Making Sandstone

Young geologists discover the important role that rocks and minerals play in our everyday lives through this series of hands-on activities. Starting off with a lesson that defines the difference between plants, animals, and minerals,...

Second graders understand what a profile is and relate to the profile of soil. In this soil profile activity students use cereal to simulate soil profile. Students draw and label their profiles using accurate soil vocabulary.

This unit is so cool, you won't be able to "kelp" yourself! Intended for all grades, this science and activity guide for teachers offers a unique opportunity to understand kelp's role as a valuable ecological resource. Teachers and...

Students are introduced to the differences that exist in soil properties with depth. They are introduced to the factors that influence a soil's development (soil forming factors). Pupils are introduced to the impact of soil of soil...

Students perform several tests on their rock collection to determine the relative hardness of the samples. They complete a worksheet indicating the test that resulted in breaking the rocks. Students push on the rocks with their shoes,...

Learners agree or disagree with several statements about ancient animals, then read a news article about recent prehistoric discoveries. In this earth science and current events instructional activity, the teacher introduces the article...

Students discover that sedimentary rocks like coal are formed by the cementing together of smaller pieces of rocks or like coal, from the accumulation of plant material.

Students share ideas about how scientists know about dinosaurs, then read a news article about the recently found remains of a hadrosaur. For this dinosaur lesson plan, the teacher introduces the article with a class discussion and...

Students investigate rocks and how they are formed and the uses man has for rocks. The topic is narrowed, researched, and documented by three sources. The results are presented to classmates for evaluation.

Students determine that crude oil is found in porous rocks (reservoirs) rather than in caves or caverns.