Earth science learners experiment with the water-holding properties of sand, pebbles, and clay. They apply their findings to the building of a well. This activity is engaging and tactile, and it demonstrates the importance of considering...

Students listen to an explanation of the science of the mining industry and create a geological map of Africa. They discuss the uses of minerals and resources and research a natural mineral resource in their part of the world.

Biodiversity in some areas is more diverse than one might think. Using a two-day instructional activity, pupils consider the biodiversity of the Hudson Canyon and the characteristics of one organism. They begin with an analysis of the...

Learners examine and simulate how paleontologists map objects. They hide and find objects using a grid to map the objects' placements.

Young scholars create and draw fictional dinosaurs. They write a description of their dinosaur.

Young scholars discuss the structures of a bone and observe a demonstration of bony materials.

Students examine the role of minerals in industries. They use minerals that are found in the grocery store to complete flame tests. They complete an experiment using fireworks.

Students investigate relative and absolute dating; determine the difference between the two dating systems; and apply this knowledge by creating a geologic timetable of their own.

Fourth graders devise a workable inch-to-inch scale for a geologic timeline sequencing the eras covered in the unit. They hypothesize from descriptions of dinosaur fossil evidence.

Students demonstrate knowledge of when coal was formed by plotting a geological time line.

Learners simulate online the formation of Ape Cave, in order to better explain its construction. They observe, illustrate and discuss geological features of this lava tube.

Young scholars use quantitative data that they gather to figure out where there is an ore body in their model. They describe how geologists could use similar information in order to figure geologic patterns and geologic history for a...

Learners investigate arctic geology and hydrology as well as tundra ecology as they consider options for sewage treatment. Public safety, environmental impact, and issues of construction and engineering be explored.

Learners work together in groups to research the characteristics of the Mesozoic Era. Using various sources, they must include information about climate, landforms, plants and animals found during this time period. They create a...

Students create cards for a memory game by entering data into a spreadsheet that is then merged into a word processing document. Tutorials are available through links on the instructional activity page.

Students explore the various ways in which geologists create fossil records. Working in pairs, students create a model of a fossil record through a hands on activity. They relate their experience to recent discoveries in geology and...

Learners create a timeline of their lives. For this timeline lesson, students discuss relative and absolute time. They use events in their lives to create categories on a timeline. They link this lesson to geologic timelines.

In this geology exploration worksheet, students complete 27 short answer questions about the properties and locations of igneous rocks. Teacher must provide text or internet link.

Students read about and complete question activities for the topic of relative dating. In this relative dating lesson, students read information for the topic and then complete two activities to further their understanding of geologic...

Students complete activities for a lesson plan about reservoirs and production. In this geology lesson plan, students complete a 7 page packet of activities to explore porosity, permeability, and rock properties.

Students identify a specific mineral using Moh's Scale of Hardness. They also conduct research about the mineral looking for factors such as value, abundance ,location, and current uses. The lesson integrates technology with the making...

Young scholars research and locate earthquake epicenters on a map using latitude and longitude. They determine if the depth of an earthquake has any relationship to the distance from a plate boundary.

Students define the origin of rock samples and how surface core samples can tell us about the history and make-up of Mars. Candies are used as a Martian surface sample. Students study the samples and make a hypothesis about the cause of...

Students simulate the dating process with popcorn. In this geology lesson, students discuss how geologist find the age of rocks by gauging the amount of decay of radioactive elements. They have 6 bags of popcorn and each group microwaves...