Curated OER
Fallout!
Learners plot the locations of fallout from two disasters that polluted much of the world's air. They plot the ash fallout from the 1980 Mt. St. Helen's eruption to see what the wind patterns in the United States look like overall. Next...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Climate Change Around the World
It is unknown if cloud cover increases in response to carbon dioxide levels changing, helping climate change slow down, or if cloud cover decreases, allowing Earth to warm faster. Part four in the series of five lessons has classes...
Curated OER
Estuarine Currents
Students explore an estuarine system to gather data on density driven currents. This type of current is contrasted with temperature and wind driven currents.
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Convection
Students experiment with the cyclic process of convection and apply the principal to everyday events.
Curated OER
1492: Using Data to Explain a Journey
Students examine how Christopher Columbus made his way across the Atlantic. For this data lesson students use an Internet program to navigate like Columbus.
Curated OER
Water and the Earth
For this water and Earth worksheet, students read a 2 page article on water and the Earth, name the clouds in 2 pictures and then list 4 sources of water in nature.
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Oceanography
Fifth graders study the topography of the ocean floor. They determine its ever changing nature as they examine currents and trade winds. They write paragraph describing how the winds might affect land formations after the discussion of...
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Air Pollution Over Where?
Learners predict the movement of an air borne pollutant using their understanding of air currents. They determine which governments and/or communities should be contacted to be forewarned. They also explore the properties of their...
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Geography Search: The New World
Students explore the "New World". They collect geographic information related to the ocean, latitude and stars, longitude and time, wind patterns, and the weather. They analyze the geographic data and make decisions to plot their...
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Winter and Summer Storms Scenarios
Fourth graders discover the patterns that create summer and winter storms. Working in groups, they create model storms for summer and winter. Students discuss the reasons why summer storms and winter storms are different and explain...
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Kure Waste Chase Game Lesson
Students work together to identify marine debris. They explain the effect of the debris on various ecosystems. They draw different types of ocean currents as well.
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Analyzing Hurricanes Using Web and Desktop GIS
Young scholars analyze hurricanes. In hurricanes lesson, students use the Internet and GIS to analyze hurricanes. Young scholars view the National Atlas of Maps to discuss the direction hurricanes move. Students study the wind and...
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El Nino
Middle schoolers recognize that El Nino is caused by changes in the atmospheric and ocean content. They conduct a simple experiment, visit websites and create a class poster using individual storyboards.
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Rain Shadows and Sea Breezes
Young scholars plot the average rainfall for a variety of cities in the United States. Using the map, they work together to determine patterns on which toxicants are transported through the air. They determine the impacts of various...
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Weather Olympics
Students consider the effects of topography on climate patterns. In this earth science instructional activity, students research weather patterns and make inferences of how the land forms may create different climates. Students compare...
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Postcards from California: A Unit on Geography, Social Studies, History and California's Resources
Fourth graders examine patterns that influence population density in the various regions of California. The unit's three lessons utilize graphic organizers for the interpretation and presentation of data.
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Estuarine Currents
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.
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Reading Comprehension: Oceans
In this ocean comprehension worksheet, students read a short passage, then complete 4 short answer questions about oceans. Worksheet contains a link to additional activities.
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Parachute - Land and Weather
Students use different parachute activities to study weather and land patterns and formations. Tornados and hurricanes can be discussed as students make large waves (move from very high to very low) that mimmick these two weather...
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Where's the Beach?
Young scholars use beach profile data to analyze how erosion and sediment transport changed seashore slopes. In this geology lesson, students plot the data provided and analyze erosion patterns. They also assess coastal erosion...
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Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest: Science, 4th Grade
Fourth graders investigate weather patterns in their home state of Utah. After creating KWL charts, they research weather and geographical data to locate the state's extremes. As an extension, 4th graders write and illustrate books about...
California Academy of Science
California's Climate
The United States is a large country with many different climates. Graph and analyze temperature and rainfall data for Sacramento and Washington DC as you teach your class about the characteristics of Mediterranean climates. Discuss the...
Curated OER
Build the Tallest Building
Young scholars examine the design and construction of skyscrapers. They use the internet to research information about different types of skyscrapers. They create their own building and defend it to the class.
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Pre-Columbian Settlements and People
Fourth graders describe the social, political, cultural and economic life and interactions among the people of California from the pre-Columbian societies to the Spanish mission and Mexican rancho periods.