Second graders work together to examine different types of rocks. They sort rocks according to their characteristics and properties.

Young scholars gather and classify samples of a given item (rocks, fossils, seeds, etc.) They discuss various ways of classifying and that there are many different ways that are acceptable.

Pupils classify sediments based on their physical characteristics, such as size, shape and color. They identify and describe rocks and minerals that are common to their region of the state.

Pupils examine the frequency of earthquakes in Illinois. They discover the distribution of earthquakes in the Midwest. They also practice reading measurements from the Richter scale and Mercalli Intensity scale.

Second graders read Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. They then discuss where various names come from. They create a individualized biopoem and publish it on word processing software. Their poems are compiled into a class book and presented...

Students investigate the Earth's major landforms and how they occur, and how engineers apply this knowledge for the design of transportation systems, mining, and measuring natural hazards. They listen to a teacher-led lecture, match...

Learners test and identify soil and rock samples. For this rock and soil lesson, students video themselves gathering samples. Learners test the samples and create graphs showing the results.

Students explore earth science through concept mapping, discussion, and self-discovery.

Students discover how sedimentary rocks form. They identify different examples of sedimentary rocks. They also discover what types of rocks are in Illinois soil.

Students explore the Earth and its ability to support life. They discuss the geosphere and the water cycle and complete the Water Wonders activity. After completing the activity, they respond in their journals and reflect upon the...

Young scholars explore geography by participating in an illustration activity. In this land-form lesson plan, students define vocabulary terms associated with glaciers and forests. Young scholars utilize pens, cardboard and pottery clay...

Young scholars observe rocks of various types and sizes and to record these observations through drawings.

Learners examine dinosaur footprints and compare them to the shape of elephant footprints and to the size of their own footprints.

Second graders examine igneous rocks in this lesson. They discuss the rock cycle and how rocks form. They also explore volcanic activities and build their own volcano.

Students examine the steps of the rock cycle. They describe what happens to the rocks in each of the stages. They participate in a rock cycle game to help them with the steps.

Students complete internet research in small groups to identify types of water pollution, spotlight water pollution hot-spots, and design a plan for water prevention.

Learners study the terms paleontology and archaeology and examine how they can help us learn about prehistoric Native Iowans.  In this archaeology lesson students discuss these terms and view a video on Native Americans. 

Eighth graders practice finding the meaning of words by analyzing the root word. In this root word lesson, 8th graders review a chart of roots, words, and meanings. Students find and list words that have the root of 'geo,' 'terra,' and...

Eighth graders research about their chosen ecosystem. In this life science lesson, 8th graders play the role of travel agents and create a travel brochure. They share this in class.

In this bellwork worksheet, students answer questions about the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. They answer questions about fossils, half life, and radioactive material.

Students are presented a problem concerning an aquifer which may be in danger from overuse by agriculture/industry. They compile data and consult online data and experts in creating a proposal to rectify the situation.

Students participate in centers activities that enrich understanding of Japanese culture, history, geography, art, and religion.

Sixth graders examine how different soils are made up of varying proportions of clay, silt, and sand. They compare soil samples, conduct Internet research, and create a model to demonstrate the relative sizes of grains of clay, sand, and...

Students make observations, estimates, and interpretations. They view Images of the James River at Belle Island, Virginia, including one at flood stage, a plot of peak stream flow since 1935, and an image of potholes in the Petersburg...