Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Is the Hudson River Too Salty to Drink?

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore reasons for varied salinity in bodies of water. In this geographical inquiry lesson plan, students use a variety of visual and written information including maps, data tables, and graphs, to form a hypothesis as to why...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The 50 States and its Holidays

For Teachers Pre-K - Higher Ed
Though the format of this ELL lesson is confusing (the standards listed are for plate tectonics, yet the objectives are for American geography and holidays), a teacher could glean some ideas from the main idea. Here, pupils complete a...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Coral Reefs

For Teachers 4th
Study explore coral reefs. In this coral reef lesson, 4th graders examine the physical structure of coral reefs. Students consider why coral reefs need to be protected and ways to protect them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reading the World, Then and Now

For Teachers K - 2nd
Learners distinguish geographic features using Ptolemy's map of the world.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Water Cycle

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students are introduced to the components and importance of the water cycle. They are shown how groundwater moves using a model. Students list 9 places on earth where water is found. They define the terms cycle and water cycle.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Of Maps and Worldviews

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore Ptolemy's world map as an expression of the Renaissance view of the world.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring National Marine Sanctuaries

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers conduct Internet research of the living organisms in national marine sanctuaries, and the resources protected in the sanctuaries. Students gather information about each of the sanctuaries and make an oral presentation...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map Keys

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine maps and map keys. In this locating map features lesson, 3rd graders use crayons, markers and colored pencils to label maps. Students work in partners to read map keys and locate given places and things.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate Patterns across the United States

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars articulate differences between climate and weather using examples in a written statement. Using climate data from across the country, they describe climate patterns for various parts of the United States on a map. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Got Water?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners determine that delivering clean, fresh water to citizens around the world involves and affects politics, economics, international relations, and technology. They brainstorm a list of factors that might affect their town's...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to the United States Map

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore the United States using a map. In this map instructional activity, students discover how to use a United States map and a globe to locate places.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pond Ecosystem Field Trip

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Young scholars investigate the environment by participating in a class trip. In this pond ecosystem lesson plan, students define a list of vocabulary terms associated with ponds such as invertebrate and metamorphosis. Young scholars...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Observing Sea Ice

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students study and observe types of sea ice found in Alaska. In this sea ice lesson, students use the student network for observing weather to study the different types of sea ice. Students study sea ice depicted in Alaskan art.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ocean Creature Classification

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students develop their own system for classifying a group of objects or organisms using observed similarities and differences. They investigate the process of scientific classification, and explain how marine organisms are classified by...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

TE Activity: Stream Consciousness

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study how environmental engineers monitor water quality. They use environmental indicators to determine the quality of stream water in their area. They count the number of macroinverabrates and use the information they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Special Planet Earth

For Teachers K
Students explore what is special about our planet. They explore the various climates that are found on the planet Earth. Students create an advertisement to convince people why their favorite environment would be the best place to visit.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Resources

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders, after brainstorming why conservation of resources is important, distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources. They make a list of different types of natural resources on the board and then sort them into two...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Intertidal Zone

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students research the diverse animal and plant life that inhabit the intertidal zones along the Pacific rocky coast. As students progress through this lesson plan, they begin to recognize distinct behaviors, adaptations, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate Systems - Which Location Is Best For Me?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the difference between weather and climate.  In this climate systems lesson plan students search the Internet for the parts of the Earth's system, gather climate data and complete a challenge scenario. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Acid and Rain and Its Effects

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars work in groups for up to three weeks to investigate the possibility of acid rain in your area and to investigate the damage that acid rain can do to buildings, monuments, and plants. Each group prepares a report to local...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Landforms

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders discuss the different types of landforms throughout the world. They pick one and research and present it to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Diary of a Worm Secret Agents

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore the geography of Washington D.C. and President Bush's hometown of Crawford, Texas. They read the book, Diary of a Worm, determine the best route to go to Texas from Washington D.C., and throw a birthday party for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Get to Know Your City

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders research the history of their home city and how it's development was influenced by different groups of people. They present their research information to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biomes -- Part 1

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students use the internet to locate and gather information on the world's biomes. They compare and contrast biomes to ecosystems and describe the human effects on ecosystems. They answer questions to end the activity.