PBS
Cloud Clues
It's cloudy with a good chance of learning! An inquiry-based lesson begins with an exploration of transparent, translucent, and opaque materials. Young scientists then connect their learning to the different cloud types as they take the...
Colorado State University
What Is a "Convection Cell"?
Round and round in circles it goes! A hands-on activity has learners recreate a model of a convection cell. They watch as the difference in density of their materials creates a current.
Curated OER
Dreamcatchers
After reading a Native American legend about dreamcatchers, why not make some. This resource provides several good links that explain the legend of the dreamcatcher and step-by-step instructions for making them with the class. Tip: If...
Science Geek
The Hydrogen Bomb
Recycled Russian nuclear weapons provide 10 percent of the nuclear energy that the United States uses. The short presentation discusses the Teller-Ulam device. It provides a diagram of the parts as well as a description of the four...
American Museum of Natural History
Make a Home for Microbes
Make a Winogradsky Column to discover how microbes live within the digestive tract. First, participants take a tour of the stomach. Then, gather supplies and start building using a variety of materials. Over eight to 10 weeks,...
Curated OER
Waste Management
Students set up a recycling program in their school. They first estimate the kinds and amount of trash generated and brainstorm ways to reuse the recyclables and create flyers explaining how their program will work at the school.
Curated OER
Household Hazardous Waste Identification
Fourth graders learn about reduce, reuse, and recycle and identify household hazardous products. Students learn about less hazardous alternatives and complete an inventory of hazardous materials in a typical household.
Curated OER
When Electronics Are No Longer Useful to Us: Disposing Responsibly
Students discover ways to recycle electronics. Through discussion and research, they identify ways in which electronics that are improperly disposed can be harmful to the environment. Students explore how to responsibly dispose of...
Curated OER
Save the Earth: It's Everyone's Home
Pupils explore how recycling helps save trees and protect the environment. For this environmental concern lesson, students color a handout of animals that live in forests. Pupils discuss how recycling paper can save trees and set up...
Curated OER
All I Want for Christmas is a Nice, Clean Earth
Pupils observe properties of items, determine time it takes for organic/inorganic items to decompose, identify differences/similarities between decomposition, identify practical uses in litter/garbage control, & establish reasons for...
Curated OER
Upcycled Garment or Art Work
High schoolers explain the importance of recycling waste products. In this art lesson, students research different upcycled fashion designs and accessories. They design their own product and present it in class.
Curated OER
Protect for Safekeeping
Students observe the North Dakota quarter reverse and discuss its imagery and meaning. They define "endangered species" and "conservation." They read books about recycling and conservation. They complete a worksheet about recycling and...
Curated OER
ESOL Environment and the World
Students examine a recyling bin and the many different items that can be recycled. They practice loading the recyclie bin and using the correct vocabulary to explain each item.
Curated OER
Com-Post With Us?
Young scholars discuss the importance of reducing, recycling and reusing materials to help the environment. As a class, they create a worm bin and observe how it turns material in to compost. They use the internet to research the...
Curated OER
Recyclign Quest
Young scholars integrate the concept of recycling in to an aerobic activity. After being divided into two classes of students; recyclers and litterers, young scholars participate in activities related to their designation. Students...
Curated OER
The Flat Stanley Project
Students read the book Flat Stanley. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students participate in earth-friendly activities based upon the book. This lesson includes ideas such as using recycled paper to make a "paper pal."
Curated OER
MY REDUCE/REUSE STORY
Students go through old magazines and select pictures of things which ultimately become a waste product. They paste these pictures into a small "recycling" book. They dictate a story about reuse and/or recycling of these materials.
Curated OER
Garbage: Why Don't You Do Something With This Stuff? (Grades 7-8)
Students outline and discuss the steps necessary to tackle an environmental problem. They understand the process of recycling paper and discuss the importance of recycling efforts in fighting environmental problem.
Curated OER
3 Holiday Projects
Young scholars explore the concept of reusing and recycling everyday materials and make holiday-oriented decorations and gift wrapping. Letters containing environmental issues are composed and sent to political and corporate...
Curated OER
Invention
Students discuss the importance of recycling to the environment. They classify different objects and put them into the correct recycling bin. They create their own invention out of recycled materials.
Curated OER
3-D Posters
Young scholars work in small groups to create 3-D posters to discourage throwing trash away and encourage recycling.
Curated OER
MAKING PAPER FROM PAPER
Students tear paper into very small pieces and follow a formula to make recycled paper. They follow up with a discussion about the quality of their paper and its benefits.
Curated OER
Christmas Potpourri Hangers
Students create a potpourri hanger. In this Christmas craft instructional activity, students reuse materials to make a Christmas potpourri hangar for the tree or for a gift.