Fourth graders graph the percentages of the materials that make up the Earth and complete computations based on their results.  For this topsoil lesson, 4th graders diagram the different layers of Earth's composition.

Students research about the chemical processes involved in cave formation. In this chemistry activity, students draw or find a cave picture with stalagmites and stalactites online. They write a brief caption and share them with the class.

Learners sample goodies from an unseen ocean floor and try to accurately describe their composition. This simulation helps students explain the limitations of sampling and the problem of obtaining representative samples of sea floor...

Fourth graders investigate how glaciers cause the weathering of landforms. They observe a brick that has been placed on a frozen slab of ice, and discuss the results, comparing them to the movements of a glacier. In small groups, they...

Fourth graders explore insect life by viewing a soil presentation in class. In this composting lesson plan, 4th graders read assigned text about the process of composting soil and the necessity of soil in plant life. Students view video...

Fourth graders examine the effects of waves as they erode coastal land. They discover how the power of water can change the appearance of land formations.

Students work in small groups to sort through photos of an ecosystem following a major disturbance. They place these photos in chronological order to show the process of succession. They then do an experiment with yeast to show the...

Fourth graders explore plant life by completing an Internet activity. In this botany lesson, 4th graders identify the types of plants that grow locally and the different soils they utilize to survive. Students read assigned text about...

Students look at the findings of a Hopi Indian dig site in order to reconstruct the sequence of events that occurred in the past. They examine the stratigraphy while making multiple hypothesis about the artifacts and their locations at...

Fourth graders observe the effects of water on the soil and record those effect by drawing sketches of water erosion and conservation practices.

This slide show progresses through a comprehensive review of the grounding principles of earth science. Get down and dirty with the details of fossil fuels! Help your geologists to have a rock solid understanding of the rock cycle. The...

Learners select one of the ideas for a science project reflecting their knowledge about coal. They then choose a catchy title to spark interest that describes their project. They use the scientific method to explain the process.

Middle schoolers examine the way that many place names in Arkansas came to be. By looking at Arkansas highway maps, they find names that come from the characteristics of each of the state's six geographical divisions. This interesting...

Students investigate the concept of caves by conducting an experiment. The lesson contains background information for the teacher. They collect data while making observations and write a review of the concept once the experiment is...

Students compare and contrast abiotic and biotic factors. They discuss how these factors effect ecosystems. They answer questions to complete the lesson.

Fifth graders brainstorm a list of ways the Earth's surface can change. As a class, they are introduced to the concepts of erosion and weathering and discover how wind and water cause changes to the surface of the Earth. To end the...

Fifth graders research physical and cultural features of a place. They practice skills in gathering information from various sources, using tools such as graphic organizers, word processing, multimedia, and use of the Internet.

There is so much to learn about the different cycles, processes, and parts of the biosphere. Using a pretest as a formative assessment to see what your budding ecologists already know is a great way to figure out which important areas...

Fourth graders watch a video that describes the climate and vegetation zones of Hawaii. They describe the different physical conditions that create vegetation zones from the sea to the mountains. In groups, they create an illustrated...

Have you been wondering how to use that natural trail at or near your school? This activity gets kids outside with a purpose: learn about ecological succession through field observations and collecting seed and soil samples. The resource...

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...

Learners understand the dynamics of acid rain and its impact on the living and non-living environment. They hypothesize how acid rain affects water pH levels in two lake systems with differing watershed features.

In this rock cycle worksheet, students are given 6 terms and 6 definitions related to rock formation and the rock cycle. Students match the terms with their definitions and paste the definition next to the term.

Students investigate how worms affect plant growth.  In this biology lesson, students construct a worm ecosystem in a plastic 2 liter bottle and plant a seed in the soil.  They later compare the ecosystems with worms to ones...