Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Petrology in the Field and Laboratory

For Teachers 12th - Higher Ed
Students collect samples in the field, analyze them using various tools and instruments, then present their results and interpretations. They examine igneous and metamorphic rocks in detail and interpret petrologic data.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sorting Rocks

For Teachers K
Students develop a rock word web during a large group discussion. Using the categories generated during that discussion, they sort their rock samples accordingly.
Lesson Plan
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Not Just For A Baby's Bottom

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate the presence of talc in the geologic record. The different characteristics of talc is covered. The lesson includes background information for the teacher.
Lesson Plan
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Borah Peak Earthquake

For Teachers 7th - 12th
students use the internet, an atlas map, and other sources to explore a map of Idaho. They locate the Lost River Range and Mt. Borah. Students read the atlas map to locate earthquake faults, find the magnitude, fault, and epicenter of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocks in our Backyard

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine igneous and sedimentary rocks. They observe and identify geological formations in their community, analyze igneous and sedimentary geological layers using a geological map, and use GPS to locate geological formations.
Worksheet
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The Grand Canyon

For Students 7th - 12th
In this geological processes worksheet, students use Google Earth to access pictures of the Grand Canyon. Students look at the layering of rock over time. Students complete 2 short answer questions.
Lesson Plan
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Be a "Fossil Detective" an Effective Tool in Earth Science Education

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students examine the geological time scale: the Earth is ancient; time can be divided into periods based on its fossil content.
Worksheet
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History of Life

For Students 5th - 8th
In this history of life worksheet, students will explore how mass extinctions have occurred on Earth, the different periods of the geological time scale, and scientists' use of fossil records. Students will complete 3 fill in the blank...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

PATTERNS IN TIME

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students build a realistic sense of geological time, seek clues of transition fossils and find them.  In this investigative lesson students complete several activities and worksheets on fossils. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Timeline

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers develop a timeline that depicts geologic development and the history of life. They write an interpretive analysis essay that discusses and reflects on their observations.
Worksheet
Curated OER

The History of Life

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
In this history of life worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle by figuring out the vocabulary words associated with the 11 clues given. Then students review how paleontologists use fossils to learn more about past living things...
Lesson Plan
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Earthquake, Earthquake, Read All About It!

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students utilize the U.S. Geological Service web site. They research the various types of scales used to measure earthquakes and classify different situations on the scale. They write a story about a town that has just experienced a quake.
Lesson Plan
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Earth Science Lesson Plans The Proterozoic Era

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars explore the Proterozoic Era. In this geologic time periods instructional activity, students examine the clock of eras charts and listen to a lecture regarding the era.
Lesson Plan
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Glacial Landscapes

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine the impact of glaciers on Great Britain. In this geological history lesson, students examine and measure a glacial valley and look at several types of glacial landscapes in Britain.
Lesson Plan
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Plate Tectonics: Surface and Subsurface Processes

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore the geological process of plate tectonics. In this plate tectonic lesson plan, 8th graders design, construct and present a working model of a plate tectonics concept. This lesson plan includes a rubric, worksheets,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sand Art Creation

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Learners create a model of a geological land-form. In this art lesson, students will create a model of a land-form using sand.
Lesson Plan
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A Year in Arizona

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders create a calendar about their state. In this state calendar lesson, 4th graders select a state theme and create a calendar based on that theme. Students write paragraphs for each month related to the theme and design the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Modeling Oil and Gas Reservoirs

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate energy by researching how oil reservoirs work. In this fossil fuels lesson plan, students conduct an experiment using a half full bottle of water, corn oil and oxygen, recording their data as the elements are...
Lesson Plan
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Thinking About Life in Geological Time Scales

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students create a large (classroom-sized) timeline showing the history of life on Earth for the last 5 billion years. They are able to identify the events that are relevant to their taxonomic projects (the Origins and important...
Lesson Plan
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Candy Bar Subsurface Geology

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are introduced to drawing and interpreting topographical maps. They each cut through there Jell-o mountain at regular height intervals, and trace around the shape of the Jell-o cut off at the height, overlaying the different...
Worksheet
Curated OER

High Up in the Himalayas

For Students 7th - 10th
Have your class supplement their knowledge on the Himalaya mountain range. In a brief handout, they read about the land masses that collided to form the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. It  also touches briefly on the Earth's...
Lesson Plan
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Cardiac Arrest! Using Forensics to Investigate Cardiovascular Anatomy and Function

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students identify the different parts and functions of the cardiovascular system. In this forensics lesson plan, students collect and analyze evidence on a fictional crime. They describe different causes of cardiac arrest.
Lesson Plan
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Schoolyard Geology

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Discover that maps show information about an area and that they have common features like scales and legends. View an aerial map of your school and find features on the map such as the playground, roads, and trees. Trace the outline of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How can deep-water corals be used to determine long-term patterns of climate change?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners explore the concept of paleoclimatological proxies.  In this paleoclimatological proxies lesson plan, students explain isotope ratios in deep water coral samples.  Learners write a paragraph about global climate change...