Students explore ways scientists prepare for a volcanic eruption. They observe films of earthquakes, oil spills, volcanoes and hurricanes. Students perform activities to demonstrate the relationship of viscosity to lava flow. They...

Students discover how light reflects off surfaces. In this hands-on demonstration, students examine how variations in color are produced by light interference.

Students examine the differences between snow and rain. In this precipitation instructional activity, students measure one inch of rain and snow to calculate the amount of liquid water. Students use a snowfall "conversion" chart to...

Students study the path and forms of water through Earth. In this water cycle lesson, students role-play water as it moves throughout the Earth. Students play the water cycle game and complete various stations to learn about water forms...

Students explore water. In this water cycle lesson, students conduct a scientific investigation that requires build a terrarium models of the earth. Students record their observations of the changes regarding water in the terrarium.

Students explore the water cycle.  In this water cycle lesson, students experiment with a variety of activities to discover what happens during the water cycle.  Students create their own animated versions of the water cycle...

High schoolers plot earthquake and volcano data using a Compass Rose Plotting. They explain the relationship between plate movement and connection. They draw conclusions that earthquakes and volcanoes occur in predictable locations.

Students learn about the biological carbon cycle. In this carbon cycle lesson, students access the web site and mouse over the diagrams to follow the carbon cycle. They read about what happens to humans and plants during this cycle.

Students create a torn paper landscape and use it to study clouds. In this cloud study and art lesson, students make a background art image from torn paper. Students create a torn paper landscape and use cotton balls to illustrate...

Students examine an effect of zero gravity on the human body using a baby food jar, balloons and a jar with a large mouth.

Students are introduced to the topic of light interference through this hands-on activity. They observe how light reflects off two surfaces and then meets to form an interesting variation of color on a film surface.

Students create a model to explore the water cycle. Students also perform different experiments to witness water changing from a liquid to a gas. Students are asked to if they can find ways for water to go away without pouring the...

Students will observe the differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Then they observe the links due to climate changes and relate how climate change affects their lives.

In this computer models worksheet, students read information about how scientists use computer models to advance the work of science. Students also answer a critical thinking question comparing computer simulations to direct observations.

Students complete activities to study wind intensity. In this wind study lesson, students discuss wind speed and direction. Students then build a kite and windsock to help them study wind intensity. Students learn to use a wind meter for...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Looks at how atmospheric circulation cells affect the climate of regions.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How atmospheric circulation cells affect the climate of regions.

Even with disruptions like weather fronts and storms, there is a consistent pattern to how air moves around our planet's atmosphere. This pattern, called atmospheric circulation, is caused because the Sun heats the Earth more at the...

This course outline offers resources focused on the circulation of the atmosphere and ocean.

The large scale horizontal flow of air in the atmosphere is driven by the imbalance of net radiation over the globe. This resource introduces us to the physical laws governing the horizontal motion of air. It also describes types of...

As part of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook, this site examines a variety of topics related to the hydrosphere and the oceans. Topics covered include where the water came from, the hydrologic cycle, Oceanic circulation, atmospheric...

This video segment adapted from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center explains how and where hurricanes develop. Learn how El Nino events alter the course of atmospheric circulation. Includes background reading material and discussion...

Check out how air circulates around us. Understand the differences between mesoscale and microscale.

This comprehensive study guide covers the main terms and concepts needed for an earth science unit on circulation in the atmosphere. Review questions are included at the bottom of the study guide.