Learners examine ocean currents. In this investigative lesson, students examine ocean currents and the relationship between the ocean, our atmosphere, and the weather. They will create a model of an ocean current.

Students explore the historic transfer of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama, investigating how this shift might affect various aspects of Panama's economy, relations with other countries, and international trade.

In this pollution and the environment activity, students complete matching and fill-in-the-blank questions associated with pollution. Some though-provoking conversation starters are embedded in the plan to help the students discuss the...

Eighth graders explore the trade of goods overseas.  In this history lesson, 8th graders establish the principles behind overseas trading by listening to lecture from the teacher. 

Students discover the effects of El Nino on the global climate. As a class, they role play the role of a cold or warm wind and act out a skit in front of the class. They discuss the results of the role play once it is completed.

Pupils will define glossary words necessary for discussing global agricultural trade and explore the issues behind the Group of 21's walkout at the September 2003 World Trade Organization meeting. They then research the agricultural...

Twelfth graders investigate global responses to fighting the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome, then write a news report for people in their region of study.(April 3, 2003)

Learners create a podcast about a current event in global politics. After reading newspaper articles concerning the state of emergency in Pakistan, students, working in groups, conduct an interview style podcast segment to be edited...

Young scientists from any region can take a scientific journey and be exposed to weather changes that include rain and snow.

Engage your class in a class discussion examining and defend different sides of an argument about whether the Environmental Protection Agency should have the legal authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions. They will have to...

What is an urban heat island? Middle school meteorologists find out by comparing temperatures at different locations on campus. They relate their findings to what might be happening in a concrete jungle and how it impacts local weather....

Split your earth science or environmental studies class into groups and give each a scenario card. Scenario cards describe the lifestyles of 10 different fictitious families, focusing on their energy usage. Carbon dioxide emissions are...

After reviewing two pages of commonly misused words: effect/affect, accept/except, there/their/they're, etc., learners must choose the proper word in ten different sentences. Note: Answers are listed at the bottom of page three.

What are the issues surrounding water quality? Viewers of this short presentation gain information about the importance of clean water, the lack of fresh water, water contamination, and ways that engineers treat water. 

Learners examine climate change. For this current events lesson, students read the provided articles "Key Facts + Key Conclusions=0?" "Oil Companies Fund Climate Change Deniers," and "Acting on Climate Change Facts." Learners respond to...

How dry is it? It's so dry, the river only runs twice a week! Through an analysis of maps and discussions, pairs learn about droughts across the United States in the ninth of 12 lessons. They then read about, answer questions, analyze...

Students consider the role of climate change in the occurrence of vector born diseases such as malaria. In small groups, they research a specific vector to complete an information chart on climate changes in the region where the vector...

You can never be too young to get involved in composting or recycling. Here is a instructional activity that has been made for the very littlest learners and it's all about the importance of conservation. They'll sort compostable and...

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 identify ways that cardiovascular fitness is achieved and maintained. For this cardiovascular health lesson, students discuss what aerobic exercise is and list various activities which address cardiovascular fitness. Students...

High schoolers explain why rain forests have great biodiversity, and list each layer of a rain forest and tell an organism that lives in each. They identify the cause of acid rain and its affect on a rain forest. Students hypothesize the...

Wave goodbye to the same old demonstrations for alternative energy sources, and wave hello to this one investigating ocean waves! Using a water bottle to create an oscillating water column, learners see and possibly hear how the...

One person's trash is another man's treasure. Challenge your class to build something useful out of the trash they throw away on a regular basis. Groups design and build a practical item from trash they collect, allowing the class to...

Pupils record temperatures at different locations around campus. They examine the results and draw conclusions about how materials and colors affect the amount of heat produced. They also analyze Los Angeles' temperature records over a...