Students are introduced to the idea of soil as a habitat for many different organisms. They are introduced to the links between the biological adaptations of an organism and the physical demands of its habitat. Pupils are introduced to...

Students discover organisms that inhabit the soil, the beneficial an detrimental roles these organisms play, and the interactions between the organisms and their environment and other organisms. Students participate in four hands-on ...

Second graders name the various materials that comprise soil, including weathered rock and other organic matter. They explain that soils differ in their color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of many...

Third graders identify what plants need to grow. In this agricultural lesson plan, 3rd graders read the book The Empty Pot and discuss the steps to take when planting a seed. Students plant a seed and water it each day. Students discuss...

Students conduct a series of experiments on mulching. For this earth science lesson, students discuss the benefits of mulching on soil. They explore how different types of mulch affect plant growth.

Students engage in investigations that lead to the discovery that earth materials consist of rocks, soils, water, and air. They build models of soil profiles, using breakfast cereal and other edible materials. They observe how water...

Second graders experiment with different types of soil to find the texture. In this types of soil experiment, shake a jar of soil and water and record the settling of the soil. Students record again after 3-4 hours and note the level...

Students recognize that science is everywhere.  In this scientific method lesson, students experiment with height and record their experiment using the scientific method.  Students must identify  each step of the...

Students compare the basic needs of plants to the basic needs of democracy. In this democracy comparison lesson, students complete a worksheet on what happens to a plant that's not nourished. Students draw a correlation to the basics of...

Students create a compost cake. In this gardening and decomposition science activity, students review and describe the "nutrient cycle." Students create a compost pile, measure and record the dimensions and temperature of the pile, and...

Students build an air cannon and study air mass.  In this air cannon lesson, students create and shoot an air cannon and observe what happens.  Students answer critical thinking questions about air mass and air cannons.

Second graders explore erosion and find the factors effecting erosion of hillsides.   In this erosion lesson, 2nd graders experiment by creating a hillside and simulating rain.  Students discuss and record their results on...

Students examine the history of farming. In this environmental farming instructional activity, students explore the web and complete a variety of activities in order to understand the necessity of local, sustainable, and small farms for...

Students read The Empty Pot as an introduction to plants. For this planting lesson, students understand a sequence of events in the book and relate it to the sequence of a plants life. Students grow plants and record information in...

Students investigate craters and marea. In this crater and marea lesson, students conduct an experiment to create craters. Students participate in a dance activity.

Students engage in a lesson in which volcanoes be explored and examined. After watching a video, students create volcanoes out of clay.

Seventh graders examine the different types of pollutants. In this environmental science lesson, 7th graders observe particulate matter under a microscope. They explain how these can affect once health when breathed in large quantities...

Second graders compare and contrast animate and inanimate objects. In this environmental science lesson plan, 2nd graders create simple food webs. They observe their environment and create a collage about it.

Young scientists identify erosion, explain the causes of erosion, and name some techniques that can slow the process of erosion. Learners are divided up into groups of four and perform a simulation of soil erosion in class. The...

Sixth graders determine the physical properties of clay by examining ceramic works of art. They evaluate local soil samples for suitability for sculpting and compare clay taken from soil to manufactured clay.

Students write an essay to describe the contents of a compost bin.  For this composting lesson, students create a compost bin. Students examine soil for its contents and explains in an essay the impact of the soil on the environment.

Learners investigate healthy eating habits by researching livestock. In this food sustainability instructional activity, students research the negative impact factory farming has on our environment due to pollution. Learners define...

Fifth graders explore the wetlands to discover its benefits in removing pollutants in the water.  In this wetlands lesson, 5th graders discuss how stormwater wetlands are created to purify water. Students test the water.