Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Estuarine Currents

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students experiment observing a demonstration on models of density-driven currents which are typically found in an estuarine system of water flow. They compare/contrast water temperature and salinity to the formations of estuarine currents.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Early Earth History

For Students 7th - 9th
In this earth history activity, students answer 12 questions about geological time, the eras of Earth, the changes taking place in early Earth and the life present during the eras. They also answer 2 questions about the Paleozoic Era.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Acid Rain

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners understand the dynamics of acid rain and its impact on the living and non-living environment. They hypothesize how acid rain affects water pH levels in two lake systems with differing watershed features.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Geophysics And Cultural Aspects of the Greater Antilles

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students determine location by using longitude and latitude. They measure to the minute longitude and latitude of a place and select a body of land and determine its location. They approximate time zones by using every 15 degrees of...
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Weathering of Limestone

For Teachers 9th - 12th
We all know limestone weathers, but what affects the rate of weathering? Young scientists investigate the physical and chemical weathering of limestone (chalk) through experimentation. First, they conduct trials with different-size...
Activity
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Curated OER

My Planet Earth

For Teachers K - 4th
The earth is a delicate and fragile thing; Why not engage your class in a craft project that will make them aware of our environment? Earth Day is celebrated as recycled materials are used to create earth window hangings. Crayons are...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Three Main Rock Groups

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students are introduced to igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. They use foods to demonstrate the basic formation of each type of rock, read books about rock formation and view related videos.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sailin' Through Time...Rhode Island, The Ocean State

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the history of Rhode Island. They research famous people who brought change to the state. They explore the state song, natural resources, and colonies of the state. In groups, 4th graders create a travel brochure...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changing Ways

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine hard boiled eggs as possible models for the earth's layers.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Failing Ecosystems: Haiti and the Caribbean

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders study the impact that climate has on the land. They discuss how deforestation leads to erosion and soil damage and how trees and vegetation help to stabilize the land. They draw a large map of the Caribbean and show Haiti...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geography: Mapping Neighborhoods

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine their neighborhoods and draw maps reflecting land use. In addition, they make predictions about their community's future. Students also consider the impact of business and industry on their communities and predict ...
Unit Plan
University of Southern California

What Is The Ocean?

For Students 4th - 8th
Go on a tour of the ocean through the lens of a scientist. Learners read maps of the ocean floor, study tide behavior, examine wave motion, and analyze components of soil. Each lesson incorporates a hands-on component.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Home in the Desert: Lesson for Use with This House is Made of Mud

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine how a family modifies their environment to create a home out of mud. They read the book "This House is Made of Mud" by Ken Buchanan, and write a description of their own home that compares the home of mud to their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Google Earth Geology Field Trip

For Teachers 2nd - 7th
Students take a virtual field trip around California using Google Earth. In this geology field trip lesson, students explore landforms and a variety of rocks located in California.  Students compare environments where rocks are...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Windbreakers; Earth Science, Topography, Weather

For Teachers 3rd - 7th
Students consider how topography affects weather and human activity. Students simulate a mountain range and observe surrounding wind patterns.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ocean Impacts of an El Nino Event

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study sea surface height and temperature and other characteristics of an El Nino.  In this ocean impacts lesson students examine the factors that influence an El Nino or La Nina. 
Activity
Discovery Education

Weathering Cubes

For Teachers K - 8th
Weathering is not necessarily a result of the weather. Scholars conduct an experiment to explore the effect of surface area and volume on the weathering process. They create their own sugar cube rocks using the same number of cubes—but...
Activity
Discovery Education

School of Rock

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Why do rocks break down over time? Learners explore this concept by simulating physical and chemical weathering of different types of rocks. They use an abrasive to demonstrate physical weathering and acid to demonstrate chemical...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Structure of the Earth

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate earthquakes and volcanoes. They demonstrate fault lines with a folded piece of paper, conduct an erosion experiment, and construct a volcano using clay, baking soda and vinegar.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Rocky Situation

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders conduct experiments with rocks to observe weathering. They read books, examine websites and watch a video to examine how rocks break down into soil.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Animal Research Project

For Teachers 1st
First graders are introduced to the topic of researching by the librarian. Using a worksheet, they use various sources in the library to choose one animal from various groups. They complete a fact sheet on each animal and report their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A-Z List

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students practice using vocabulary terms about the Louisiana Purchase by creating a picture dictionary, an ABC book of terms, a word sort, or a game. Each project should include people, places and terms as they relate to the Louisiana...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map Reading

For Teachers 1st - 4th
After examining a map from 1803 and 2003, they explore how to become map readers. They describe what they see on the map from 1803 and compare the information to the map from 2003. Young scholars create their own map of the neighborhood...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Young scholars explore climate and weather conditions. Using the Internet, and other activities, students examine climate maps and the factors that affect climate. They examine how climate affects clothes, shelter, food,...