Curated OER
Photosynthesis: A Controlled Experiment
Students investigate the amount of starch in a plant under 3 different conditions. For this photosynthesis lesson plan, students compare the amount of starch in a plant with increased carbon dioxide conditions, a plant with decreased...
Curated OER
Geologic Sequestration
Learners investigate how geologic sequestration reduces carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. For this earth science lesson, students simulate oil mining in the lab. They write down their observations and complete the lab...
Curated OER
How Does the Loss of Ozone Affect Our Climate
Students explore the greenhouse effect and what it does to the environment. They discuss if and how human behavior contributes to global warming and test natural materials for carbon content.
Curated OER
Changes in Nature
Fifth graders identify the chemical and physical changes in the water cycle, carbon cycle, and the effects of weathering. They analyze the periodic table, and observe how vinegar reacts with limestone in a chemical reaction that causes...
Curated OER
Cell Energy - Bubbling Yeast
Students identify that yeast are a single celled fungi that are a great model organism for studying respiration in the classroom. They also fill the bulb of a disposable pipet (eyedropper) with yeast, then submerge the pipet in a test...
Curated OER
Photosynthesis
Students investigate photosynthesis in water plants. In this photosynthesis lesson plan, students use the elodea plant and observe gas bubbles released to determine the rate of photosynthesis. They vary the light intensity and the amount...
Curated OER
ME402: Growth of Yeast
Students investigate the growth of yeast in a sugar solution. They verify the pressure of carbon dioxide using bromothymol blue. Students are asked to describe the difference between the contents of the test tubes used and to explain...
Curated OER
Life in the Soil - Is the Soil Alive?
Amaze soil scientists with a list of the myriad of microorganisms residing in a mere 1/4 teaspoon of soil! Then take them on a ride through the carbon cycle, down to the level of decomposers. Finally, give more specific details about the...
Curated OER
Tread Lightly: Low Carbon Lunch
High schoolers create a flowchart of the carbon footprint of food from production to disposal. In this biology instructional activity, students brainstorm ways to reduce greenhouse gases by smart food choices. They create a blog...
Montana State University
Climb into Action!
Climate change affects even the largest and intimidating of landforms—even Mount Everest! A resource helps teach learners the connection between global climate change and its effects on Earth. Activities include videos, class discussion,...
NOAA
Ocean Acidification
If tap water is more acidic than ocean water, why are we so concerned about ocean acidification? The third installment of a 23-part NOAA Enrichment in Marine sciences and Oceanography (NEMO) program focuses on carbon dioxide levels in...
American Museum of Natural History
Atomic Mobile
Structure an activity around atoms. Learners use their knowledge of the parts of atoms—the protons, neutrons, and electrons—to build a model of a carbon atom. Scholars create a nucleus by using clay balls to represent the protons and...
Nuffield Foundation
Investigating Factors Affecting the Breathing Rate of a Locust
Do animals breathe faster when given more oxygen or more carbon dioxide? Young scientists observe the respiration rates of locusts under a variety of gas concentrations to answer that very question. They collect data, analyze the...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Natural and Human Causes
Part three in the series of seven has pupils discussing the different greenhouses gases, learning about the carbon cycle, and then watching a short video about the carbon cycle. Based on their knowledge, individuals complete a greenhouse...
NOAA
I Didn’t Do It…Did I?: Make Your Own Greenhouse Effect
How do greenhouse gases affect the climate on Earth? Pupils explore the concept by first building their own apparatuses to model the greenhouse effect. Then, they record data to measure temperature change and determine...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Personal Choices and the Planet
The last activity in the series of four has individuals determine steps they can take to reduce their carbon footprints and then analyze their schools' recycling programs. Through a sustainability audit, they identify how and where their...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Climate Change Around the World
It is unknown if cloud cover increases in response to carbon dioxide levels changing, helping climate change slow down, or if cloud cover decreases, allowing Earth to warm faster. Part four in the series of five lessons has classes...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Historical Climate Cycles
Scientists use ice core samples to obtain temperatures of the earth from 400,000 years ago! The third of five lessons instructs pupils to interpret historical climate data to see changes over time. In part I, participants interpret...
Curated OER
Carbon: Structure Matters
High schoolers explore the molecular structure of matter and how it can affect the physical characteristics of a specific material. They investigate the role carbon plays in the chemistry of life.
Teach Engineering
Understanding the Air through Data Analysis
Is there a correlation or causation relationship between air pollutants? Groups develop a hypothesis about the daily variation of air pollutants, specifically ozone and CO2. Using Excel to analyze the data, the groups evaluate their...
National Wildlife Federation
Lights, Camera, Action! Conducting an Energy Audit
Thirty percent of energy used by schools is used inefficiently! Part two in the series of 12 has groups perform energy audits of their schools as part of the Cool Schools Challenge. Each group is assigned a specific room, performs the...
Curated OER
Gas Law Investigation
Investigators collect the carbon dioxide produced when an antacid tablet is activated and identify what alteration produced the most gas. They also collect the gas in a buret in order to practice precision. Then they choose between two...
Curated OER
Carbon Dioxide Emissions
In this emissions worksheet, learners will study a graph comparing biological and industrial carbon dioxide emissions over the years and another graph showing the geographic regions of carbon dioxide emissions. Using this information,...
Creative Chemistry
Volumetric Analysis 1 to Make a Standard Solution of Sodium Carbonate
In this volumetric analysis worksheet, learners follow the given directions to prepare a standard solution of sodium carbonate. They later use the prepared solution in a laboratory practical.