Environmental factors Teacher Resources

Students research the theory of evolution and the controversy.  In this evolution lesson students view a film on Charles Darwin then they write an essay about whether or not intelligent design should be taught in science class. 

Students research the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and complete experiments to study the effects of oil spills. In this oil spill instructional activity, students read the NY Times feature on the gulf oil spill. Students visit various links...

Students interview a Native Elder to learn about oral history and cold weather. In this weather instructional activity, students ask an Elder about the coldest day they remember in their community and complete two worksheets for the topic.

Young scholars examine immigration. In this Oregon history instructional activity, students compare and contrast the population patterns of the state in the 1800's and the 1900's.

Students make a variety of recipes that include fruits and vegetables. For this fruit and vegetables lesson plan, students make recipes, learn about the proper amounts of fruits and vegetables needed per day, describe how to sanitize...

Students explore how far a rainforest is from their home. In this rainforest lesson students examine how far they live away from the rainforest. Students use the length of their school day to compare how long it will take to travel to...

Students grow flowers in different soil mediums to determine the effect on flavor.  In this investigative lesson students study flowers, plant them and taste them to see how they differ in different potting soils. 

In this plant reproduction worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle with 36 questions. They identify the different plant reproductive features.

Seventh graders compare and contrast sedentary and nomadic tribe life. In this Native American culture lesson plan, 7th graders research primary documents about the Osage and Kiowa tribes. Students create a series of illustrations to be...

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

Seventh graders examine natural variation by visiting the Ohi'a Common Garden in Volcano, Hawaii. In this natural selection lesson plan, 7th graders study background information about phenotypes, genotypes, and phenotypic plasticity...

Students solve problems involving ratio and proportion. In this algebra lesson, students analyze the currencies found in different countries. They create formulas to convert between the different currencies and use ratio and proportion...

In this Soviet Union activity, students read a 2-page selection about scientific work in the country and then respond to 4 short answer questions based on the selection.

Fifth graders explore food production by viewing DNA presentations. In this genetic engineering lesson, 5th graders discuss the foods they typically eat at home and how many common foods are engineered in a way that can produce a bigger...

Fifth graders explore genetic traits. For this genetic traits lesson, 5th graders investigate dominant and recessive traits. Students identify similar traits between a parent organism and its offspring.

Young scholars create a search and rescue party. In this geometry lesson, students simulate a rescue operation using math. They calculate the time, rate and solve word problems related to the real world.

Students examine the symbiotic relationship between fungus and plants.  In this ecosystem lesson students complete several mycorrhiza experiments.

Third graders investigate the environment that is considered favorable for brine shrimp hatching. The salinity level is of particular interest in the observations because the optimum level is needed for survival. They make daily...

Students explore what factors affect the stream flow in a local body of water. They collect data to measure stream flow and discharge and construct a hypothesis concerning the factors affecting stream flow.

Ninth graders select a topic to research, completing the sentence, "Are the effects of _______ really that detrimental to one's health?" They record information in a journal, including sources of information. Students work in groups with...

Students comprehend the four parameters of water quality. They perform tests for salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and clarity or turbidity. Students comprehend why scientists and environmental managers monitor water uality and aquatic...

Students explore temperature variation in lakes and deal with the data.

Students, in groups, evaluate conditions outside the building and inside the classroom using thermometers, barometers, anemometers, etc. They compare interior and exterior conditions. They consider and discuss factors that contribute...

Students investigate the question: What is the impact of urban development and expansion on the health of a decidious forest ecosystem and humans? They examine the issue of land development by responding to a specific scenario and...