Students simulate crater formation through a lab activity. In this space science lesson, students calculate how much energy is transferred during meteorite impact. They identify different factors affecting the size and depth of craters...

Modeling dough and paper cutouts in science class? Learn about how relative age dating concepts, like the Law of Superposition and cross-cutting relationships, can be used to describe the formation of sedimentary layers.

Students study the movement of glaciers and how they have affected the Earth.  In this geology lesson plan students simulate the effects glaciers have on landscape and watch video segments. 

Do great gardeners really have green thumbs—or just really great soil? Environmental scholars discover what makes Earth's soil and soil quality so important through research and experimentation. Learners also develop an understanding of...

After a basic introduction to the rock cycle and the three main types of rocks, young geologists can deepen their understanding of how rocks change through a fun learning game. Based on the characteristics and events shared by a reader,...

Students examine the rock cycle and the path that rocks go through to rearranged in different ways. They define key vocabulary terms, then in small groups conduct a variety of experiments using crayon shavings as simulated rocks and...

Learners examine the relationship between water retention and plant growth by conducting two experiments. They first compare the water retention qualities of clay, sand and loam soil types. Then they use the data from the first...

Students build simple stream tables and vary the angle of the stream tables in order to simulate different flow rates and compare the results. They observe various features formed in a stream table by flowing water and compare these to...

Students explore the topics of ocean water salinity, ocean life zones, marine life classification, and ocean food chains. They observe demonstrations, conduct experiments, complete quizzes and handouts, and analyze key vocabulary.

View videos and photos from the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew and see how the earth's landforms changed as a result of the heavy winds and rain. Weathering and erosion made a new landform and dramatically changed the coastline....

In this Earth Science field investigation, students will make observations of the rock above and below the Minneopa State Park waterfalls. Students will then make observations of gravestones at Minneopa Cemetery. Through these...

In this lab activity, students will look for evidence of erosion in river or streams. This activity should take place after students have observed erosion in a model.

Students learn about water erosion through an experimental process in which small-scale buildings are placed along a simulated riverbank to experience a range of flooding conditions. They make model buildings either with a 3D printer or...

Activities help students understand erosion.

This interactive resource adapted from the National Park Service describes the many forces that affect shorelines, including tides, weathering, erosion, and deposition. Includes background reading handout and discussion questions.

Learn about weathering and decomposition in this tutorial that includes interactive activities, videos, and more.

In this investigation, middle schoolers will use sand to build a mountain and then use a straw and watering can to simulate wind erosion and water erosion. Students will make observations and then propose ways to slow the erosion and/or...

In this lab, students investigate whether the rate of water falling (rain) affects the amount of erosion (soil movement). This experiment could lead to further questions: how does grass or rocks effect soil erosion, does erosion lead to...

Students collect evidence to investigate erosion and deposition around the schoolyard.

In this activity, students will discover some of the factors that influence weathering of the monuments in a cemetery. These factors may include the type of rock, length of time the rock has been exposed to the elements or the amount of...

Students will explore weathering and erosion, what causes them, and the difference between them. They will be able to find evidence of weathering and erosion in the environment around them.

This hands-on activity explores five different forms of erosion (chemical, water, wind, glacier and temperature). Students rotate through stations and model each type of erosion on rocks, soils and minerals. The students record their...

A lab activity where students study the" relationships between landscape appearance, topography and underlying geology". In this particular activity students explore the landscape region of New York State to see the effects of...

The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate the importance of rocks, soils and minerals in engineering and how using the right material for the right job is important. The students build three different sand castles and test them for...