Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where are the Watersheds in San Francisco?

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students create a mental map of San Francisco. They compare it with actual topographical maps of the city. Then they label various locations on the San Francisco Hillshade map and locate watershed boundaries.
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NOAA

Sediments

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Calcareous ooze ... what an interesting name! The 15th installment of a 23-part NOAA Enrichment in Marine sciences and Oceanography (NEMO) program focuses on sediments found on the ocean floor. After viewing the slideshow lecture,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Listen to the Land

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students discover how we use land. They gain insight into the way we use the land, both for benefit and consequence. Students explore how to 'listen to the land' as they make decisions on how it should be used and the consequences of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding a Geological Map

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify different types of maps and observe a geological map.  In this geology lesson students create a replica map of a geological area that includes a key. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geologic Mapping I

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students create a geologic map and cross-section of an area of horizontal sedimentary rocks, exposed in several locations. Map must include a complete key or legend with rock descriptions of the various formations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

If I Can't See It, How Do I Know It's There?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars build a model ocean using a variety of materials representing the various levels of the ocean. They collect data about the ocean floor in a partner activity. They practice working with topographical mapping grids.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Beyond the Tap

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain the basic properties of a watershed including how water flows from higher to lower elevations and how watersheds are interconnected. They comprehend how the placement of buildings, roads, and parking lots can be...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Outdoor Education; Maps, Elevation

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders use online topographical maps to fill in a chart regarding elevation and contour lines.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stranded along the Coast

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students plot stranding sites onto a map using latitude and longitude as well as compass directions with respect to coastal features. They identify several species of marine animals that might become stranded; distinguish their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forest Fun

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners explore orienteering and how to use a compass. They explore the importance of forests and identify some of the trees in a local forest.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

When You Were My Age, What Was This Place Like?

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students discover how land use in their community has changed. In this community and ecology lesson, students scan old newspapers to find articles about the development of community land. Students discuss and predict how land use has...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

TE Activity: The Trouble with Topos

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners study the uses of topographical maps including the many forms that they take. They discover that the map features show its intended use such as city maps, wilderness maps, and state maps. They complete a worksheet in which they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecological Pyramids

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students apply the ecological pyramids of numbers and biomass with an activity using topographic maps. In this trophic level lesson, students work in groups using a topographic map to determine the number of organisms that can live in an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gilligan's Island

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students investigate topographical maps and match actual landforms to them.  In this topographical maps lesson students create "Gilligan's Island" to scale then answer questions about it such as what the highest elevations is and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geography of the Harbor

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Young scholars study estuaries and their boundaries.  For this investigative lesson students locate an estuary on a map and use nautical and topographical maps. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Then and Now, A Watershed in San Francisco

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students compare recent and historic maps to explore landscape changes. Using photos provided, students identify prominent features on the maps. They discuss differences in landscape, human impact on watershed, and changes in natural...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Keystone FFA Spring

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify where their water sources and explore a watershed on a map.  For this watershed lesson students walk a wetland, and identify sources of pollution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

River Study

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students study physical features of a local stream. They study how to identify water features on topographic maps.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Interior of the Earth

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders identify and describe the composition and physical properties of the layers of the Earth. They also explain how scientists used the scientific process to know about the center of the Earth. Finally, 6th graders read a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Thoreau Look at Our Environment

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders write journal entries o school site at least once during each season, including sketched and written observations of present environment. They can use sample topographical maps and student's own maps. Students can use...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water: Where in the Watershed?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students become connected to their watershed by exploring a local water body and mapping its features. They focus on how the local watershed fits into the larger scheme of the watershed.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Watershed Quest

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Learners examine their connection to local watersheds. They describe the water cycle and list species living in their local watershed. They also draw a map of their community.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seeing the Seafloor Using Sound - Multibeam Sidescan Sonar

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students are told that sound is not just stuff that our ears hear. They are explained that it is a tool for measuring and looking at objects in a new way. Students are introduced to sound waves and sonar imaging. They are explained...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geography: examining the Glacial Features of Cape Cod

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students examine satellite images of the glacial features of Cape Cod. They analyze where human activity is located in terms of those features. Students make models of the features, including kettle holes. They also use contour maps...