Curated OER
Fossil Fuel and the Ticking Clock
Students study energy sources to learn about fossil fuels and environmental concerns. In this energy sources lesson, students watch demonstrations for various energy examples. Students find hidden pennies, make a bar graph on their data,...
Curated OER
Aquifers and Recharge Areas
Students create a model of an aquifer and describe how an aquifer works. They describe how running affects an aquifer and prepare a model presenting to local planners the important aspects of protecting recharge areas.
Curated OER
The World Population Explosion
High schoolers are introduced to some of the fundamental questions about the connections among population, resources and energy use, and environmental impacts. They explore population growth, interpret a line graph and calculate their...
Curated OER
Making Tough Decisions about the Energy We Use
Student examine ways we use and conserve energy. They discover the choices one makes concerning excessive energy use.
Curated OER
Investigating Erosion in an Outdoor Classroom
First graders observe the effects of erosion. They work in groups to simulate erosion in a streambed, participate in class discussion, read books about fossils and rocks and then go on a fossil hunt.
Curated OER
Community Action
Fifth graders brainstorm a list of decisions that students make daily that affect the welfare of the environment categorizing them as being either helpful or harmful. They then trace local actions to distant consequences to determine how...
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Subsurface Contamination of Groundwater
Students evaluate the potential problems associated with underground storage tanks. They research the potential hazards from various subsurface pollutants and simulate a superfund site cleanup.
Curated OER
The Compost Bucket
Learners recognize that plants and soils have a close relationship. They view a photo essay on the common practice and natural process of composting. Afterwards, they observe the process of plant decay over the course of several days.
Curated OER
Measurement: When Degrees Matter
Eighth graders record the temperature change of the beakers. For this general science lesson, 8th graders create their own data table for recording observations. They discuss experimental results and cite real life applications.
Curated OER
Spy on a Spider
Learners view slides or live specimens to name and describe the distinguishing features of groups of arthropods, especially spiders and insects. They complete worksheets, observe webs and then search for and record where spiders can be...
Curated OER
Building an Ecologically Balanced Living Space
Learners design and build an ecologically balanced living space based on the principles of an old growth forest. They take one part of a house (or structure in the community) and redesign it according to the principles of the forest cycle.
Curated OER
And Now for Something Completely Different...
Students identify organisms that are typical a part of a hydrothermal vent. They examine why hydrothermal vents are short-lived.
Curated OER
Pollution Solution
Fourth graders examine how trees help to absorb the pollution that is emitted from automobiles. They review the process of photosynthesis and determine how forest management is important on their reservation. They think about the...
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Paleogeographic Mapping (o.k. Fossils Are Neat But What Good Are They?)
Students examine how evidence from fossils can be used in paleogeographic interpretation. They gain experience in developing multiple hypotheses.
Curated OER
Have and Have-Not
Students describe the differences of people living in developed and underdeveloped countries. They also identify how each type of country uses their resources. They develop an ecological footprint of the countries discussed.
Curated OER
Groundwater: Cleaning Up
Students research the various aspects of groundwater contamination that threaten health and human safety. They create a model and display that informs other about the health and safety risks. Students illustrate ways in which these...
Curated OER
Plants and Air Purity
Students explore how green plants help improve air quality. They read an article and discuss the importance of air quality and its effects on the human body. They investigate by connecting hose to the top of a Bell jar and to a funnel....
Curated OER
What does AG have to do with me?
Students practice alphabetizing while categorizing sources of basic agricultural products. They discuss agricultrual products, discover where they are grown and draw a simple agricultural scene on poster board.
US Geological Survey
Usgs: All of Earth's Water in a Single Sphere!
See how all of Earth's water compares to the total size of the Earth.
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History: Water: H2 O = Life
This exhibition illuminates the concept of ecological balance and the challenge of managing the Earth's water supply. Its videos and images help explain just how important water is to sustaining life.
US Geological Survey
U.s. Geological Survey: Where Is Earth's Water Located?
Find out how much of the water on Earth is actually usable by humans, and where the rest of it is located. Learn where our water comes from and why it never runs out. Click Home to access the site in Spanish.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Fifth Grade Science: Earth Science: Humans and the Water Supply
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Looks at ways that humans use water, why some people don't have enough water, and why poor quality water is a problem.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Fifth Grade Science: Earth Science: Protecting the Water Supply
Explore the ways to reduce water pollution and strategies for conserving water with this module. The modules reviews over ways water is polluted and how individuals can conserve water.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: How Does Water Become Polluted?
Find out how Earth's water supply can become contaminated with pollutants.