Curated OER
Weather Lesson 1
Students describe and compare the layers of the atmosphere. They explain how to measure the temperature of the atmosphere. They also explain what causes the atmosphere to heat up in some places more than in others.
Curated OER
Ozone Hole Expert Groups
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...
Curated OER
The Sun, Moon, and Our Solar System: Teacher/Student Notes
Introduce basic Earth and space science to your budding astronauts. This handout works in two ways, the first part provides information about the sun, moon, eclipses, and Earth to be read to or by the class. The second part is composed...
Curated OER
Volcanoes
Young scholars participate in groups to complete a volcano project. In this volcano activity, students work in groups to follow directions and create a working, model volcano. Young scholars then answer discussion questions about their...
Curated OER
What is the Earth's Surface Like?
In this Earth's surface worksheet, students complete a graphic organizer by writing in 1 main idea and 4 supporting details describing the Earth's surface.
Curated OER
What is Soil?
Students examine soil. In this earth science lesson, students define and describe weathering and erosion as it relates to soil. Students compare and contrast potting soil with forest soil and complete a science observation worksheet.
Curated OER
Using Satellite Imagery to Discuss the Science Behind Brazilian Deforestation
Students can delve into earth science by using satellite imagery to learn about the deforestation of the Brazilian rainforest.
Curated OER
Styrofoam Earth
Students examine how there are three layers inside the Earth. They design their own model of the layers of the Earth with a Styrofoam ball. They illustrate the layers inside the Earth with crayons.
K12 Reader
World Climates
Why is weather different around the world? Learn about world climates with a reading comprehension passage. Kids read a short passage before answering five comprehension questions based on context clues.
California Academy of Science
Carbon Cycle Role Play
Anytime you make concepts clear with role playing or hands-on experience, it's a win for the whole class. Ping-Pong balls are used to represent carbon in a carbon cycle role-play activity. In small groups, children first discuss what...
Curated OER
Wonderful Whales
Primary marine biologists consider the largest living animals on Earth, the whales. Introduce them to general anatomy, unique adaptations, and behaviors. Teach them to sing a song that will help them remember some of these facts....
Curated OER
The Water We Drink
Third graders relate that the quality of their drinking water is subject to the condition of the environment and water found in streams and creeks in their community. They track the travel of a wad of paper from a student's desk to a...
Curated OER
Plate Tectonics: An "Eggs"periment
Students investigate plate tectonics by observing a cracked egg shell. In this Earth science activity, students draw borders of continents on an egg shell, only to watch it crack in a glass. Students record the breakup of the "Earth"...
Curated OER
Rocks and Minerals
Students are able to describe earth processes (e.g., rusting, weathering, erosion) that have affected selected physical features in students, neighborhoods. They are able to identify various earth structures (e.g., mountains, faults,...
Curated OER
Earth In Space Vocabulary Sheet
In this space science vocabulary worksheet, learners read the definitions for 6 common terms. Students then look up 4 words and write the meanings. Learners alphabetize the vocabulary words on another piece of paper.
Curated OER
Investigating the Soil
Students explore the Earth's crust by researching pH levels and acidity. In this environmental safety lesson, students identify the pros and cons of acidity within soil and how it affects plants. Students collaborate in a pH level...
Curated OER
Scale Model of the Earth
Students work together to create a model of the Earth. They label and identify each layer and describing its properties. They discover how engineers use models to test different concepts.
Curated OER
Tropical Rainforests
Students create their own rainforest environment. This tropical rainforest lesson, introduces where rainforests are located, their real world connections, and their structural make up. It includes further resources online.
Wilderness Classroom
Pollution
Educate scholars on pollution—air, water, and land—with a series of lessons that begin with a thorough explanation of each type. Learners then take part in three activities to reinforce the importance of reducing pollution. They...
Curated OER
Changes Written in Stone
Earth Rocks! Explore the many properties and types of rocks, where they come from and how they are formed. This resource presents a simplistic overview of the rock cycle. Tip: Bring in samples of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous...
Curated OER
Gingerbread Spacecraft
Learners explore the different parts of the Cassini spacecraft. In this space science lesson, students create a model of the spacecraft using food products. They compare and contrast their model with the real one and evaluate its...
Curated OER
Fossil Formation
Students discuss fossils. In this science activity, students simulate fossils within Earth's layers by using gummy fish and bread.
Curated OER
Plate Tectonics: Third Grade Lesson Plans and Activities
Third graders examine plate movements and boundaries with a lab that demonstrates how volcanoes and earthquakes are formed. It presents different types of stresses an object can withstand through a hands-on experiment with clay to...
Curated OER
Changing Ways
Third graders examine hard boiled eggs as possible models for the earth's layers.