Curated OER
Atmospheric Cells
Learners recognize that the sun is the source of energy driving atmosphere cells. They relate the motion of the atmospheric cells to mantle convection cells. Students recognize that the function of atmospheric cells is to move heat from...
Curated OER
The Great Ocean Conveyor
Young scholars investigate water density. In this water density instructional activity, students conduct an experiment with food coloring, water and salt to see how the salt effects bodies of water.
Curated OER
Atmospheric Processes -- Convection
Students work together to discover how temperature changes can affect the density of water and air. They make predictions on what they believe is going to occur. They answer questions to complete the lesson.
Curated OER
(S-1A) Weather and the Atmosphere
Students discuss the way vertical convection transports heat from the surface upwards, and associated pressure and temperature profiles of the atmosphere.
Curated OER
Am I Hot or Am I Cold?
Students practice using a thermometer to determine how the air around the earth gets heated and cooled by the sun. Students chart the daily inside and outside temperature for two weeks.
Curated OER
Fallout!
Learners plot the locations of fallout from two disasters that polluted much of the world's air. They plot the ash fallout from the 1980 Mt. St. Helen's eruption to see what the wind patterns in the United States look like overall. Next...
Curated OER
Convection Currents
Students explain and understand the circulation of air in the atmosphere. They identify that energy can be carried from one place to another by heat flow or by waves, including water, light and sound waves, or by moving objects. ...
Curated OER
Windbreakers; Earth Science, Topography, Weather
Learners consider how topography affects weather and human activity. Students simulate a mountain range and observe surrounding wind patterns.
Dick Blick Art Materials
Insoluble Paintings
Insolubility and density? Yup, it's art class, of course. To create insoluble paintings that continually move and change, kids mix water-based paint with mineral oil and seal the mixture in laminating pouches.
Curated OER
Design a Bobsled
Learners apply their knowledge of friction, drag, mass and gravity as they design, build, and test mini-bobsleds.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle: The Water Process
Its time to introduce the water cycle! This presentation describes the water cycle in terms of condensation, evaporation, and precipitation. Five straightforward comprehension questions and easy to understand concept definitions make for...
Outdoor Learning Center
Outdoor Survival
Which of the following can you survive without for the longest time: water, food, or a positive mental attitude? The answer may surprise you. Guide learners of all ages through games, activities, and discussions about surviving in the...
Colorado State University
Why Does the Wind Blow?
Without wind, the weather man wouldn't have much to talk about! Blow away your junior meteorologists with a creative demonstration of how wind works. The activity uses an empty soda bottle and compressible Styrofoam peanuts to illustrate...
US Geological Survey
Water Cycle Poster
How many parts make up the water cycle? How many things on Earth rely on water as a system? Learn more about the water cycle in an informative and colorful poster. Print and hang, or project the graphic in the classroom for optimal use.
Curated OER
Insoluble Paintings
Use this art lesson plan to study insolubility and density. Combining water-based paint and mineral oil will cause a fun and interactive painting. This is a great art project to incorporate during a science unit.
Curated OER
It's A Gas!
Fifth graders complete a learning exercise which has them place a list of gases in order from the least to the most dense. The density in grams is given for each. There's a good paragraph which provides background knowledge about the...
Curated OER
A Device That Condenses Water
Fifth graders who are studying water vapor and the condensation process use this learning exercise to help them understand the process of condensation. Most of the learning exercise is simply a source of information, with a good...
Curated OER
Appearances Are Deceiving
Young scientists study creeks around their area to see how clean the water really is. One way to tell is by the invertebrate populations that are present. This lesson introduces a game which learners simulate a variety of species found...
Curated OER
Demonstration of Factors Affecting Soil Temperature
Learners examine the influences of water and mulch on soil temperature. In this investigative activity students complete a soil experiment.
Curated OER
Mapping a Temperature Field
Students measure and graph temperatures. In this temperature field lesson students use a map to measure and plot field values and construct isolines and interpret the results.
Curated OER
Science Jeopardy - The Earth Sciences
The earth sciences are the focus for this Jeopardy-style review game. Categories include geology, space, scientific investigation, meteorology, and oceanography. Diagrams and pictures are involved with most of the questions, making this...
Curated OER
Cylinder Volume Lesson Plan
Tenth graders define the formula for cylinders and use it to solve real world problems. In this geometry lesson plan, pupils differentiate between area, perimeters, 2D shapes, 3D shapes, and volume of prisms, cylinders and spheres. They...
Curated OER
Soil Stories
Tenth graders collect and analyze soil samples and extrapolate the characteristics needed to support different types of plant life. They research different types of prairie soil and how it supports plant and animal life.
Curated OER
Rocks and Minerals
In this earth science instructional activity, students use the clues given at the bottom of the sheet to solve the crossword puzzle on mineral and rocks. They identify the various types of rocks formed and specific examples of these rocks.