Students discuss forest management dilemmas and make uninformed decisions as to whether they are appropriate management techniques. They draw bar graphs of the class opinion for each dilemma. They use media sources to become more...

Students study the relationship between the average global temperature and carbon dioxide emissions.  In this weather lesson students develop a test scenario using a model then read and interpret graphs of data. 

Students examine the use, costs, and the need for plant gene banks. The rationale for gaining ownership over scientific information and the implications of the developing nations' reliance on biotechnology is explored in this lesson.

Students explore the concept of a quadrat study. Students select and investigate a site and conduct a quadrat survey. They take measurements, observe the area and analyze their findings.

Students analyze the energy consumption of a household to see the amount of carbon dioxide they add to the atmosphere each year.  In this energy consumption lesson students calculate carbon emissions and discuss sources of carbon...

Fifth graders compare biodiversity in their neighborhood and in the rainforest. In this biodiversity lesson, 5th graders read stories and gather information about the diversity of life found in their area and in the rainforest. As a...

High schoolers use roll playing to discuss the merits of tearing down these dams so that the Elwha River can run free. The activity is presented in the form of a council meeting to encourage students to try to build consensus in finding...

Young scholars pretend to be shark biologists employed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who have been flown into the coastal city of Sao Luis in Brazil because locals have noticed an unidentified shark at...

Young scholars use a meter to measure the energy used and carbon produced by electronics and appliances. In this environmental science and technology lesson, students use a Kill-A-Watt meter to determine the electricity used by everyday...

Students develop an understanding of the rationale of ownership over scientific information. They research commercial applications of DNA sequences. They analyze how to evaluate medical ethics issues.

Learners investigate the structure of atoms. Students read information about the Rutherford model, the Bohr model, and the Quantum Mechanical model examining each for its scientific validity. They watch a PowerPoint presentation of alpha...

Students identify the volcano as the primary source of atmospheric gases, to explain the formation of ozone, and to recognize the dangers of volcanic gases through the use of technology in the classroom.

Students examine how germs spread from one person or object to another. They discuss antibiotic resistant bacteris and examine the benefits of microorganisms. They explore methods of curbing antibiotic resistance.

Students read two different articles which present the scientific issue of asthma, the causes, and the rising rates in our society. Students read for facts and examine whether or not the scientists have a political point of view....

Students examine the process for testing GM foods. They research benefits and hazards of a selection of GM foods. They also create images of new labels and marketing for GM foods.

Students examine the ethics of biotechnology and genetically modifying various organisms. They complete various activities and labs on GMOs and then write a position paper regarding their individual opinions on the subject.

Young scholars investigate wind speed. In this wind instrument lesson, students build an anemometer to measure wind speed and discuss the importance of wind speed knowledge in various professions. 

Students study the effects of deforestation. In this environmental lesson, students view a PowerPoint slideshow about the importance of trees. Students read The Lorax and discuss what the characters represent in our society.

Students study the gas exchanges that occur during cellular respiration. They observe what happens as a result of a number of variables on the rate of respiration. They use microrespirometers to measure the oxygen consumption of...

Students examine the hydrologic impacts of drought. They look at drought from a variety of prespectives. Students first focus on the scientific definition of drought, including weather patterns, water cycles, water requirements by plants...

Students explore the concept of global warming. In this climate change lesson, students explore the provided links to PBS NOW sources and research the greenhouse effect and the effects of global warming. Students support their...

Students explore how climatic factors influence the growth of plants. They create an experiment to find how variations in water, light, and temperature affect plant growth and describe how precipitation and geography can affect the...

Students work through conflict. In this conflict resolution lesson plan, students participate in a simulation that requires them to consider both sides of the whaling issue.

Students examine the electromagnetic spectrum and demonstrate the elements within.  In this investigative lesson plan students complete a demonstration and calculate the energy of a photon.