Curated OER
Taking a Stand: Pros and Cons of Forest Fires
Students explore the pros and cons of forest fires. In this science instructional activity, students research the ecological implications of forest fires. Students record their findings in journals and compose a persuasive e-mail to...
Curated OER
The Oceans Below
Young scholars investigate the geological characteristics of the ocean environment and create a labeled drawing of the ocean floor's geography. Students view videos and conduct Internet research about the ocean's floor and then create...
Curated OER
Hello Mexico City
Students research and explain the functions, characteristics, and cultural aspects of Mexico City and analyze how they have affected development and settlement. Students work in groups to gather information and report back to the class.
Curated OER
Dreaming of Gardens
Students demonstrate ways to be an environmental philanthropist. In this philanthropy activity, students read The Gardener and Just a Dream and compare the two books. Students discuss ways the characters demonstrated environmental...
Curated OER
Types of Dinosaurs
Students complete puzzles of dinosaurs. They compare each piece of the puzzle to a fossil and simulate a scientist's role in learning about dinosaurs.
Curated OER
Rock Creek Water Quality
Ninth graders test water in a local creek using chemical kits and probes. They take GPS readings and digital photos. They calculate the Water Quality Index and create a spreadsheet of the test data.
Curated OER
Sea Turtle Savvy
Students explore sea turtles. They create paper plate sea turtles and brainstorm other organisms that live in the sea turtle's habitat. They role-play scenes from a nonfiction book, A Baby Sea Turtle's Journey. They play a game...
Curated OER
Sunshine and Shadows
Students measure their shadows early in the morning, record direction of shadow, make marks in ground with chalk or tape, measure with ruler, and record results. Students repeat process at noon, and then later in afternoon. Students...
Curated OER
Let's Make a Map
Second graders draw maps of their playground, noting objects such as trees and play equipment. Working in groups, they make maps of different parts of the school and assemble them into a schoolwide map. They make maps on a field trip to...
Curated OER
Bats Migrate South
Learners examine the life of bats in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the history of the bat in Illinois and describe the way they find prey by using echolocation. They report their findings to the class and answer any...
Curated OER
Adapting to Survive
Students examine how the climate and environment affect people in Alaska. They identify the five regions of Alaska on a map, conduct Internet research, write a report on the climate differences in the five Alaskan regions, and write a...
Other
Think Green: Earth Day Project Ideas: Grades 6 8 [Pdf]
Give your middle schoolers the tools to live and think green with these fun educational projects and art activities. Projects are useful for helping students learn to make good environmental decisions. [PDF]
Environmental Education for Kids
Eek!: Environmental Education: Art and Crafts
A collection of arts and crafts activities to support environmental education or celebrate Earth Day.
PBS
Idaho Public Television: Ocean Murals
Integrative lesson plan incorporates math, science and art to teach children about the ocean and its inhabitants. Multiple activities included, approximately 4-6 days to complete. to other sources on oceans. References Bill Nye video...
Can Teach
Can Teach: Novel and Picture Book Ideas (Lesson Plans)
Novels and picture books are great ways to teach across the curriculum. This site lists about 75 novels and picture books around which CanTeach has constructed lesson ideas and plans. All grade levels indicated.