Curated OER
Case of the Missing Pumpkin
Fourth graders explore holidays by participating in a pumpkin activity. In this vegetation lesson, 4th graders discuss the different uses for pumpkins, not just Halloween decorations. Students identify the nutrients pumpkins need to...
Curated OER
Designing a Germination Experiment - Part 1
Students experiment with seeds and germination. For this natural science lesson, students discuss the stages of germination. Students engage in a 4 part hands on science activity to view the process of germination.
Curated OER
Carnivorous Plants
Students examine how carnivorous plants get their nutrients from animals. In this food web lesson students examine how the plants attract their prey and are given many onilne sources to research.
Curated OER
Dirt Life
Students select and collect soil samples from a variety of locations (schoolyard, home, etc.). They do this lab after an interest-generating discussion about "dirt" and microbes. Students make a dilution in sterile water, plate it on a...
Curated OER
DON'T TREAD ON ME
Students explore how the habits and practices of people affect the soil and growth of plants. They are introduced to the phrase "soil compaction." Students play the Soil Particle Game in the related activities section. They go outside...
Curated OER
Powerful Potato
Students are introduced to the growth process of a potato. As a class, they place a potato on a plate and observe how long it takes for the eyes to appear. In groups, they follow a recipe to make potato soup that is shared with the...
Curated OER
Eat Your Flowers
Learners grow flowers in different soil mediums to determine the effect on flavor. In this investigative lesson students study flowers, plant them and taste them to see how they differ in different potting soils.
Curated OER
An Investigation into Effects of Rhizobium Soil Bacteria on Nitrogen Availability
Students identify the control and the variables in the experiment. They describe the growth of plants with and without nitrogen fixing bacteria, then name the bacterium responsible for making nitrogen available to the plant.
Curated OER
What's Happening Below The Surface?
Students determine the soil composition of soil layers in their area. They collect soil samples, calculate the percentage soil water content, analyze data, and evaluate each site for future tree growth.
Curated OER
Can Fun Gus Help Plants/Trees Grow?
Students participate in an experiment in which they test the growth of different types of plants. They discover how growth rates vary using inoculum. They draw pictures and are read books about plants to end the lesson.
Curated OER
Learning From Leaves: Adaptation Scavenger Hunt
Students participate in an adaptation scavenger hunt at. They obtain various plant specimens, and sort the plants based on whether they came from a desert, tropical rainforest, or wetlands.
National Park Service
Reduce Our Carbon Footprint, Let’s Compost!
Roll up your sleeves and get a little dirty with this elementary and middle school compost lesson plan. All you need is a large plastic container, a couple old newspapers, some organic waste, and a few hundred worms and you're ready...
Curated OER
Our Playground!
First graders observe and explore the playground's environment by walking around the playground, followed by a group discussion of what they observed. They then divide into groups and participate in centers, their brought back together...
Curated OER
Soybeans: The Miracle Seed
Learners discover why soybeans are called the "miracle seeds." They make their own soynuts and share other foods made from soybeans. They create a bulletin board of soybean products.
Curated OER
Week 3: Pollution Source and Effects
Lab groups set up an experiment to observe what happens over time in collected pond water when fertilizer, representing pollution, is added. This website does not include student lab sheets, but background information, materials, and...
Curated OER
U.S. History: Antebellum Heroes and Villains
Eighth graders research and write reports on key figures of the Antebellum Period. The projects also include pictures, bibliographies, and timelines about their assigned figure. In addition, 8th graders present oral reports to classmates.
Curated OER
Dating a Volcanic Eruption
Students discover the various ways in which tree rings can give information. After a brief disucssion of concentric tree rings, they use cross section cut outs of tree rings to identify the time and type of various naturally occuring...
Curated OER
CONNECTIONS
Students study the interdependence of an ecosystem that allows it to sustain itself. They examine the Western lowland gorillas for an example.
Curated OER
Now You See It, Now You Don't
Students explore organic and inorganic objects. In this environmental lesson students perform a composting experiment using flowers in different soils. Students record their observations.
Curated OER
What is an Earthworm Like?
Second graders study earthworms. In this science instructional activity, 2nd graders observe an earthworm using a magnifying lens, draw pictures of the earthworm, and record their observations.
Curated OER
Worm Compost & Vermicomposting
Students explore vermicomposting, the species of worms needed and the proper climate for it. In this composting instructional activity students make their own worm compost bin.
Curated OER
Soil in My Food Web
Fourth graders understand the importance of soil to the food web. In this food web lesson plan, 4th graders create various food webs beginning with soil using yarn and name cards. Students write about the importance of soil to one...
Consortium for Ocean Science Exploration and Engagement (COSEE)
Carbon Dioxide & Krill: Impacts
What effects do temperature and carbon dioxide levels have on the zooplankton of Antarctica? This concluding lesson plan in a short unit on climate change and the ocean helps environmental scientists answer these questions. After...