Students predict and then analyze the layout of the tectonic plates that form the ocean's floor using mapping skills and Inquiry based problem solving, They compare the depth of various regions in the ocean with the geologic age to...

Students discover how volcanic processes differ at convergent and divergent tectonic plate boundaries. They identify three geologic features that are associated with most volcanoes on Earth.

Students investigate the Earth's major landforms and how they occur, and how engineers apply this knowledge for the design of transportation systems, mining, and measuring natural hazards. They listen to a teacher-led lecture, match...

Students read an article about NASA and Mars and complete short answer questions about the article. In this Mars lesson plan, students also create a scale model of the solar system.

Students investigate the geological characteristics of the ocean environment and create a labeled drawing of the ocean floor's geography. Students view videos and conduct Internet research about the ocean's floor and then create their...

Students navigate the digital atlas of Idaho. They research the unique features of south central Idaho and the geological events which have shaped it over the past 17 million years. Afterward, they write an essay on an aspect of changes...

Students investigate the different materials in their environment.  In this geology lesson, students collaborate in groups to examine the differences in sand, soil and gravel.  Students utilize a magnifying glass or microscope...

Third graders examine the differences between cast and mold fossils. They discuss geological time and how many fossils are millions of years old, then create a cast fossil using clay and a shell, and a mold fossil using a shell and...

Students are introduced to the powerful nature of glaciers. Using an atlas, they read the section on glaciers and examine pictures of before and after the glacier moved through an area. In groups, they complete a worksheet on the role...

Pupils study the terms paleontology and archaeology and examine how they can help us learn about prehistoric Native Iowans.  In this archaeology lesson students discuss these terms and view a video on Native Americans. 

Students study the food guide pyramid and use it to create their own eating program.In this health activity students visit websites to calculate their BMR, activity level and weight then create a nutrition plan

Students prepare for a field trip to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and exploration of Ape Cave (see also Ape Cave Exploration). In the absence of a field trip, students become acquainted with lava tubes in general.

Students access information from the United States Geological Survey's Web site This Dynamic Earth to research the Ring of Fire. They answer four questions and then apply what they have learned to create a bulletin board display.

Students examine the steps of the rock cycle. They describe what happens to the rocks in each of the stages. They participate in a rock cycle game to help them with the steps.

Students are introduced to the various layers of the Earth. Using fruit, they discover each layer and discover the use of similies in describing it. They watch a video to better describe each layer of the Earth and its purpose.

Students pose a question that can be answered using the SEM and sand they collected from beach profiles. Then, they use the SEM to answer their question or test their hypothesis. Students design a small testable project and demonstrate...

Second graders receive an introduction to the rock cycle. They dicuss the geologic rock cycle. They create a simulation of a sedementary rock.

High schoolers investigate the geological, climatic, and biological features of Big Sur. They watch a video, conduct Internet research, and create a script and images in the form of an outline in a simulation of an environmental group.

Students study the geologic history of terrain, soils, and drainage patterns. They recognize ecological processes that determine the dynamic nature of habitats. They investigate the influence of human activity on the landscape.

Eighth graders research about their chosen ecosystem. In this life science lesson, 8th graders play the role of travel agents and create a travel brochure. They share this in class.

Students develop a descriptive and informative brochure for a National Park. They focus on the history and geology of the park, environmental concerns, and visitor actions that could eliminate the environmental concerns.

Students examine the impact of geological footprints. For this geography skills lesson, students calculate geological footprints and discuss ways to reduce the footprints. Students create advertisements that motivate others to reduce...

Students examine the way water passes through various substance and observe the development for pits and channels. In this geology lesson plan students define a karst is, how it is formed, and what pit and channels are.

Students observe and measure tree leaves.  In this leaf lesson students do on a "leaf walk" then use the leaves they find to complete a few activities.