Curated OER
Weathering and Erosion: Some Ways the Hydrosphere Affects the Geosphere
Learners explain the causes of erosion, describe the effects of erosion, and devise a method of preventing erosion. They model the before-and-after-effects of erosion.
Curated OER
The Water Cycle
Your class sets up a mini water cycle model to examine the process. Then they watch an animation, following a water molecule through the cycle. A well-developed lab sheet guides learners through the lesson and a PowerPoint presentation...
Curated OER
Earth System Science
Students explore the Earth and its ability to support life. They discuss the geosphere and the water cycle and complete the Water Wonders activity. After completing the activity, they respond in their journals and reflect upon the...
Curated OER
Turning the Air Upside Down
Students analyze how engineers study temperature inversions and convection currents to understand why pollution levels may be higher in some areas than others. They participate in an experiment that allows them to build simple models to...
Curated OER
Soil Structure
Sixth graders examine how different soils are made up of varying proportions of clay, silt, and sand. They compare soil samples, conduct Internet research, and create a model to demonstrate the relative sizes of grains of clay, sand, and...
Curated OER
Soil Erosion Demonstrations
Students conduct experiments demonstrating soil erosion and the benefits of conservation practices. Working in groups, they use topsoil and sand in shallow boxes as models to examine the effects of water on soil and sand with and without...
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Plate Tectonics Boundaries
Students discover how to create a model of tectonic plates and study the interactions of these plates as they slowly move on the asthenosphere. They see and experience what happens at each type of plate boundary and why there are certain...
Curated OER
How Does Your Soil Stack Up?
Students examine the soil in their local area and create a soil profile. They record observations in the field and the classroom. They create their own display of the soil profile as well.
Curated OER
The Layered Earth
Students role play plate tectonics by creating a "plate statue" made up of students. In this earth science lesson, students describe how Earth's movement cause earthquakes and volcanoes. They draw and name the different layers of the Earth.
Curated OER
Soil Survey Lesson
High schoolers use materials to research the soil in their local area. They complete worksheets with the information they gather and locate the areas on a soil survey map. They share their information with the class.
Curated OER
Yellowstone Fires
Students assume the role of environmental biologists and help several government agencies resolve the debate surrounding "let it burn" policies in national parks.