Curated OER
Stratospheric Ozone
Students explore about the structure of Earth's atmosphere and about the stratospheric ozone. They discuss how it is produced and destroyed, where it is located, why it is important, and how it is changing. Students investigate about...
Curated OER
On the Rise . . . Sea Level and Global Warming
Ninth graders conduct an experiment to determine how melting sea ice affect sea level. In this earth science lesson, 9th graders explain the environmental consequences of rising sea level. They relate this lesson to global warming.
Curated OER
The Changing Face Of America
Students explain historical and contemporary patterns of immigration to the United States. They observe immigrant markers in the cultural landscape and identify trends in population change in the local state and community.
Curated OER
Lights On ! Lights Off! Exploring Human Settlement Patterns
Third graders write informational paragraphs based on the settlement patterns of the United States. In this settlement lesson plan, 3rd graders read about population and how it affects where people settle next.
Curated OER
The Heat is On
Young scholars investigate climate change. In this current events lesson plan, students research the listed Web sites that include information about the effects of greenhouse gases on the Earth. Young scholars discuss how to combat the...
Curated OER
Investigating the Soil
Students explore the Earth's crust by researching pH levels and acidity. In this environmental safety lesson, students identify the pros and cons of acidity within soil and how it affects plants. Students collaborate in a pH level...
Curated OER
The Big Burp: Where's the Proof.
Students explore the Cambrian explosion and Paleocene extinction events. In this climate change lesson, students read articles to link evidence they find to extinction and climate change. Links to the articles are included in the...
Curated OER
Take Me Out To the Ball Game
Young scholars use a map to graph and locate major league teams of different sports. In groups, they analyze the population data of the United States and compare it with the amount and location of the major league teams. They share their...
Curated OER
The Mathematics of Convection: Nature's Model for Energy Production
High schoolers conduct a series of experiments to investigate density, buoyancy and climate. In this math lesson, pupils design and build a hot air balloon to demonstrate convection. They research and write a paper about solar chimneys.
Carnegie Mellon University
Bathtub Model
Using a colorful infographic handout and a guide sheet, hold a class discussion about how a bathtub can serve as a model for the greenhouse effect created by Earth's atmosphere. Participants will understand that as energy or matter is...
Curated OER
Redesign the Rover: Mars Research Year-Round
Young scholars discuss the solar system, the planets, periods of orbit and revolution. In this space instructional activity students discuss the importance of the study of Mars and brainstorm ideas on how NASA might solve its Rover...
International Technology Education Association
Telescope as Time Machine
This resource provides an explanation of NASA's GALEX mission and how the space-based telescope can view distant galaxies as they were billions of years ago. The resource also discusses the other aspects of galaxies that GALEX...
Wake Forest University
Authentic Activities for Connecting Mathematics to the Real World
Check out the handout from a presentation that contains a collection of high school algebra projects connecting a variety of mathematics to the real world. Activities range from simple probabilities to calculus. The activities...
Curated OER
Mapping Population Changes In The United States
Students create a choropleth map to illustrate the population growth rate of the United States. They explore how to construct a choropleth map, and discuss the impact of population changes for the future.
Curated OER
Postcards from California: A Unit on Geography, Social Studies, History and California's Resources
Fourth graders examine patterns that influence population density in the various regions of California. The unit's three lessons utilize graphic organizers for the interpretation and presentation of data.
Curated OER
Earth: The Water Planet
Students elicit data on the water cycle, ocean topography, and island formation in this six lesson unit. The ocean floor and the properties of water are examined through a variety of discussions and hands-on experiments.
Curated OER
The Earth's Crust
Students use clay to form models of the different landforms and then complete a data table using a map, atlas, or the Internet to locate famous landforms in the United States. Students complete various activities, writing down their...
Curated OER
The Greatest Show on Earth: Then and Now
Students explore the history of the circus in the United States. They explore the life of John Bill Ricketts, founder of the first circus. Students compare Ricketts' first circus to the modern circus.
Curated OER
Social Changes in America Caused by World War II
Students research and examine the social changes that occured in the United States during World War II. In pairs they conduct research using a variety of resources, and organize and compose a "Guide to Life" for veterans returning home...
Curated OER
Exploring Slope
In this exploring slope worksheet, students solve and complete 4 different problems. First, they compare an object's weight on Earth to an object's weight on another planet using the information given. Then, students compare this...
Curated OER
Rock Stories
Youngsters pretend they are rocks sitting on a hill. They listen to the provided guided imagery script to conceptualize the process of how rocks change over time. They draw a diagram of what happened to them as rocks during the story. An...
American Museum of Natural History
Start a Rock Collection
Rocks hold evidence of Earth's past. A three-step guide describes the process of creating a rock collection. It provides a data collection sheet to make notes about each sample.
Colorado State University
What Is a "Model"?
Model the transfer of energy during a typical 24-hour period. Young scholars use a game-like approach to learning the patterns of heat transfer through the day and night. Groups of four exchange different tokens as the energy...
Curated OER
Water:Properties, Chapter 3
Hydrogen bonds, and polarity are described in this PowerPoint, and the reasons for tension and cohesion associated with water. The states of water under certain conditions are explained with information about the changes in...