Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plankton / Phytoplankton

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss the importance of plankton in the ocean ecosystem. For this biology lesson, students identify the different types plankton by observing them under the microscope. They explain how plankton population affect global climate.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great MPA Debate

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students study the 'Marine Protected Areas' process.  In this ocean lesson students work in groups, conduct research and present it to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hawaiian Hot Spots

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discuss how plate tectonics and volcanic activity have affected Hawaii. In this Hawaiian lesson, students look at maps and photographs of Hawaiian Islands and discuss their formation through multiple volcanic eruptions. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Places in My World

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore where they are located on the globe. In this maps and globes lesson, 2nd graders use a map to show where they live and  show the cardinal directions. Students identify characteristics of mountains, flat land,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mapping West Virginia

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore West Virginia. In this Unites States geography lesson, 4th graders discuss the type of land and the cities in West Virginia. Students create two overlays, with transparencies, that show the natural land and the...
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Finding Treasure Island; An Exciting Escape

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students read Treasure Island. They have a choice of a number of activities associated with the novel, including writing a review of the book. Students also participate in a National Geographic High Seas Adventure, going on an Internet...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Improvisational Setting - "Where are You?"

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore setting through improvisations.  For this theatre lesson, 2nd graders perform a variety of improvisations in different settings and chart how they established the setting in the different environments. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Saved by a Shark

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore the marine ecosystem and the importance of sharks. In this shark lesson, students look at photos of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and discuss the animals that live there. They discuss which animals...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Sun as the Driving Force of the Water Cycle

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students study the water cycle and how the sun is an important factor.  In this water cycle lesson students investigate how to desalinate water and explore the different densities of fresh versus saltwater.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Activity 2: How Do You Get Your Energy?

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Learners receive informational handouts about photosynthesis, chemosynthesis and tubeworms (included with the lesson). Using the "Bacteriology Experiment Plan" handout, students compare the amount of bacteria found in two locations. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How to Use Technology to Teach Landforms

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students create a landform table on the computer. In this geography instructional activity, students use Microsoft Word to design a 3 column table. They list different landforms, examples, and attach a picture of each.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring National Marine Sanctuaries

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Learners research marine ecosystems by creating class presentations.  In this oceanography instructional activity, students research the different locations of marine sanctuaries by identifying them on a transparency map in class....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Fact of Global Warming

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students investigate the harmful impact of global warming by reading news articles.  In this environmental care lesson, students analyze an article about the Kyoto Protocol and its goal of saving our environment.  Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Coloring Fabrics With Dyes from Plant Materials K-12 Experiments & Background Information

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate the effects of acid and bases on dyes made with plant materials.  For this chromatography lesson students predict color outcomes and complete a lab activity on color combinations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Yeast

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the characteristics of yeasts. In this biology lesson, students conduct experiments to measure yeast respiration. They discuss the favorable conditions needed for growing them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students conduct a series of investigations on the unique properties of water. In this general science lesson plan, students explain what causes water's surface tension. They explain the different stages in the water cycle.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Works Wonders

For Teachers K - 1st
Students examine where water is found in the world, how we use it, and the various forms it takes. They observe the refraction of light through a prism, record the day and night sky over a week's time, and create a topographic model of...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Do the Research!

For Students 3rd - 4th
In this research worksheet, students practice researching a topic. Students are given three questions about oceans and they are to find the answers through research.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Predators Among Us

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study environmental science. In this ecosystems lesson, students discover how humans have an impact on life in the coral reef. They watch video clips and work on small group activities. This lesson includes links to the videos...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hawaiian Hot Spots

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students describe how plate tectonics contribute to the development of volcanoes. In this earth science lesson, students examine the map of Hawaii and explore the physical and biological environment there. They write a story about an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Lives in the Sea? A class book (Elementary, Science)

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students, assigned an alphabet letter, do research on a sea animal whose name begins with that assigned alphabet. All of the assignments then be turned into a class book.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth Science

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore how water and waves erode the earth. In this erosion lesson students determine the processes of wave erosion and building.
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

Earth System Science: Hydrosphere

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students identify the major Earth systems, and describe at least ten major uses of water on planet earth. They research major sources of earth's water, and describe general aspects of the hydrosphere.