In this energy production instructional activity, students describe the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy and identify the different types of energy. This instructional activity has 1 short answer, 1 matching, and 1...

Young scholars discuss glaciers and the current distribution of glaciers around the Earth. They create simulated glaciers using cornstarch, shoeboxes, water, and pebbles.

Explore greenhouse effect and climate change through a 15-day unit. Scholars learn about these STEM concepts by researching, conducting surveys, experimenting, and collaborating with experts in the field. They frequently communicate...

Will human existence define an epoch? Many scientists think we are in a new epoch, the anthropocene, defined by humans and our impact on the environment. An online interactive demonstrates the immense impact humans have had on every part...

Our oceans are composed of many complex relationships. Young oceanographers explore relationships between organisms, understand the world ocean's currents, and discover the effects of water pollution and how it behaves. There are...

Many of the leading scientists in the world are studying climate change, and your learners can join in the discussion with a unit from the Will Steger Foundation. High schoolers work on eight lessons that focus on different aspect...

Have you ever wanted to be an atom of carbon? The lesson allows each student to be an atom of carbon in the carbon cycle. First, they follow through the cycle as it existed before human interference. Then, they try the same activity, but...

The effects of rising sea levels on Isle de Jean Charles, located off the coast of Louisiana, are documented in Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee's poignant short video. Viewers are asked to consider not only the plight of residents but also what...

Build a bridge to learning in a STEM-aligned unit about urban infrastructure. Young engineers explore the many aspects of civil planning and design in a five-day unit. Content includes the challenging aspects of balancing building with...

Is Earth's energy flow a little off balance? Explore our energy budget using a click-through interactive. Scholars discover the many factors that move solar energy around the planet and why the system is no longer in equilibrium.

It is colorless and scentless, but it makes a large impact on the environment. Learners explore carbon dioxide emissions and what they mean for the environment using an interactive graph. They review changes over time and how they impact...

Most have heard of climate change, but what does it really mean? Scholars first answer a set of pre-assessment questions about climate change to help instructors gauge how much they know. They listen to a video lecture, watch a news...

A storm is brewing. Scholars use the resource to listen to news reports about extreme weather events from different parts of the world. Pupils then role play an emergency meeting to save their town from a dangerous weather emergency. 

What is the connection between farming and the environment? Scholars complete a worksheet to learn about the environmental impacts of farming. Next, individuals assume the identity of someone within a farming community and role play...

Go green! Scholars survey their classmates to determine how green they are and then write a report to summarize their findings. Finally, pupils agree on five changes they can make in their lives to help the environment. 

Could the seasons be changing? Using National Park data, learners recognize patterns in the growth of seasonal plants. They look specifically at the first bloom date of cherry blossoms in Washington DC and compare them to temperature...

Students research the Earth's ocean systems. They examine the impact of global warming on the oceans and the world as a whole.

Students explore Earth science by completing a could identification activity. In this weather lesson, students discuss the different forms of measurement for the weather of Earth. Students discuss global warming and examine a list of...

Students use the Internet to reserch the effects of climate change. Using that information, they relate those effects to specific items in the environment. They discover how climate changes affect their lives now and in the future.

Students examine the impact of reducing the carbon dioxide emissions. They identify ways alternative fuels can lessen the effect of emissions on communities. Working in teams they conduct research from various community and Internet...

Students use authentic satellite data on the NASA website to determine when the sea surface temperature meets the criteria to induce coral bleaching.

Young scientists know it is hotter along the equator, but why is it also rainier? Through the process of completing two experiments and a worksheet, scholars discover the answer is the intertropical convergence zone. First, they...

Climate change isn't just about a warming planet; it will affect humans' health, spread of disease, changes in heat waves and droughts, and changes in storms and wildfires. Participants explore global climate change through discussions...

A truly hands-on and inquiry based learning activity bridges all the lessons in the series together. Beginning with a discussion on average global temperatures, young meteorologists use real-world data to analyze climate trends in order...