Curated OER
EarthTrek Gravestone Project
Students explore the effects of acid rain. For this acid rain lesson, students investigate the effects of the weathering from acid rain in different places. Students visit cemetaries to collect data about the effects of acid rain on the...
Curated OER
Modeling the Rock Cycle
In this modeling the rock cycle worksheet, students use a sugar cube to show the phases and changes in the rock cycle as represented by the changes in the sugar cube. For each step of the experiment students indicate the part of the rock...
Curated OER
Rocks and Minerals
Students are able to describe earth processes (e.g., rusting, weathering, erosion) that have affected selected physical features in students, neighborhoods. They are able to identify various earth structures (e.g., mountains, faults,...
Curated OER
Water Cycle, Weather, and Climate
Eighth graders investigate the water cycle and its processes. They examine temperature and precipiation data to classify climate of ten cities. They then create a climate map of the world.
Curated OER
Changing Landforms
Students investigate different types of landforms. For this landforms lesson, students explore landforms by participating in a WebQuest. Students research the reasons behind landforms changing and create a picture using KidPix.
It's About Time
Orbits and Effects
What does your world revolve around? Challenge the class as they learn about orbits and the effects of them on our modern world. Young astronomers begin by measuring ellipses and calculating the eccentricity of Earth's orbit. Then, they...
Colorado State University
Why Do Clouds Form in the Afternoon?
The stability of the atmosphere changes on a daily basis. A kinesthetic lesson models how the stability of the air changes as it's warmed by the sun. Learners connect their models to the changing air currents and movement of warm and...
Curated OER
How Does Mining Produce Acid Runoff?
Students examine how mining and other industry operations can lead to acid runoff. In this mining lesson students study weathering and complete a lab on it.
Curated OER
How Does Climate Affect Our Shelter Needs?
Fourth graders investigate how weather influences shelter choices. They explore the concept of insulation and discuss some traditional Native American shelters. They discuss the shelters used by the Okanogan people during the various...
University of Texas
Observing the Moon
Why does it look like there is a man on the moon? Why does the moon look different every night? These are the focus questions of a lesson that prompts class members to observe and record the nightly changes of Earth's natural satellite.
Maine Math & Science Alliance
Earth as a System
Ecosystem, human body system, weather system. We hear the word system a lot, but what does it really mean? In the activity, pairs or groups of learners discuss how a bicycle is a system and then analyze objects in their classroom and...
It's About Time
The Sun and Its Effects on Your Community
Why is the sun round? Examine this question, and others, with your pupils while teaching them how to live in a more earth-friendly environment. Pupils explore Sun composition and discuss how solar wind, sunspots, and solar energy affects...
Curated OER
Bellwork for Week 11
In this bellwork worksheet, students answer questions about chemical and mechanical weathering, particle size, and the soil profile at the start of class.
Curated OER
Bellwork for Week 15-Climate
In this bellwork worksheet, students answer questions about the layers of the atmosphere, the composition of the atmosphere and the weather and the climate.
Curated OER
Blowin' in the Wind
Students discover how wind is created on earth: changes in temperatures and air pressure. They list good and bad effects of the wind and make a weather vane and practice using it for 2 weeks.
Curated OER
Hot n' Cold
Students keep a weather log. In this weather and temperature instructional activity, students discuss the information that can be obtained from a map and lead into a discussion about temperature. Students watch a video about temperature...
Curated OER
Unit Lesson Plan Template
First graders listen to the book The Story of Sand and make predictions about an investigation based on soil, sand, and silt. In this sand instructional activity, 1st graders work in groups to discuss their observations about sand and...
Curated OER
How Does Climate Influence Civilization
Pupils demonstrate their knowledge of the Earth's systems. In this climate lesson plan students identify the climate of a chosen area and the effects it has on the lifestyles of those living there.
Curated OER
Tracking Temperature
Students explore how to read a thermometer and what the instrument does. They practice measuring hot and cold objects and discuss changes in the weather based on temperature.
National Wildlife Federation
What is DBH?
When measuring the circumference of a tree, does it matter how high you place the measuring tape? Most scholars have never considered this question, but scientists know that measurement techniques must be standardized. The 13th lesson in...
Curated OER
Erosion: Slip Sliding Away
Fourth graders investigate the causes of erosion. Through several demonstrations including one using sugar cubes and warm water, they observe the effects of erosion. In groups, 4th graders conduct similar experiments and record their...
Curated OER
Seasons
Students explore the four seasons. Through observation activities, they explore and discuss the weather changes that occur during each season. Students create a graph of the clothing that is worn during each season.
Curated OER
Climate Types
In this weather worksheet, middle schoolers describe the rainfall distribution found in two different areas of the world. Then they compare the various types of climates found around the world using the graphs shown on the sheet.
Curated OER
Looking at the Water Cycle
In this Looking at the Water Cycle worksheet, read an explanation of the water cycle and fill in missing words. Students also create a poster about the water cycle, deliver a weather forecast, and research further questions.