Is your current lesson plan for salt and freshwater literacy leaving you high and dry? If so, dive into part one of a seven-part series that explores the physical features of Earth's salt and freshwater sources. Junior hydrologists...

Introduce junior oceanographers to ice conditions in The Great Lakes. The ice map links are no longer available, so you will not be able to have your class perform the mentioned data activity. You can, however, access the Canadian Ice...

Students interpret data on snow cover and analyze trend patterns. In this snow instructional activity students compare data and locate their school's GPS coordinates.

Fourth graders conduct an experiment demonstrating the effects of water and air temperature on precipitation. They create graphs demonstrating their findings using Claris Works for Kids.

In this Science worksheet, students color a biome map of North America. Students color the map by solving the clues listed on a separate sheet of paper.

In May of 1981, the Winter Park Sinkhole in Florida first appeared and is now referred to as Lake Rose. Scholars learn about the causes of sinkholes through an inquiry project. Then, they analyze recent data and draw conclusions to...

Pupils participate in a virtual field trip to Lake Superior. In groups, they perform experiments in which test the level of toxins and bacteria in the water. They also watch video segments life in the lake and discuss their observations.

Now you see it, now you don't! The stick bug exhibits the ability to disappear into a wooded environment. Why does this adaptation manifest in some species, but not in others? Life science students explore animal adaptations in nature...

Students research marine ecosystems by creating class presentations.  In this oceanography lesson, students research the different locations of marine sanctuaries by identifying them on a transparency map in class.  Students...

Students consider the ways a mental maps of geographic landmarks can help migrating animals stay on the correct course.

Strict habitat requirements are needed for the survival of fish populations and fish variety in the Great Lakes. Young scientists become experts in the basic needs of fish and understand how survival necessities can vary with different...

Students study drinking water. In this environment lesson, students draw the path of drinking water from the place of precipitation to the tap after researching a map and information from the United States Geological Survey water...

Fifth graders examine migration by tracing animal migration routes on a map.  In this animal life lesson plan, 5th graders observe a map of North America and read about the migration patterns of geese.  Students trace the path...

Students use a digital atlas of Idaho to explore the effects of the Lake Bonneville Flood. They become familiar with how floods shape our earth and change landscapes. Students graph a a timeline of the rise and fall of Lake Bonneville.

Students examine the continent of Antarctica, then read a news article about the decline in the Antarctic penguin population. In this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and vocabulary activity,...

Collaboratively, students partake in a hands-on activity in which they build models of a watershed. Each group member draws an elevation map—a bird's eye view—of their model and predicts how water will flow from the high to low points....

Ninth graders study and identify the six major drainage systems in Pennsylvania.  In this watershed activity students read an article, complete an activity and take a quiz on what they learned. 

Students focus on the types of vegetation and animal life living around local water sources. This lesson can be adapted to any local water source, whether it be a lake, a river, stream or ocean. It has a particular focus on the bird...

Students identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to introduce...

In this ecology worksheet, students study a fact sheet on invasive mussels. They answer 8 short answer questions about it after reading the provided information.

Learners infer the cause of a shipwreck based upon information about artifacts found in the wreck. In this marine archeology lesson plan, students use an inventory list to infer the cause of a shipwreck. Learners discuss the maritime...

Learners conduct Internet research of the living organisms in national marine sanctuaries, and the resources protected in the sanctuaries. Students gather information about each of the sanctuaries and make an oral presentation and poster...

Fourth graders diagram the weather in Utah through the use of a glyph. In this Utah weather lesson, 4th graders create weather glyphs of different areas in the state. Students answer questions about the weather and then compare their...

Eleventh graders identify the parts of an ecosystem and how communities change over time.  In this ecology lesson students formulate a habitat restoration plan.