Learners practice using the correct vocabulary in geology and hydrology. They use the Internet to research topics and practice their researching skills.

Second graders read Byrd Baylor's book, Everybody Needs a Rock. In small groups, they examine rocks and list their characteristics. After writing down the descriptions on cards, the rocks are pooled together. Students then use the...

Students examine the chemical and physical weathering process of different rocks in a cemetery based on dates on the stones. Students discover the susceptibility of different rock types to weathering.

Students explore, via a CD-ROM, the Virginia's five geological regions and discover the rocks and minerals located in each. In stone kits, they examine samples of rocks and minerals and answer questions about them. After discovering the...

Students identify a variety of topographic map symbols. They make generalizations about an unidentified community by reading and interpreting map symbols.

Fifth graders examine and discuss the topography, climate, natural resources and artwork of Costa Rica. They develop a diagram of the layers of the rain forest, and design a tourist brochure or advertisement promoting Costa Rica's...

Students analyze rocks. In this geology lesson, students collect rocks from the schoolyard and sort them according to various characteristics, such as color, size, and weight.

Learners collect and look at rocks and write down information about them in science notebooks. They make comparisons and sort the rocks according to their properties, and then discuss their findings with their classmates and put them on...

Students explore geologic sequestration as a technique used to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They use chemistry to stimulate oil mining. Students conduct an experiment to learn about geo carbon sequestration.

Young scholars take an online virtual tour of Yellowstone National Park. They act as park rangers to research geological features of Yellowstone, locate these features on maps, and describe and define associated geologic terms.

High schoolers use geological techniques such as plate tectonics, mountain building, earthquakes, and volcanoes, in order to explain the earth.

Students think critically to determine fact or inference when examining sedimentary layers with embedded fossils. They are being introduced to geology as well as evolutionary biology.

Fourth graders participate in a series of activities designed to simulate mining for gold. They pan for "gold" and create a safe tunnel.

Students investigate the invertebrate sponge. In this invertebrates lesson plan, students observe the sponge, Grantia, using a dissecting microscope. Students answer questions about their observations and view six other invertebrates....

Students investigate how to use Moh's Hardness Scale. In this geology lesson, students examine several minerals and develop a hypothesis about which mineral is the hardest. Students use the Moh's Scale Identification Chart to determine...

Students take a closer look at flooding. In this floods lesson, students investigate the causes of flooding and the impact of flooding as they examine a flooding animation.

Students define the characteristics of a mineral. In this geology lesson, students are given out various materials to observe such as a chicken bone, salt shaker, white paint, and chalk. Students categorize the items and are told what...

Students pan for minerals in a stream and discover why magnets attract magenitite but not nonmagnetic grains. They participate in the actual panning process and bag samples to be examined in class. Students recognize minerals by color...

Students write a report about a paleontologist. In this paleontology lesson, students research and write a report about a noted paleontologist. They discuss the importance of technology to paleontologists and how paleontologist excavate...

Young scholars complete a scavenger hunt worksheet as they find examples in their classroom, at home, etc., of minerals. Excellent worksheet!

Learners study multiple land uses and their effects on one another. They assess multiple land uses in National Forests and Grasslands and evaluate the effects of each use on all other uses. They develop a comprehensive list of human...

High schoolers present a convincing explanation of the Lake Nyos event and propose a solution to prevent future tragedies at central and western African lakes.

Students identify types of rocks. In this geology lesson, students view animated graphics to identify how sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks are formed. Students take a rock quiz to show how different rocks are formed.

Eighth graders study the earth's surface.  In this planet structure instructional activity students view a PowerPoint presentation then draw and label the earths layers.