Fourth graders observe objects in science and create a contour picture of the the object.  In this arts and science observation instructional activity, 4th graders develop a clay sculpture of their object.  Students generate a...

Students examine factors affecting water quality. They test water in a local body of water to determine its quality. They collect data and continue monitoring the water monthly. They assess water quality in the home and on the farm.

Students design a train route using a topographical map. In this historical and spatial thinking lesson plan, students must plan a route through the Sierra Nevada mountains that a train could physically travel. Links to printable student...

Students explore Iowa geography and topographic maps. In this geography and topographic maps lesson, student investigate maps, newspapers, Iowa flora and fauna. Students gain an understanding of how different landforms can be identified...

Sixth graders explore master paintings by Rousseau. They explain how the artist creates depth by overlapping images. They design and create an "imaginary" tropical landscape for a tempera painting.

Students will be able to identify the characteristics of healthy soil and unhealthy soil.Take the class outside to an area of thick grass near trees, if available. Compare the clothes people wear to the thin cover. Discuss the reasons...

Learners examine the ways that government works to help improve aquatic habitats. In this water habitats lesson students view a video and plan a school restoration project. 

Young scholars will identify cause and effect relationships in issues relating to Agriculture and the environment.Ask students to describe what farmers do. Then ask young scholars to define the word "environmentalist." Ask students if...

Students explore the events that occurred during the Dust Bowl and differentiate between the good and bad agricultural practices.  In this Dust Bowl instructional activity students participate in activities that shows them how to be...

Sixth graders investigate erosion. In this erosion instructional activity, 6th graders explore how farming changes the environment. Students construct an erosion model and research ways to protect the soil from excess mud generated by...

Students discuss soil understanding that is is often overlooked as a natural resource. In this science instructional activity, students recognize that we depend on it for energy in the form of foods. Students experiment with six boxes of...

Students explore coffee and coffee plantations. They view a Power Point presentation of what coffee looks like, where it grows, and how it is harvested. They discuss the environmental impacts on growing cofee and how it compares to...

Ninth graders investigate the factors that increase soil erosion. They identify how the environment is affected by erosion. In small groups, 9th graders research erosion problems in various locations. Groups brainstorm ideas to help...

Young scholars describe major topographic features on the Patton Seamount, and interpret two-dimensional topographic data. They create three-dimensional models of landforms from two-dimensional topographic data.

Students build a soil erosion model to study the importance of soil conservation. They investigate how land forms from both constructive and destructive forces.

First graders explore the job done by ornithologists. They role play identifying the characteristics that make a bird a bird. They discuss what makes each bird species unique. Students are introduced to Wisconsin's most common and rare...

Wessels Living History Farm explains some of the history behind contour plowing in the United States. Great photo illustrating contour planting on terraces in Iowa included.