Curated OER
Coral Bleaching in the Caribbean
Students use authentic satellite data on the NASA website to determine when the sea surface temperature meets the criteria to induce coral bleaching.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Electromagnetic Energy in the Atmosphere Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Summarizes the key points about electromagnetic waves and how they are classified. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.
Ohio State University
Osu: Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle: The Sun: Earth's Primary Energy Source
Extensive article that discusses the first principle of climate science, i.e., that the Sun is the primary energy source for the climate system of the Earth. Presents five concepts for this principle and explains each, providing...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Solar Energy on Earth Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This study guide summarizes key points about the energy we receive from the Sun. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Obtaining Energy Resources Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This study guide summarizes key points about the important role of net energy in obtaining energy resources. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Solar Power Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This study guide summarizes key points about solar energy, how it is harnessed, and its benefits and disadvantages. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Renewable vs. Non Renewable Energy Resources Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Summarizes the key points about renewable and nonrenewable resources. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Engineering for the Earth
Young students are introduced to the complex systems of the Earth through numerous lessons on its natural resources, processes, weather, climate and landforms. Key earth science topics include rocks, soils and minerals, water and natural...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Planet Earth
A series of seven instructional, hour-long videos presenting Earth-science topics such as plate tectonics, oceans, climate changes, natural resources, the Sun, and the future of our planet. Closed captioning option provided for each video.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Introduction to Energy Resources Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide covers the main terms and concepts needed for an earth science unit on energy resources. Review questions are included at the bottom of the study guide.
Council for Economic Education
Econ Ed Link: Be an Energy Saver
This activity focuses on the scarce and non-renewable nature of fossil fuels in order to stimulate student thinking about energy conservation. It emphasizes the fact that saving energy can be good for the wallet as well as the earth's...
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Geothermal Technologies: Enhanced Geothermal System
Through both an interactive animation and a short video, learn about the enhanced geothermal system as a means to utilize the Earth's heat as an energy source for our electricity needs.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Using Earth's Magnetic Field
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] The Earth's magnetic field and how it protects life on Earth, and how it is used for navigation.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Coal Power Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide covers the main terms and concepts needed for an earth science unit on coal power. Review questions are included at the bottom of the study guide.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Sea Ice Extension for the Earth as a System Learning Activity
The purpose of this lesson is for students to learn how the Earth's systems interact on a global level. They will examine global environmental data and compare this to data on the polar regions. In the process, they will develop an...
NC State University
Ncsu: What Will Be Left of Earth's Non Renewable Resources?
An interactive graph that predicts how many years until more than two dozen natural resources (e.g., chromium, oil, tin, coal, etc.) are depleted, based on current production rates or production that grows each year. Use the slider at...
Other
Digital Library for Earth System Education: Teaching Box: Seasonal Upwelling
A suite of lessons focusing on the process of upwelling. Inquiry-based exploration of seasonal upwelling includes marine food webs, food production in the ocean, wind-driven ocean currents, and seasonal changes in biotic and abiotic...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Star Power Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This study guide summarizes key points about the energy in stars. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Above the Clouds: Telescopes on Mauna Kea
This video segment adapted from First Light explains why the highest peak in the Pacific, Mauna Kea, is an ideal site for astronomical observations. Featured are new telescope technologies that allow astronomers to explore the universe...
Other
Oresome Resources: Mining Helps Make Your House Interactive
An interactive activity for you to find out how much your lifestyle depends on mining. Students select household items and learn facts about their chemical nature, properties and uses, their origins in the Earth, mining, and production.
PBS
Pbs: Pov Borders: Environment
Point of View is television's longest running showcase for independent non-fiction films. This particular feature provides insight regarding alternative means of energy, transport, and the consumption of natural resources. Video, games,...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Wind Power Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This study guide summarizes key points about wind energy. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Albedo Decrease Linked to Vanishing Arctic Sea Ice
Examine this visualization by NASA to understand how the warming of the Arctic region has caused the sea ice extent to decline by 40%, thereby throwing our earth's energy budget off balance. Extensive resources included are teaching...
Other
The Sustainable Scale Project: Ecological Footprint
The Ecological Footprint is rooted in the fact that all renewable resources come from the earth. It accounts for the flows of energy and matter to and from any defined economy and converts these into the corresponding land/water area...