Middle schoolers identify the dates of the solstices and equinoxes and how they relate to the various seasons on Earth. After discussing how the solstice and equinox affect the seasons, students use their bodies to demonstrate the how...

Students explore the concepts of rdioactive decay and dating. They generate a radioactive decay table, use their data to plot a decay graph, develop the concept of half-life, and then use the graph to find the age of a mummified seal in...

In this rock worksheet, students answer seven short answer questions about the composition of the earth's crust. Questions refer to metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks.

For this air worksheet, students will answer questions about the Earth's atmosphere, including the layers, air masses, and heat transfer. Students will explore how the difference in atmospheric temperature can create weather patterns....

In this energy worksheet, students complete a chart on the three types of heat transfer and their causes. Then they explain why all of the radiation directed at Earth does not reach the surface. Students also explain the factors in the...

First graders examine how the earth is covered with more water than land. They toss an inflatable globe around the classroom, and each time a student catches the ball with two fingers, they tally whether the fingers land on water or...

Students discover how to create a model of tectonic plates and study the interactions of these plates as they slowly move on the asthenosphere. They see and experience what happens at each type of plate boundary and why there are certain...

Middle schoolers explore the major constellations. After reviewing the Earth's basic motions and their significance, students discuss the moon's orbit and revolutions. Using a Digitarium Alpha portable planetarium projector, they...

In this earth science worksheet, students check the accuracy of the weather forecasts in their area for a week. Then they complete the chart by recording the forecast for the week's weather and then recording the actual weather for that...

In this movement of air instructional activity, learners determine the deflection of air masses that result from Earth's eastward rotation. Then they describe what winds provide for different trades. Students also identify and describe...

Students investigate the development of the geologic time scale. Also, to introduce them to the major time periods in earth's history, as well as to the role fossils play in helping us understand this history.

Students explore the development of the geologic time scale. They examine the major time periods in earth's history. Students discuss the role fossils play in helping us understand history.

Students research the contributing factors to the Earth's paleoclimate. They determine the relevant climate data and use it to construct a science argument. In the process, they access data, capture images of the data plots, and...

Students explore lunar eclipses and discover how to predict an eclipse the same way that ancient people did. They examine dates of recorded eclipses and find a pattern. Students apply an algorithm to the pattern.

Students use a simple physical model of the Earth, sun, and moon to understand why the moon changes phases from the perspective of Earthly observers. They hold up balls representing the moon in a room with a single light source to see...

In this igneous rocks worksheet, students identify the lave that cools quickly and entraps air and other gases. Then they describe the molten material found below the Earth's surface. Students also give another name for the mineral...

In this history of life worksheet, students will explore how mass extinctions have occurred on Earth, the different periods of the geological time scale, and scientists' use of fossil records. Students will complete 3 fill in the blank...

In this evolution worksheet, students will complete a table by writing in the era and biological event based on 4 different time periods of Earth's history. Students will answer 8 fill in the blank questions based on the different origin...

Students monitor the weather, clouds, and sky. In this weather activity, students create a sky and cloud window to focus their sky observations. They write observations in a notebook and include the date, time, cloud cover, types of...

Students investigate the history of dinosaurs, as real animals. In this dinosaur lesson plan, students examine basic concepts that help them understand the history of all life. Included in this article is information on the world of the...

In this earth science worksheet, students read about the evolution of metamorphic rock, the most common types, and the make-up of metamorphic rock. They look at diagrams of the intensity of metamorphism before answering 7 short answer...

Young scholars engage in an overview of solar and lunar calendars, their history and lore. Also, of the day and the month, and their relations to the rotation period of the Earth and the orbital period of the Moon.

Eighth graders plot points of longitude and latitude on a world map. In groups, they create a model of the earth's interior and label the parts,

High schoolers study phenology, or the study of climate change. They research the Japanese springtime festival of Hanami and plot and interpret average cherry blossom bloom date data from the past 1100 years.