National Wildlife Federation
The Water Cycle
Observe the water cycle from the comfort of your classroom with this excellent earth science experiment. Working collaboratively, young scientists first create terrariums complete with hills, plants, lakes, and an...
It's About Time
The Nitrogen and Phosphorous Cycles
How do we affect the ecosystem, and what can we do to preserve it? Pupils explore chemicals that promote and inhibit plant growth, then discuss the importance of nitrogen and phosphorus to the survival of organisms and describe how...
It's About Time
Photosynthesis, Respiration, and the Carbon Cycle
Provide your class with the opportunity to view our carbon cycle close up. Young scientists research the cycle of oxygen as it completes the tasks of photosynthesis and respiration. They explore the importance of carbon in an ecosystem...
Wilderness Classroom
Pollution
Educate scholars on pollution—air, water, and land—with a series of lessons that begin with a thorough explanation of each type. Learners then take part in three activities to reinforce the importance of reducing pollution. They...
It's About Time
Volcanos and the Atmosphere
In the summer of 1815, snow fell every month in New England. Was this related to the volcanic eruption of Tambora in Indonesia earlier in the year? Young scientists design their own experiments to research the long-term effect a volcanic...
Curated OER
Water/Agua
Third graders complete water activities including vocabulary, visualization and performing activities. They study water vocabulary words in both English and Spanish. They listen to a read aloud of Jane Yolen's, Letting Swift River Go,...
National Institute of Open Schooling
Air Pollution
Seventy percent of the air pollution in China is due to car exhaust. Under the umbrella of environmental chemistry, learners extensively explore air pollution. From the makeup of our atmosphere to sources of major air pollutants, classes...
US Geological Survey
U.s. Geological Survey: Water Science for Schools
A collection of resources--pictures, maps, data, glossary--about water and the water cycle.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: Just a Phase: Water as a Solid, Liquid, and Gas
This site helps students construct a model of the arrangement of water molecules when present as solid, liquid or gas. Includes background information, lesson plans, links to standards and assessment ideas.
Government of Alberta
Alberta Environment: Focus on Groundwater: Groundwater Basics [Pdf]
This article explains in detail what groundwater is, why it is important, human activities that affect its quality and quantity, and things we can do to protect it.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Illinois State Water Survey: Nitrogen Cycle: Human Impact on the Nitrogen Cycle
An overview of the impact of human activities on the environment and how those actions effect the nitrogen cycle.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Journey North: Right Whales
A comprehensive article that answers a number of questions about the right whale. Questions deal with characteristics, life cycle, ecology and conservation. This site also contains lessons and activities that can be used in the...