books, and write and publish a report that...