University of Southern California
Wave Erosion Lab
Using a stream table, erosion enthusiasts examine how the density of sediment and how the slope of land contribute to the amount moved by waves. You will not be able to use this entire resource as is; there are teachers' names and...
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Adinkra Cloth
Young scholars locate Ghana on a map of Africa and discover features of Ghana culture. They synthesize the importance of Adinkra symbols and cloth to the people of West Africa and design an Adinkra cloth.
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Chain Across the Hudson Lesson Plan A - Locating the Chain
Pupils read a letter from George Washington requesting them to identify on a map a location that would stop the advance of British warships. They choose a location and justify their choice.
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African Country Report
Sixth graders describe the relationship between the people of Africa and their environment. They examine the climate, economy and inhabitants of this land. Using maps graphic organizers and writing a report, 6th graders demonstrate how...
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Water Monitoring Vocabulary
As the title implies, this is a list of vocabulary terms relating to water monitoring. If your ecology class is learning about how to test water quality, this will be an appropriate reference sheet for them. As a bonus, if you live in...
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At the Edge of the Continent
High schoolers study how to interpret a bathymetric map. They study the main features of the continental margin. They plot and graph bathymetric data. They think about and discuss the bathymetry of the edge of the cont
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What Causes the Seasons?
Learners conduct experiment to examine how tilt of globe influences warming caused by lighted bulb. They monitor simulated warming of their city by sun in winter and in summer by using light bulb, interpret results, and submit lab report.
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Observing Lava Flows
Learners examine the difference between fast and slow spreading lava flows. They identify various types of lava flow and determine the factors that cause them to form. Viewing photographs of lava flows, students working in groups,...
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Floods: Rising Waters and You
High schoolers will examine how floods work and why they can cause so much damage and destruction. They use a stream table to observe the processes that lead to flooding and the effects of floods on human-made structures. Includes a...
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Mapping the Canyon
High schoolers compare and contrast topographic maps and bathymetric maps. They investigate how bathymetric maps are made and how to interpret one.
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Geologic cross section of Manhattan, NYC
Students draw an accurate geologic cross section by using a given data table. They relate the features of the cross section to geologic processes. Students then relate the characteristics of the bedrock to the architecture.
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Ecosystems Connect
Learners investigate ecosystems near their school and across the world. They examine both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements of each. They recognize ecosystems from various continents around the globe. The use of computers...
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Principles of Flight: Where are We?
Students explore the concept of topographical maps. In this topographical map lesson, students discuss how airplanes know where to fly. Students use topographical maps to simulate a field trip on the computer.
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Plotting the Ocean Floor
Fourth graders plot points on a graph, connect the dots to make the ocean floor profile and label the topographical features. They utilize a worksheet and a website imbedded in this plan to plot the ocean floor.
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Earthquake!
Students study causes, probability and location of earthquakes. They complete a number of activities and look at web pages to examine the characteristics of earthquakes.
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Understanding Climate
Fourth graders create two dioramas out of household materials to compare the influence of various factors that impact climate. Each group discuss how the change in factors influenced the climate, flora, and fauna of their area.
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Kamchatka: Just Gushing with Geysers!
Young scholars explore geysers. They identify the parts of the geyser and how it works. Students create a working model of a geyser. They write a brief summary about their geyser.
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Plate Tectonic - Volcanoes (K)
Students observe how lava flows from a volcano by watching the teacher create a mini volcano with shaving cream.
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Reindeer Herders
Students examine the life of of nomadic herders in Siberia. They read and discuss an article and maps from National Geographic, identify threats to this way of life, and write a letter to the Russian government identifying ways to...
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The Ocean Floor
Fifth graders discuss the process of sedimentation and the continental drift theory. They locate major structures on the ocean floor and they identify life forms at each level of the ocean.
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Carving Mountains
Students explore geography by participating in an illustration activity. In this land-form lesson, students define vocabulary terms associated with glaciers and forests. Students utilize pens, cardboard and pottery clay to draw and...
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Antarctica I
Learners explore exploring and expiditions then simlate their own on campus. They divide into small "expedition groups." Have each team report back to the class about their expeditions, using written, oral, or videotaped presentations.
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Inroads On Erosion
Students investigate the concept of farming as found in Puerto Rico an focus on how to prevent erosion. They use a sand table to conduct an experiment to observe the process of erosion and how it is influences by natural factors like...
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Bhutan, the Last Shangri-La: Sandwich Squash: How the Himalayas Were Formed
Students create and record a model of mountain formation. They identify major mountain building formations. Students understand how the Himalaya Mountains were formed, why they are located near Bhutan, and why they are becoming larger.