Sixth graders explore reasons for earthquakes. They discuss and describe the types of faults. Using the internet, 6th graders research a specific location of a former earthquake. They describe the damage, magnitude, the epicenter,...

Students perform experiments in which they grow crystals. They draw pictures of where each type of rock originates from. They also identify igneous rocks by using a chart.

Students research landforms created by tectonic movement.  In this landforms lessons, students discuss caves, canyons, mountains, valleys, and undersea vents and the ecosystems unique to these environments.

Students explore the differences in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. They discuss the rock cycle of the different formations. Students discuss how rock is formed into different shapes. They explore, predict, and create each...

Students examine types of spatial data found in a GIS. In this geography activity students use a GIS to facilitate analysis and decision making.

Students create a torn paper landscape and use it to study clouds. In this cloud study and art lesson, students make a background art image from torn paper. Students create a torn paper landscape and use cotton balls to illustrate...

Students study geographical maps and their functions.  In this geography lesson plan students work in groups to build a map to scale.

Young scholars collect and look at rocks and write down information about them in science notebooks. They make comparisons and sort the rocks according to their properties, and then discuss their findings with their classmates and put...

Students read excerpts from Annie Dillard's memoir, "An American Childhood," with the teacher. They experience opportunities to connect English, science, nature and art together from a new and unique perspective. This approach serves as...

Students study volcanoes. In this volcanoes lesson, students read several volcano paragraphs and study the pictures or diagrams. Students then make an erupting volcano, complete website research about volcanoes, and answer several...

In this ocean salt worksheet, students read about the processes that have lead to the salt content in the ocean. Then students complete 5 short answer questions.

Students observe how lava flows from a volcano by watching the teacher create a mini volcano with shaving cream.

Second graders work with material to simulate changes caused by both heat and pressure. They assimilate what they learned learned in past lessons to explain the rock cycle.

Journey into the past while reading this comprehensive overview of the Hadean Eon that covers topics such as the formation of the earth, its surface and atmosphere, fossil evidence, erosion and plate tectonics.

A course lecture on how the Earth's geological features have evolved through the movements of tectonic plates. Explains the different types of plate boundaries and how they manifest in geological formations. Also describes the structure...

Explanation of the factors that result in the formation of volcanoes, some basic but helpful animations and photographs.

Earth Really Rocks is a teaching unit for Grades K-3. It approaches the study of rocks from an energy perspective, looking at how gas and oil are formed underground, as well as at sedimentary rocks and the structure of the Earth's crust....

Through five lessons, students are introduced to all facets of the rock cycle. Topics include rock and mineral types, material stresses and weathering, geologic time and fossil formation, the Earth's crust and tectonic plates, and soil...

The Franklin Institute has provided a demonstration that theorizes how the earth's crust was formed. This is a lesson plan that needs only a few materials.

Students will learn that oil and natural gas taken from the earth's crust today originated as small plants and animals that lived in the ocean millions of years ago.

Learn how seismic tomography imaging helps scientists understand the formation of the Earth's interior.

Take this online quiz and test your knowledge of geological history, and the formation of our atmosphere, water, crust, oxygen, tectonic plates, Moon, and the rest of the Earth.

The Earth has been in a state of continual change since its formation. The major part of this change, involving volcanism and tectonics, has been driven by heat produced from the decay of radioactive elements within the Earth. The other...