Describe how plate tectonics account for various land formations. Learners discuss different marine sanctuaries and create a poster about tectonic activity in these areas. They share their posters with the class.

Sixth graders watch the video "Great Wall of China". They use the template to design their own postage stamp to show something learned about the Great Wall. They determine a presumed price for the stamp in Chinese currency and ...

Students explore the characteristics of stars. In this space science activity, students use the Microsoft WorldWide Telescope program to identify the properties of stars and identify the stars in the galaxy.

Students study facial expressions and create a face jug. In this facial study lesson, students look at images of face jugs through history before drawing thumbnails of facial images. They use the coil method to make a jug, and use a...

Students study the settlement of the American frontier through literature. In this literature lesson, students read and discuss works by James Fenimore Cooper, Bret Harte, Mark Twain, Willa Cather, and Hamlin Garland. Students compare...

Students acquire a general knowledge of fossils and paleontology, the study of evidence of life in the past and identify the major invertebrate groups (phyla) commonly found in the fossil record.

Learners study sunspots and their motion, from data gathered, they determine the significance of the sunspot data. The data be used to calculate the rotational period of the sun. They draw conclusions as to the sunspot's impact on the...

Recycling is the focus in the sixth of a nine-activity series devoted to forest ecosystems. Class members read an article about the responsible use of natural resources and ways to reduce land fill.

Learners examine an article on a space capsule and explore NASA.  In this space exploration instructional activity students brainstorm the pros and cons of space exploration, then rehearse a sketch and present it to the class. 

Students discover the history of California by researching the Gold Rush.  In this economics history lesson, students participate in a class discussion about the book Boom Town, and the value of gold in California.  Students...

Students examine what Eratosthenes is and the history behind him.  In this earth lesson plan students complete a hands on activity to repeat Eratosthenes' experiment.

Students explore solar and lunar eclipses and how the sun, Earth, and moon cause them.

In this planets worksheet, students read about Mercury, Venus, and Earth and then complete 21 multiple choice, 2 true or false, and 1 short answer question.

Students observe magnetic fields and locate the position of "ore deposits" patterns using models and maps.  In this magnetometer lesson students complete a hands on activity and a reading/writing exercise. 

Learners build model caverns using paper mache or clay and bury them in a tray of sand. They test the models by dropping balls onto them to simulate an asteroid hitting the earth. They evaluate the effectiveness of a structure against...

Students investigate international aid by researching the history of Angola.  In this world crisis lesson, students investigate the history, civil wars and poor economy of Angola and discuss ways to turn the poor nation around....

Students role play to become familiar with the life of Thoreau. In this Thoreau instructional activity, students view a video of the Walden play about Thoreau.  Students perform and promote the play as a school event.

Students investigate the political context of the creation of a weather satellite. In this technology and society lesson plan, students explore the historical, technological, and political context of the TIROS weather satellite. They...

Students explore the world of the ancient Egyptians through the discovery of the Rosetta stone, the ancient tablet that unlocked the meaning of the hieroglyphs for modern scholars.

Middle schoolers engage in a study of the volcanic forces and earthquakes associated with The Ring of Fire in the Pacific Ocean. The people of Japan are researched in how they have dealt with living in the area. Also students write in...

Students study Greek culture, particularly as it relates to Homer's Odyssey. They examine how human activities shape the earth's surface and identify forces that influence a culture's beliefs and traditions. They determine that...

Middle schoolers examine environmental and social impacts of products that consumers buy. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students play a game that requires them to consider real costs of products. Middle schoolers consider the...

Students discover the interaction of American Literature, politics and the environmental movement. They explore the changing concept and philosophy of wilderness, and explain the development of The National Park System. They read...

Students listen to a read aloud of "If You Grew Up With Abraham Lincoln". Using the text, they identify examples of the five themes of geography and write them down. Using a map, they plot the places mentioned in the book and sort facts...