Curated OER
Environmental Issues in the Polar Regions
Students list environmental problems they are familiar with and check the ones they think affect the polar regions, and they research and answer questions about environmental issues affecting the polar regions. Students discuss their...
Curated OER
Failing Ecosystems: Haiti and the Caribbean
Ninth graders study the impact that climate has on the land. They discuss how deforestation leads to erosion and soil damage and how trees and vegetation help to stabilize the land. They draw a large map of the Caribbean and show Haiti...
Curated OER
Water, Water Everywhere: The Johnstown Flood
Students analyze the events that lead up to the failure of the South Fork Dam and the impact the flood had on the region. In this historical lesson students develop presentations on the Johnstown Flood.
Curated OER
The Great Kapok Tree - Economic Impact of Deforestation
Students read "The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynne Cherry. They, in groups, research the economic impacts of deforestation in areas with rain forest and identify resources that humans use from the rain forest.
Curated OER
Mock Environmental Summit
Students increase understanding of human impact on Earth's sytems and the climate. They develop persuasive and critical skills as writers and presenters. They become familiar with political decision making processes.
Curated OER
Welcome to the Rain Forest
Fourth graders become aware of the worlds rain forest and study the plants of the rain forest and the adaptations they have made to survive in the environment.
Curated OER
The Great Kapok Tree
Pupils read The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry. After reading the story, they center on the controversy of destroying the rain forest or conserving it. Students have to make an informed decision about rain forest destruction.
Curated OER
The New Segregation
Students use census data to analyze the racial and economic diversity of their community. They discuss the role of diversity within communities and the impact that land use decisions can have on the composition of a community.
Curated OER
Ceramics and Patterns with Islamic Roots and the Effect on Christian Europe
Students examine a variety of ceramic pieces and trace their route through China into Europe. As a class, they discuss how ideas and patterns were carried along with the art itself. To end the lesson, they write a report on the...
Curated OER
Wildlife Conservation III
Discuss the importance of wildlife conservation. Learners talk about the animals and plants on the US Fish and Wildlife Services list of endangered and threatened species. Then, they engage in a detailed discussion of the reasons these...
Curated OER
Examining the Effects of Pollution on Ecosystems
Students examine the different types of tests used to measure the environmental effects of hazardous waste. They work together to determine the impact of pollution on different ecosystems. They read a case study and answer questions to...
Curated OER
The Gift of the Nile: Egypt and its River
Students begin with a piece of a puzzle that shows an artifact from ancient Egypt. They find others who have pieces that go with their puzzle piece. Students work in these groups to construct a relief map of the Nile River Valley.
Curated OER
Burning Up! A Look at Global Warming
Students investigate global warming. In this global warming lesson, students watch movies about global warming, discuss problems in their local community and see how communities have changed over time. Students realize the importance of...
Curated OER
Cooking with the Sun!
Students access prior knowledge of solar energy and understand that solar energy produces heat. In this solar cooker instructional activity, students complete grade appropriate experiments using the heat of the sun. Students complete a...
Curated OER
And the Rains Came Down: A South American Rainforest
Students examine the characteristics of a South American tropical rainforest. They analyze maps, develop graphs, listen to the book, The Great Kapok Tree, and create a rainforest mural.
Curated OER
Fast Food: You Can Choose!
Students research the nutritional value of fast food. They assess which fast foods are best and worst to eat. They organize their data into tables and graphs and explain their findings to other students.
Curated OER
Be Considerate of Others
Students explore the environment by participating in an outdoors activity. In this nature appreciation lesson, students discuss how to minimize their human imprint when experiencing nature. Students conduct a nature walk and plan out an...
Curated OER
An Exploration of Cradle-to-Cradle Design Thinking
Introduce cradle-to-cradle design thinking. Scholars first discuss the importance of natural laws and rights. They then use a variety of online and print resources to research eco-efficiency and cradle-to-cradle design.
Curated OER
Nitrogen Cycle-Stream Side Science
A thorough background and nitrate sampling lab sheet are provided to share with your young scientists. After discussing the nitrogen cycle with the class, you will break them into small groups and show them how to use their inquiry...
Curated OER
Microbes
Sometimes the tiniest things can affect our daily lives. Learn all about the wonders of microbes. This excellent resource provides information on the types of microbes found in our environment, what they look like, and how they impact us...
Rural Science Education Program
Bees and Flowers – Partners in Pollination
Why are bees so important? After several activities where kids investigate the form and function of flowers, they learn about the different types of bees and label them. They then examine pollen under a microscope and decide which bees...
Curated OER
The Changing Face Of America
Students explain historical and contemporary patterns of immigration to the United States. They observe immigrant markers in the cultural landscape and identify trends in population change in the local state and community.
Curated OER
Keep It Clean!
Fifth graders investigate the how water becomes polluted and how it effects the environment, animals, and humans. They watch a video and conduct experiments.
Curated OER
What If We Run Out?
Pupils explore the consequences of shrinking habitats and the human impact on wildlife populations. They participate in a game to study the consequences and describe the preservation of animal habitats.