Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forecast Fever

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders investigate what high-tech tools are used to gather weather data and make weather forecasts. They view a video and a PowerPoint presentation, and conduct research on a cloud chart website. Students make local weather...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Planetary Weather

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers are asked what do they recall about weather. They reasearch weather on the other planets of the solar system. Students work in groups and each group is assigned two planets. They create a display showing the weather...
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.
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Meteorology Madness

For Teachers 4th
Students probe the dynamic weather changes through several hands-0n activities in this seven lessons unit. The hydrologic cycle, clouds, atmosphere, air movement, fronts, and forecasting form the components presented in this unit.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Twister: The Tornado Story

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine dangerous weather by researching tornadoes.  In this extreme weather lesson plan, students identify the states included in Tornado Alley.  Students create a virtual tornado using 2 plastic bottles.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forces of Change

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders discuss various ways in which landforms change over time. They, in groups, research and create a reference book about landform change including tsunamis, earthquakes, weathering, erosion and volcanic eruptions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Rocky Situation

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders conduct experiments with rocks to observe weathering. They read books, examine websites and watch a video to examine how rocks break down into soil.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Elders Predict Snow

For Teachers K - 4th
Students interview Native Indians to learn their ways for predicting and measuring snowfall. In this weather measurement lesson, students invite a Native Elder to their classroom to tell them about how they predicted weather. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Crashed On the Moon

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students compare/contrast the environments of our moon and earth, and examine examples of how these differences would affect their daily activities on our moon. They develop lists of emergency supplies to bring if their spaceship crashed...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Savage Planet in the News

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students explore extreme earth phenomenons. In this savage planet lesson, students explore and report on various types of severe weather and earth phenomenons using the Internet, a word processor, or other multimedia device.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sea Ice and Satellites

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Young scholars study satellites and satellite images using Google Earth. In this satellite activity, students discuss satellites and how they work. Young scholars watch a demonstration of how satellites work and learn what they are used...
Lesson Plan
University of Arizona

The Exotic Vacation

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Pupils explain the concepts and vocabulary of Earth's rotation. They plan imaginary vacations based on the seasons in different locations. This is a very creative lesson plan, which students enjoy.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Erosion

For Teachers K - 12th
Students examine soil erosion and what causes it.  In this soil lesson students complete several experiments on soil erosion and the weathering process. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reasons for the Seasons

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders conduct and analyze a survey that explores public perceptions about the reasons for seasonal change. They measure the changing length of days, observe shadows and discuss how the Earth's axis of rotation affects the seasons.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Effects of the Sun on Our Planet

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Pupils examine the effect of different types of light on the Earth. They discover the role of evaporation and the effects of the sun on the magnetosphere. They also observe different solar phenomena.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Environment: Understanding Climate Impacts

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students investigate the potential environmental consequences of climate change. They conduct Internet research to discover how climate change may impact certain species of animals and present their findings in a poster or skit. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Makes you Hot?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers manipulate different variables in a model and make inferences about the temperature on Earth.  In this heat lesson students calculate the blackbody radiation of an object at a certain temperature. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let's Think About Day and Night

For Teachers K
Students explore day and night and the relationships between the Earth, the sun and the moon. They discuss the ways in which the sun and moon help us. They watch a short video that helps illustrate these concepts.
Worksheet
Curated OER

The Perfect Storm

For Students 6th - 10th
In this weather learning exercise, students read about the mechanics of a hurricane and then complete 4 short answer questions based on the reading.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Savage Planet in the News

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Young scholars research volcanoes, storms, atmospheric conditions, etc., find information and collect facts, create a simulation of a science news broadcast, watch a video clip of an avalanche, and create an artistic rendering of one...
Lesson Plan
Texas Instruments

Measuring Air Pressure Lab

For Teachers 6th - Higher Ed Standards
Your class can investigate the weather through an experiment. In this chemistry lesson, learners collect data on air pressure and relate it to the weather. They collect data with the TI containing a barometer probe.
Worksheet
Curated OER

The Little Ice Age

For Students 9th - 10th
In this Little Ice Age worksheet, students read about changes in weather and temperature resulting in changes in rain fall and glacier movement. Students answer three critical thinking questions about the Little Ice Age that occurred as...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gallery Walk Questions about Energy and Material Cycles

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students state the physical, chemical or biological processes associated with these environments: Pelagic ocean zone, California coat Cave, Indiana Barrier island beach, North Carolina Sand dune, Dunes National Park, Colorado Wetland and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Estuary and Watershed

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the San Francisco Bay Estuarine Research Reserve and watershed. In this estuary and watershed lesson plan, students complete 4 activities to better understand estuarine systems. They include studying the San...