Students investigate the school campus area in order to plan the best spot for a class garden. They create a map of the school and research the different types of soil that exist in order to find the best spot. The class takes the...

Students brainstorm types of flowers and the colors they can be. They are to keep a chart of the ones mentioned. They create their own paper flower garden on the bulletin board and examine books about flowers.

Students discover the process of planting chili. After comparing two types of seeds students plant and with the use of a digital camera, record the seed progress. When ready for transplant, students take young plants to a retirement...

Fourth graders explore the concept of ecosystems. In groups, they examine clues to find mystery objects. Once they find the mystery objects, they discuss what ecosystem each comes from. They also look at pond water samples under a...

Learners create an presentation that suggests composting as a possible solution to solid waste issues. They research the types of solid waste that can be composted, the composting process and the role of worms in composting.

Students work in groups and plan a garden within a budget. They investigate appropriate plants for their area, compare and report prices. As a group, they consider the shape, size, type of soil, and draw a layout of the planned garden....

Students listen to a read aloud, Dinofours My Seeds Won't Grow. They talk about what plants need to grow and study the parts of plants. They discuss what types of plants we eat after which they plant a seed in order to observe the growth...

Young scholars explore the environment by researching insects. In this earthworm lesson, students utilize soil and plexiglass to build a see through wormery in which young scholars can observe the worms at work. Students identify the...

Coloring pages showcase microbes—bacteria, viruses, and protists. Scholars have the option to download a coloring book and scavenger hunt or color the page directly on the computer. Three paragraphs describe each microbe. 

Most appropriate if you are applying the entire unit to build a rain garden at your school, this installment involves calculating the area that will drain into it. Your garden planners will need data from previous lessons, so this one...

Students study remotely sensed images and topographic maps to classify land cover types in their watershed area. They take samples in the watershed area to interpret the images.

Students fill empty eggshells with potting soil and place the eggshells in an egg carton. In this science lesson, students plant seeds in each shell and using popsicle sticks mark what is planted.

Sixth graders discuss the differences between chemical and mechanical weathering. Using that information, they create a concept map showing the forces that cause these types of weathering. After participating in an activity, they...

Students study the relationship between the types of trees, soil, and organisms. They investigate the complex interactions and cycles at work in the forest and understand the factors that contribute to a healthy, sustainable forest.

In this plant nutrition activity, students read for information and assess comprehension. In this true and false, fill in the blank, multiple choice, and short answer activity, students answer ten questions.

Students plant seeds and learn about photosynthesis.  In this photosynthesis activity, students plant watercress seeds, cut a design into cardboard and cover the seedlings with the cardboard.  Students observe as the seeds in...

Students explore the forest. In this ecosystems lesson, students rotate through sensory activity centers, brainstorm, and read about temperate forests.

Young scholars view a demonstration of how groundwater flows and define several related vocabulary terms. They complete a worksheet, participate in discussion and make a poster.

Students explore the causes of water pollution and its effects on the environment through the use of models and scientific investigation. In the accompanying activities, they investigate filtration and aeration processes as they are used...

Young scholars study bogs. They tour, collect physical, chemical, and biological data and analyze a pristine bog community. Using the data, they draw a map and a cross section of the bog.

Second graders conduct an a water cycle experiment. In this water cycle lesson, 2nd graders observe a puddle of water, they predict how it got there and what will happen to it.  Students watch a demonstration on the water cycle and...

Students conduct an experiment.  In this landslides lesson, students learn about landslides and discuss how they could minimize the risk of landslides.  Students complete an experiment to see if changing the slope of the land...

Third graders conduct an experiment to determine how water moves through different soils found in the Apalachicola River watershed. They read a scenario, conduct the experiment, answer follow-up questions, and draw the water movement...

Young scholars discuss reasons to plant trees and the best locations for cooling. They study two homes and identify types and locations of trees and determine the placement of the central air conditioners. The class plans a landscape...