Curated OER
Volcano Poster Project
In this volcano instructional activity, students choose a volcano from a given list to do research on using the computer lab. Students gather information about the volcano and answer 20 questions. They create a poster with graphics and...
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The Basics of Earth Science
Students discuss and define the term "scientific theory." They work in small groups to draft an overview of one theory including details about the theory's evidence and significance.
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What about Continental Drift?
Fifth graders research the Continental Drift by researching for evidence of continental movement. The teaching explains the theory of plate tectonics and the Earth's magnetic field. They conclude the lesson by watching the video of "In...
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Jigsaw Puzzle
In this social studies worksheet, students solve a jigsaw puzzle of the Earth's plate tectonics. Students work in small groups to solve the puzzle.
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Earthquakes
Young scholars explore the causes of earthquakes and the impact they have on the geology of an area. In this geology lesson plan students view video footage of earthquakes, get into groups and study plate tectonics.
Teach Engineering
Earthquakes Living Lab: Geology and Earthquakes in Japan
Sometimes it seems as if earthquakes hit the same places over and over again. Class members study Japan in order to determine why earthquakes keep happening there. Pairs work together to research and try to determine whether there...
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Use Culinary Concoctions to Illustrate Geological Events
Incorporating food into your science lesson helps learners to visualize and taste the complex concepts of Geology.
Channel Islands Film
Island Rotation: Lesson Plan 4
Foster's Rule? Allopatric speciation? After watching West of the West's documentary Island Rotation, class members use Venn diagrams to compare endemic species on the Channel Islands with mainland related species. They then create a...
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Which Boundary Am I?
Sixth graders find 12 statements which describe the characteristics of the three boundary types, arranged in random order. Their task is to read each statement, and then CUT and PASTE it to the the appropriate boundary icon.
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The History of Life
In this history of life instructional activity, students review 4 vocabulary words associated with the beginnings of life. Students place these terms into a crossword puzzle and then complete 2 fill in the blank questions.
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Earthquake Machine
Learners explore plate tectonics by conducting a class experiment. In this earthquake lesson plan, students utilize scrap wood, sandpaper, rubber bands and a sanding belt to create a model earthquake experiment which shakes a nearby...
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Plate Patterns
Learners review the patterns they discovered from a previous activity. In this investigative lesson students plot data as a class and color a map.
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Inside Earth
In this science activity, students find the words related to the study of earth plate movements and the answers are found at the bottom of the page.
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2005 Submarine Ring of Fire Expedition: Unexplored
Students compare and contrast submarine volcanoes at convergent and divergent plate boundaries, infer kinds of living organisms that may be found around hydrothermal vents, and describe ways in which scientists may prepare to explore...
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Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius
Students view a video clip about volcanoes. They collect data and create maps to see the relationship between volcanoes, earthquakes and plates. They share their maps with the class.
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Glaciers As Indicators of Global Climate Change
Students research about glacial ice melting on the four major spheres of the Earth. For this earth science lesson, students explain how this process relates to global warming. They create a presentation and share their findings with the...
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Buildings Have Lives, Too: Disasters and Their Effect on People
Students research natural disasters and their lasting effect on both people and the environment. In this environmental science instructional activity, students complete a group project on a natural disaster of their choosing. Students...
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Impact Craters: Holes in the Ground!
Students simulate crater formation through a lab activity. In this space science lesson plan, students calculate how much energy is transferred during meteorite impact. They identify different factors affecting the size and depth of...
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Continental Drift
Young scholars simulate convection waves using a model. In this earth science lesson, students explain the effect of plate movements to Earth's geography. They use the internet to find answers to graphic organizer questions.
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Tic-Tac-Toe for Layers of the Earth
Eighth graders identify the different layers of the earth. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders choose a project to do from a given list according to their learning style. They present their finished project in class.
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Peru's Earthquake
Students identify the patterns of earthquakes by mapping USGS data and comparing it to mapped tectonic plates. They discover the relationship between earthquakes and the moving plates of the Earth's crust.
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A Model of Three Faults
Students investigate faults. In this science lesson, students explore the many stresses and strains in the earth's layers and research the types of faults in their state.
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8th GRade SCience End of the Year Flip Video Review
Middle schoolers explore video taping. In this science review instructional activity, students create a video of an assigned science unit as a peer study tool.
National Science Teachers Association
Adopt-a-Dino
Earth historians research a specific dinosaur, write a paper about the Mesozoic era that it lived in, create an artistic rendition of the environment, and give a presentation in class about what they learned. Be aware that there are...