Curated OER
Cloud Observations using GLOBE Protocols
Students observe which of ten types of clouds are visible and how much of the sky is cloud covered. They see that by observing clouds, we can get information about temperature, moisture, and wind conditions in different places in the...
Curated OER
Go With the Energy Flow
Students explore energy and nutrient flow. In this science instructional activity, students diagram the flow of energy through food chains and food webs. Students discuss the importance of energy flow in Earth's ecosystems.
Curated OER
Making Weather-Tracking Tools
Students build tools to help track the weather. In this weather lesson, students follow directions to build a rain gauge, barometer and hair hygrometer.
Curated OER
Cloudy Days are for Reading and Writing
Students research weather proverbs and determine the scientific validity of 3 weather proverbs. They write an essay presenting their reasoning. They interview elderly people to graph the most frequently heard proverbs and theorize...
Curated OER
Desert Dwellers
Young scholars study deserts and how they occur. In this desert lesson students research deserts and desertification then divide into groups and come up with an action plan to help rehabilitate these areas.
Curated OER
The Clouds Tell All
Students examine the different types of clouds and how they form. They are to create their own weather forecast based on their observations of clouds in their area. Questions are asked for comprehension to end the lesson.
Curated OER
Building A Topographic Model
Students visualize, in three dimensions, features represented by contour lines on a topographic map. They see that the different elevations shown on a two dimensional topographic map can be used to build a 3-D model.
Curated OER
Antarctica
Students explore why Antarctica is so important to the planet. They investigate the physical characteristics. Students create their own unique treaty of governance for Antarctica and discuss how laws are enforced in Antarctica.
Curated OER
Fahrenheit vs Celsius
Students make a thermometer and write a paragraph about how they did it.
Curated OER
Precipitation
Fourth graders identify the conditions that create rain. They read and discuss weather records, and write a news article that includes factual information fom one of the listed weather records.
Curated OER
Air Pressure is Powerful
Students construct a barometer and collect data on the changes in air pressure. They work is small groups using plastic tubing, corks, and green food coloring. They then use a formula to convert inches of mercury to barometric pressure...
Curated OER
Introduction to Biomes
Eighth graders identify the different kinds of biomes. In this life science instructional activity, 8th graders explain their importance in an ecosystem. They take a BrainPop quiz at the end of the instructional activity..
Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education, Stevens Institute of Technology
Ciese Real Time Data Projects: Weather Scope: A Study of Weather and Climate
Use real-time data to study factors that affect weather and climate, create weather instruments, and share data with students around the world.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Hands on Meteorology
A collection of interactive concept models and active learning materials for teaching meteorology that illustrate conceptually difficult processes in atmospheric science. Active learning exercises are provided as guided instruction to...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Arctic Climate Curriculum, Activity 1: Exploring the Arctic
This activity introduces students to the Arctic, including different definitions of the Arctic and exploration of the Arctic environment and Arctic people. Students set out on a virtual exploration of the geography of the Arctic using...
NOAA
Noaa: National Weather Service: Jet Stream: Jet Stream Learning Lessons
Here's a comprehensive list of lesson plans offered by the National Weather Service covering the gamut of weather topics from the atmosphere to synoptic meterology. The plans include objectives, supplies necessary for the instructional...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Recording the Weather Around Us Using a Science Notebook in Second Grade
In this investigation, students will observe the weather and use weather terminology to document data in a science notebook. They will continue to observe and record their weather data throughout the year, looking for changes due to...
Other
Cornerstone Networks: Fourth Grade Science Lesson 1
This site, designed as a fourth-grade lesson plan, focuses on the earth's atmosphere with information on prevailing winds.