Fourth graders use local materials such as leaves and other plant matter; sand and pebbles to make soil. They plant seeds in the manufactured soil and in natural soil and then observe and record the results.

Fourth graders investigate the process of water erosion. They observe the roots of a plant and discuss the concept of erosion. Next, in small groups they conduct an experiment to observe how water erodes soil on a stream table, and...

Young scholars create their own environment. In this environmental protection lesson, students pretend they are the owners of a tropical island. They create jobs for the citizens and develop the island as a model environment.

Students compare the properties of rocks and relate these properties to their use. They perform a virtual experiment to describe and group rocks on the basis of their characteristics.

Middle schoolers explore the physical properties of rocks. They explore the three different types of rocks and are able to compare and contrast their different properties. Students simulate the creation of sedimentary rock, they also...

Not all dogs are the same just like not all finches are the same. An interactive online lesson helps individuals learn about the causes and limitations to biodiversity. The clickable sections describe the basics of the genetics of...

Seventy percent of the air pollution in China is due to car exhaust. Under the umbrella of environmental chemistry, learners extensively explore air pollution. From the makeup of our atmosphere to sources of major air pollutants, classes...

Show the class the world as they've never seen it before—from way above! Learners try to unravel the mysteries presented by rich satellite imagery, learn to interpret topographic maps, and study erosion by constructing their very...

Varve: a deposit of cyclical sediments that help scientists determine historical climates. Individuals analyze the topography of a region and then study varve datasets from the same area. Using this information, they determine the...

Middle schoolers encounter how magnetic forces affect the navigation ability of sea turtle hatchings. Research is done to find out where the true magnetic North Pole lies. Exploration is discussed on how many things here on earth are...

When learning about several different processes at a time, it can be difficult to differentiate between them. In the resource found here, you can see what your kids know about some of Earth's systems including the carbon, hydrologic,...

Students examine soil types and determine the ability of each to absorb water. Working in groups, they time how long it takes for water to seep out the bottom of the cups. They examine soil components, conservation, erosion, and tree...

Students create a worm bin full of fruit and vegetable scraps wit paper and observe what happens over time. In this decomposers lesson plan, students observe that the fruit and vegetable scraps become new soil.

Students discover that composting helps reduce landfill waste and is good for the soil. They explore the techniques of composting through a variety of media, art activities and hands-on experience.

Students study groundwater movement beneath the surface of the Earth. In this agriculture lesson plan, students experiment with how water moves through rock materials such as sand, gravel, and clay.

First graders examine different types of rocks and minerals. They create models of the rocks and minerals they find interesting. They discuss and explain three ways in which the earth changes.

Have you been wondering how to use that natural trail at or near your school? This activity gets kids outside with a purpose: learn about ecological succession through field observations and collecting seed and soil samples. The resource...

Students study the nitrogen cycle and construct a diagram.  In this Earth Science lesson students use role play to see the various paths. 

Students explore latent heat and how it relates to clouds in the atmosphere.  In this earth science activity students investigate how clouds are formed. Students examine clouds and the water cycle.

For this earth science worksheet, students identify and discover the amazing ways that desert plants adapt to harsh habitats. They use discussion and drawing to explore their existing knowledge about deserts. Then, students respond to 15...

In this seafloor spreading worksheet, students use 12 given terms to complete sentences about the layers of the Earth and the components of the layers of the Earth.

Seventh graders investigate the temperature change in open and closed containers. In this earth science instructional activity, 7th graders relate this lab activity to greenhouse effect. They create a line graph from data collected in...

Students observe earth science by participating in a planting activity. In this seeds instructional activity, students identify the process for seeds to transform into plants which eventually produce food. Students sow seeds in the...

Students observe and classify the permeability of a variety of materials.