Middle schoolers make a link between prediction and hypothesis in math and science. Based on data collected over one week, students evaluate the predictions of local weather forecasters, compare the predicted outcomes to the actual...

Students study what regolith is and how it contrasts with weathering on Earth.  In this weathering activity students divide into groups, hypothesize and confirm their guesses. 

Young scholars identify different climate regions and local weather patterns.  In this cloud coverage lesson students use NASA satellite data and import it into Excel. 

Learn how ocean currents are vital to humans and marine life. The eighth installment of a 23-part NOAA Enrichment in Marine sciences and Oceanography (NEMO) program, focuses on ocean currents and how they affect global climate. The...

Students read and conduct and experiment to learn about rain formation. In this water forms lesson, students read about the formation of rain and its purposes. Students then complete a rain experiment activity.

Learners explore El Nino and take the role of a reporter gathering the facts for a news story. Reports are presented orally, like a newscast, written or in whatever form the teacher prefers.

Fourth graders listen to the story, THE CLOUD BOOK by Tomie De Paolo and then use a hotlist to research cloud types and formation, then use the information to create a Kid Pix movie which they will present to the class.

Stimulate interest in ocean currents with a simulation. The first installment of a five-part middle school series teaches future oceanographers about the forces that interact to cause ocean currents. A simulation shows how wind and...

Students conduct an experiment to determine dew point and use a formula to detemine altitude. They construct a chart and predict what altitude clouds would form, given the dew point on the ground.

Students use a lamp as the sun and his/her body as the earth. They rotate in different directions to explain how the earth moves around the sun. Using specific questions in their discussion, students discover the reasons for day and night.

Students research Coqui frogs. Students explore the life cycle of coqui frogs and discover how these frogs have become an invasive species in Hawaii.

Learners study glaciers and their terminology.  In this investigative lesson students get into groups and watch the life cycle of a glacier on a web site then answer questions.  They will then use play dough to show how...

Students explore the ecosystem by reviewing scientific vocabulary terms. In this environmental awareness lesson, students identify the differences between abiotic and biotic factors and their relationship to the Earth. Students define...

Third graders investigate the rainfall amounts in four Michigan cities to observe how cities near lakes are affected differently by precipitation than those that are inland. They record the rainfall for the cities over an eight day...

Students explore energy and nutrient flow. In this science instructional activity, students diagram the flow of energy through food chains and food webs. Students discuss the importance of energy flow in Earth's ecosystems.

Fourth graders witness cloud formation in a jar during a teacher lead simulation. They research, draw and predict weather using information they gather about clouds.

Using a magnifier, mini marine biologists examine the barbules of a bird feather. They swirl the it into a mixture of oil and water and then re-examine the feather. After the activity, discuss how the oily feathers pose a problem to...

Research topics associated with the hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Researchers write five facts about their topic and one question for each of those facts. They present what they learned to the rest of the class. Six topics are...

Students predict the location where the relative humidity the highest and lowest in and around their school. They use a sling psychrometer to measure the relative humidity of the various locations.

Students relate the states of matter and clouds.  In this environment lesson, students create a chart of information they know about clouds.  Students put an ice cube in a bag and tape to a window. Students watch for...

Learners understand that a psychrometer is a weather instrument used to detect humidity. In this psychrometer lesson plan, students build a psychrometer.  Learners use their psychrometers to measure humidity activity.

Fourth graders participate in an activity which introduces them to common types of precipitation. They examine "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" through a teacher read aloud and make a weather pamphlet.

Learners measure humidity in the classroom. For this weather lesson, students use a psychrometer to measure the humidity in the classroom. Learners complete a lab packet.

Students review the three types of rocks and the rock cycle. They participate in an experiment in which they discover the lithification process of sedimentary rocks. They record and share their observations.