Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Origins: Earth Is Born

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students develop a timeline of all the major events involved in the formation of the Earth and the emergence of humans. In groups, they focus on a specific topic by watching a PBS program and taking notes. After the video, they list...
Lesson Plan
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Matter, Matter

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students define vocabulary related to the parts of the atom.  In this matter instructional activity, students navigate the web to find the structure and the forces that affect atoms.  Students complete an experiment with...
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Layers of the Earth

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders study the earth's surface.  In this planet structure lesson plan students view a PowerPoint presentation then draw and label the earths layers. 
Lesson Plan
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Life Underground

For Teachers 1st
First graders build a terrarium in order to observe animal and plant life dynamics. In this biology lesson, 1st graders compare how organisms survive in different environments. They write their observations and analysis in their journal.
Lesson Plan
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Man's Struggle for Environmental Preservation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the way all living things are connected to one another. In groups, they participate in experiments in which they analyze the chemical processes through the biosphere and explain the role of energy. They also brainstorm...
Lesson Plan
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Three R's to Environmental Stewardship: Earth Day

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners explore the ways to conserve our natural resources. In this recycling, reusing, and reducing lesson students read Dinosaurs to the Rescue and apply their findings to learning ways to conserve resources. Learners complete a...
Lesson Plan
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Water Conservation

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students explore types of water reserves. In this water conservation instructional activity, students brainstorm ways water are used in their homes. Students use a graduated cylinder to simulate the amount of water on Earth and the...
Lesson Plan
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Soil, Designer Soil: From Rainforests to the Prairie

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore the role and importance of soil in the ecosystem.  In this Science and Social Studies lesson, students complete an experiment using various kinds of soil and clay and then examine how soil has a direct impact on our...
Lesson Plan
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Magnetic Field

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore how compass and Gauss meter detect a magnetic field. In this physics lesson, students build their own Gauss meter and sensor based on given procedure. They cite real world applications of magnetism.
Lesson Plan
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Phase to Phase with the Moon

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study the Moon phases. The instructional activity includes hands-on activities as well as web-based activities. They use models of the Moon and a lamp to study each of the phases of the Moon, and test their knowlege of the...
Lesson Plan
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Attributes of Renewable Energy: From Nanopossibilities to Solar Power

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore solar energy, why we use it and how we use it.  In this renewable energy instructional activity students compare active and solar techniques.
Lesson Plan
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Carbon Dioxide

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners conduct a series of experiments to explore carbon dioxide properties. In this chemistry lesson plan, students explain the production and uses of this gas. They measure its amount in soda and waste product of yeast.
Lesson Plan
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The Life Cycle of a Star

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate the life cycle of a star and make conclusions based on evidence, research, and observation.  In this lesson on space and scientific investigation, students describe the relationships between science and...
Lesson Plan
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Scale Model of Our Nearest Stars

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders calculate a light day, light hour, and light minute from the standard of a light year. After establishing the distances, a one meter scale is created to demonstrate the distance between the sun and the planets of our solar...
Lesson Plan
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Earth Rotation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the rotation of the Earth as it occurs in the 24 hour cycle. They use models of planets and the globe to make observations of movements made. Students brainstorm prior knowledge and then participate in a demonstration of...
Lesson Plan
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Periodicity (The Periodic Table)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the properties of elements and periodicity. In this periodicity lesson plan, students observe a bag of 'elements' which are different fruits and classify them in groups and periods, show the periodic relationships...
Lesson Plan
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Ocean Pollution

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore ocean pollution.  In this ecology lesson, students view a video entitled This Pretty Planet and identify common biodegradable products. Students participate in activities designed to simulate the negative effects of...
Lesson Plan
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Making Moths

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study the Gregorian Calendar and its historical significance.In this calendar lesson plan students create a calendar design for an imaginary planet.
Lesson Plan
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Water Cycle Stories

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create water cycle stories. In this water cycle lesson, students review the parts of the water cycle. They create a story that describes the journey of a water molecule as it makes its way through the cycle and into different...
Lesson Plan
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The Sun Does What?

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine why the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. In this sun lesson plan, students explore the sunset and shadows. Students prove that the sun's position changes during the day. Students investigate what causes a...
Lesson Plan
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Start at the Very Beginning

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students explore ocean ecosystems. In this cross curriculum art and oceans lesson, students create a collage featuring three-finger algae using sand paper, tissue paper, and construction paper.
Lesson Plan
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Observing and Sketching the Lunar Surface

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students explore space science by conducting an illustration activity. In this lunar lesson, students discuss what the moon is and the role it plays for our environment on Earth. Students view images of the moon and utilize chalk to...
Lesson Plan
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Flight of the Future/Space Flight

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students explore space science by viewing videos on YouTube. In this moon landing lesson, students view clips of Neil Armstrong taking his first step on the moon and discuss the space race between the U.S. and Russia. Students utilize...
Lesson Plan
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Fostering Geospatial Thinking: Space to Earth: Earth to Space (SEES)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students locate and access data to help them with their science inquiry.  In this geographical positioning lesson students evaluate and compare data sets.