Learners explore how natural earth materials are processed into a human-made product. They simulate a manufacturing process by making paper. Students review the importance of recycling in preserving our natural earth resources.

Second graders discuss the term "endangered". They identify the reasons some animals are in danger of being wiped out. They discover ways humans can help the species survive.

Students examine how coastal erosion effects seaside communities. They investigate how people have to make choices when manipulate the physical environment such as when dredging and constructing seawalls in coastal areas. They complete a...

Students participate in a jungle run in which they must group with the same people who hold the same cards with pictures of a tree, mushroom, deer or insect. In these groups, they read the definitions of sustainable development. Using...

Fourth graders investigate the concept of fire and how it was used by the Native Americans. The lesson has sufficient background information for the teacher to establish historical context. Students summarize the nine uses for fire to...

Sixth graders compare the relative sizes of the five Great Lakes and their human populations. They describe some of the problems that arise when many people depend on a limited resoure. Students discuss how the Great Lakes and the...

Learners are introduced to the concept of architecture and how it has changed over time. In groups, they discuss how the places people have built reflects their values and needs. They use the internet to research the history of...

Third graders discuss the weather and how it changes during the different seasons. They listen to a read aloud of Judy Barrett's, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. They write and illustrate a news article about the weather that is found...

Eighth graders examine how humans affect various ecosystems. In this ecology lesson plan, 8th graders discuss different ways that contaminants enter the stream. They explain the consequences of eutrophication in lakes.

Fourth graders explore the concepts of conservation using a reading story that describes a flock of geese. The ecosystems are also described in the lesson and the effects of pollution.

Using a variety of online resources, learners study life and society in California during the gold rush. They use a map to identify area where gold was located, explore pre-selected websites, describe mining practices, and create an...

Students recognize the importance of saving energy to save natural resources. In this saving energy lesson plan, students complete a worksheet to find types of electricity meters in their homes. Students use meter readings to calculate...

Eighth graders identify the factors that contribute to global warming. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders evaluate the impact of global warming on the planet. They discuss their views within the group.

First graders consider the problem of too much garbage in America. In this garbage use instructional activity, 1st graders discuss ways to decrease garbage in the United States and complete a coloring sheet. 

Learners read articles about wetland ecosystem conservation in Florida and other countries. They summarize information found in the articles. Students reflect on the information in the articles and write their feelings.

Students recognize the correlation between the trash they dispose of around their school and the environmental hazards that face wildlife, specifically the Laysan albatross. They determine three ways that they can help the albatross chicks.

Students examine the impact of reducing the carbon dioxide emissions. They identify ways alternative fuels can lessen the effect of emissions on communities. Working in teams they conduct research from various community and Internet...

Middle schoolers create advertising with the intent of protecting wildlife. In this service learning instructional activity, students craft advertisements and write persuasive essays regarding the protection of wildlife.

Eighth graders write a short report in first person about any plant or animal found on a list of Illinois species. They become the character of the plant or animal and give a short report describing the plant or animal.

Learners discover that material and energy uses by a city come from outside the city boundaries. They realize that the pathway of these material is linear instead of cyclical as they are in natural ecosystems.

Young scholars investigate the importance of food surpluses to the historical development of urban ecosystems.

Interesting! Have your high schoolers watch this 13-minute clip from the documentay, "Are We Scaring Ourselves to Death?" It examines the fear we have as a culture about death and whether or not the media increases those fears. The focus...

Students identify the various forms of fresh water on the earth. They observe a demonstration aand read articles that show them the importance of water conservation. They write a journal about their opinion regarding paying for water.

Students pretend they have just entered a national park. They imagine that the park borders are all impassable mountains, and students will play the role of grizzly bears. Students list three things every animal needs to survive, in this...