Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bones

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders observe real bones and models to learn about the structure and function of the skeletal system. In this skeletal system lesson, 5th graders manipulate objects and models of bones. They handle real bones and determine the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shake, Rattle and Roll

For Teachers K - 4th
Students compare the weathering of different-sized materials. Comparisons are made and data analyzed to reach conclusions about the process of weathering. Applications can be made for the higher grades.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fossil Fuels vs. Alternative Fueling Systems

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders brainstorm the differences between the fossil fuels that people use in their transportation now and what they could use to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. They use a variety of techniques from webquests to writing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

I Spy

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders investigate the properties and uses of rocks. They sort magazine pictures into the categories of living and nonliving, play a game of I Spy for objects made of rock, and make rubbings of the rock items for their Rock...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Finding the Mother Lode

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars engage in a paper treasure hunt to find a lode deposit of gold using the placer deposit concentrations of metals found in stream sediments. They use topographic maps and metal concentrations to assist them. Students...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Exploration of the Moon

For Students 9th - 12th
In this moon worksheet, high schoolers review the Clementine exploration of the Earth's moon. This worksheet has 8 matching and 14 true or false questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soil Composition

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students examine soil. In this soil composition lesson students participate in soil sedimentation and filtration activities. The students discuss what non-living and living things are in soil and why it is so important.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Model of the Rock Cycle

For Teachers 7th - 9th
In this rock cycle worksheet, students use different colored crayons to represent different types of rocks. They follow step by step procedures to model the rock cycle with the crayons. Students draw the rock cycle, show weathering,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Metamorphic Rock Lab

For Teachers 7th - 10th
In this metamorphic rock worksheet, students observe 9 metamorphic rock samples and indicate the grain size, if there are bands, if there are layers , if it is foliated and they identify the name of the rock. They complete 5 sentences...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classifying Rocks

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine and participate in the process of classifying rocks. In small groups, they sort the rocks into two categories and complete a Venn diagram. Next, they select three rocks, and complete a worksheet that is in the...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Land Reinforcement

For Students 6th - 9th
In this land reinforcement worksheet, learners complete 7 matching questions, 2 short answer questions, and 1 essay question about key points from their chapter on land conservation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Weathering and Wind

For Teachers 6th - 9th
In this weathering and wind worksheet, learners simulate the effects of weathering by wind using 2 canisters, 2 types of sandpaper and 2 sugar cubes. Students swirl the sugar cubes inside the canisters lined with fine and course...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Forest Objects

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Young scholars explore the forest. In this ecosystems lesson, students rotate through sensory activity centers, brainstorm, and read about temperate forests.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forest Decomposition

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars explore decomposition. Students define and describe  components of the decomposition process. Young scholars make a composter in a terrarium. Students record observations and changes weekly, drawing conclusions about...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Glaciers Worksheet #1

For Students 6th - 9th
The landscape impacted by glacier activity is drawn at the top of this worksheet. Ten multiple choice questions follow, some relating to the diagram, and some about the quality of soil left by glaciation. It is not often that you come...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reopen: A Study of Five Closed Mines

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students analyze data to determine which of the fived closed mines would be beneficial to have reopen. They acquire knowledge of rocks and minerals in the area to give reasons why that mine should open again. Students gain knowledge in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geology of Connecticut

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students examine the geology of Connecticut, including plate tectonics, glaciation, and fossil formation. After reviewing past lessons, they write essays about what life may have been like in the Mesozoic Period. Following a field...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecological Impact of Cyanide Heap Leaching

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students explore the environment by researching mining. In this ecological dangers lesson, students define cyanide and discuss why it has potential to be a great threat to our environment during mining expeditions. Students examine many...
Activity
American Museum of Natural History

Finding Fossils

For Students 6th - 12th
How does one go about finding fossils? Find out with an informative webpage that looks at the digging process, showcases rocks and common fossils, helpful tips, and a list of archeological do's and don'ts. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Detectives in the Landscape

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore landscapes. In this landscape lesson, 4th graders investigate different elements of landscapes. Students design a visual presentation using photographs taken during a nature walk.
PPT
Curated OER

Natural Resources: Can We Use Them Forever? Grade 2

For Teachers 2nd
Bright colors and animation are great ways to attract a young students attention. Students are introduced to the concepts of renewable and non-renewable resources as they pose the question, will our resources be around forever? This...
PPT
Curated OER

Binary Compounds

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Binary compounds are explained with the periodic table, atomic charges, and examples. Viewers are taught to name binary compounds and then are presented with a chart of cations and ions. Finally, they see a few photos of forms of silicon...
Worksheet
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

Desalination: Turning Salt Water into Fresh Water

For Teachers 2nd - 4th Standards
How does San Francisco supply its citizens with enough water, even during a drought? Learn about reservoirs and why desalination could be a good solution with a reading passage about water conservation. After kids finish the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making & Breaking : The Rock Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine the rock cycle and how rocks can change over time.  In this geotechnical engineering lesson students draw a diagram of the rock cycle.