"Creativity is just connecting things." - Steve Jobs. After weeks of researching climate change, the ninth lesson in a series of 21 combines the data and analysis to address essential questions. It covers natural phenomenon, human...

Can you imagine Washington DC and London as close neighbors occupying the same continent? Learners will be fascinated as they step back in time and discover the evolution of the earth's continents and oceans from 4.5 billion...

Students study the flow of water in the environment.  In this water cycle lesson students evaluate the consequences of changes in the water cycle using data. 

Fourth graders receive data about tree ring records, solar activity, and volcanic eruptions during the Little Ice Age (1350-1850). From this data, they draw conclusions about possible natural causes of climate change

Students conduct an experiment to calculate and quantify heat transfer. They conduct the experiment, and complete a data and lab conclusion sheet.

Students study hurricanes and how scientists predict them.  In this hurricane lesson students read an article on hurricanes, complete an activity and take a quiz.

Seventh graders investigate the temperature change in open and closed containers. In this earth science lesson, 7th graders relate this lab activity to greenhouse effect. They create a line graph from data collected in the experiment.

Students explore the environment by participating in an outdoors activity. In this nature appreciation instructional activity, students discuss how to minimize their human imprint when experiencing nature. Students conduct a nature walk...

Students work in small groups to study the various aspects of global weather and discuss the possibility of a Greenhouse Effect.

Students articulate the connection between energy consumption and the global economy. They identify and define the connection between energy consumption and environmental health. Students formulate suggestions concerning how the nature...

Rising sea levels, strong storms, melting ice ... who or what is to blame? Scholars browse the website in preparation for a class discussion or debate about whether human activity is causing climate change. They gain a balanced...

Is it really that big of a deal if the global climate undergoes a little change? Young environmentalists consider this very question as they discuss in small groups the impact of different climate change scenarios on their lives,...

Inspire scholars to do their part for planet Earth with a read-aloud of Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, and variety of activities designed to boost the environmental activist in us all. Activities include writing poems about the Earth,...

Step right up! An engaging research-centered instructional activity, the third in a series of six, has young archaeologists study the amazing animals of the Cambrian explosion. Working in groups, they profile a breathtaking and odd...

A greenhouse provides additional warmth and protection to the plants inside, but what if the greenhouse gets too hot? Pupils discuss and experiment with the difference between natural and anthropogenic greenhouse effect. They measure the...

Why do scientists rely on drawings rather than just photographs of their research studies? The activity introduces drawings of microscopic organisms and the importance of accuracy. Young artists draw organisms and learn why focus and...

If you want scholars to fall in love with bees, this is the unit for you! Celebrate bees with a full week of material—designed for the Next Generation Science Standards—that addresses the importance of pollination and fertilization....

Give learners a crash course in balancing the books on the United States federal government level with an economics and government resource. Class members engage in a warm-up discussion and brainstorming session before answering...

Young scientists demonstrate how the Earth's temperature has varied gradually in the past. They attempt to answer four questions which all pertain to how the Pacific Ocean's temperature has evolved over time. Internet research, and a...

Students examine both sides of arguments surrounding given debates. They use the internet and other research to collect information to support their stand on the controversial issue. Students debate their chosen topic. This lesson plans...

Learners engage in a lesson that is focused upon the concepts of energy and its relationship to climate change. They focus upon the production of greenhouse gases and global warming. Students discuss the climate of different parts of the...

Students study how glaciers form, move, and change the Earth's landscape. They research information about the effects of global warming on glaciers and sculpt a detailed replica of mountains with glaciers calving into the ocean.

Learners connect the water cycle concept with local fresh water availability and consumption. They identify waterways in their own region. Students define, predict, research, and map local watershed areas. They research the positive...

Yeast and sugar go beyond the pantry and into a fuel experiment. Use these common baking ingredients to assist your class in creating ethanol, a natural fuel. Pupils observe the process and gather information to elaborate...