Students use stream trays covered in different types of rocks or soil to investigate infiltrates and runoff. In this water pollution instructional activity, students work in groups with stream trays that have different substrates. They...

Students consider the impacts of global warming and brainstorm ways to help decrease their contribution to the problem.  In this climate change lesson, students are exposed to facts concerning global warming and think of ways to...

Pupils learn about the largest natural and human sources of air pollution to become aware of these components in their surrounding environment. In this environmental lesson, students read and describe natural sources of air pollution....

Students explore the concept of biomimicry. In this cooperative design lesson, students consider how cooperation is connected to nature and then collaborate to create their own cooperative designs for the future.

Students discover topics in environmental science. In this science lesson plan, students build a model to simulate the greenhouse effect and analyze and interpret data, especially the results of introducing pollutants into nature.

Students explore the environment by building a mock ecosystem. In this rainforest analysis lesson, students define many environmental and rainforest related vocabulary terms and discuss the current status of our planet's rainforests....

Students study animal behavior and how it changes to its environment.  In this animal lesson students design and conduct experiments.

Students discover how to summarize content knowledge from varied resources in creating a presentation. They learn about the relationships between human beings and their environment as they reflect upon the challenges of big-wave surfing.

Students watch an episode of "Nature" about the "Big Red Roos." They create food chains and webs based on the information they've researched on the red kangaroos. They write an editorial on the topic of the killing of kangaroos in the...

In this close reading worksheet, students read a report about large fires in the western United States. Students then answer several questions to determine their comprehension of the text.

Studenst work together to discover the concept of biodegradability. They build a model of a landfill and how different items decompose. They examine how engineers use this information for better waste management.

Learners brainstorm the ways that water flows when it falls to the ground. After discussing three things water can do, they investigate and predict water movement outdoors on school grounds. They experiment ways to alter the water flow...

Students examine the relationship between humans and grizzly bears. In this biology lesson, students research about the bear's habits and living environment. They write a letter to the US Fish and Wildlife Service petitioning them to...

Young scholars study wolves and their habitat in Yellowstone.  In this environment and behavior lesson students create an interactive map of wolves in Yellowstone.

Students, working in groups, create "artificial seeds" for a wind dispersal experiment. After trial runs, they redesign their seeds, and re-test them under the same conditions. Finally, they interpret, compare, and evaluate the original...

Young citizens construct an understanding of urban planning in this cross-curricular unit. Covering every aspect of city development from the political, economic, and social influences to sustainable building practices, this...

Water is essential for life—and understanding the importance of clean drinking water is essential in understanding sustainability! Show your environmental science class the basics of water testing and treatment through a week-long...

Encourage your class to solve local environmental issues. Groups brainstorm environmental issues that are affecting the community, choose one they want to solve, and design a product or service to solve their chosen issue. They then...

A series of independent learning activities teaches learners about global warming as it relates to economics and industrialization. The culminating project requires them to create a multimedia presentation identifying the problems,...

Interpreting text is vital. Middle schoolers read a 1 page passage describing why Europe was so interested in colonizing India. After reading, they answer 8 comprehension questions. 

Which holds more influence, the environment over humans or humans over the environment? Young scientists explore an online interactive that addresses this discussion. They observe changes in the natural world over time and see which...

Students use a simple method to collect living microorganisms from natural and/or artificial environments and develop skills in microscopy, observation, drawing, speculation, hypothesizing, oral presentation, and raising questions.

This is a great way to build community in your school, experience process-based art, and explore the critical-thinking process. While quilting as a class collectively (just like a quilting bee) pupils listen to poetry and prose of a...

Students explore their environment through a scavenger hunt. For this outdoor exlporation lesson, students use hunt cards and search for animal food, natural shapes, or both. Students share their finds. Students create ink prints or...