Curated OER
To Clear or Not To Clear, That Is the Question
Pupils plan how to manage a fictional timber resource. In this earth science lesson plan, students research the options and repercussions of logging a forested plot of land. Pupils consider the implications of logging to the...
Curated OER
Topics in Environmental Science
Middle schoolers discover topics in environmental science. In this science lesson plan, students build a model to simulate the greenhouse effect and analyze and interpret data, especially the results of introducing pollutants into nature.
Curated OER
Making Your Own Sampling Tools
Students examine cause-and-effect relationship between human attitudes and behavior in the environment. They also assist citizens in increasing their sensitivity and stewardship for the environment.
Curated OER
Chemical Engineer
Students identify toxic household products. In this ecology lesson, students research on the health effects, rating and disposal of these products. They rank them based on the danger they pose.
Curated OER
Freshwater Ecosystems Closing Lesson
Students create a commercial on how to care for fresh water. In this environmental science lesson, students write a script and use materials as props in the commercial. They present it in class and share comments and feedback.
Curated OER
Sugar Bush Sap Production - Human Environmental Impact on Sap Sand
Eleventh graders compare the amount of sugar sand present in tree sap. In this environmental science lesson, 11th graders measure different tree circumference. They prepare a report and share findings in class.
Curated OER
Rainforest Animals – Camouflage and Coloring for Protection
Students explain why animals need to blend in with their surrounding. In this environmental science lesson plan, students create moth paper models to simulate animals hidden in the rainforests. They make a bulletin board display about...
Curated OER
Methods of Power-Fossil Fuel and Ethanol
Learners research the advantages and disadvantages of using ethanol. In this environmental science class, students assess the importance of fossil fuels in our daily lives. They recommend ways to lessen their harmful effects.
Curated OER
The Debate Over North Shore Road
Students examine the impact of the North Shore Road Project in North Carolina. In this environmental science lesson plan, students share their views regarding this environmental issue. They compare and contrast the map of the Great Smoky...
Curated OER
Water Quality Survey: Monitoring the Sustainability of Pigeon Creek
Students research the History of Pigeon Creek (or any watershed in your area). In this environmental science lesson plan, students conduct field tests such as pH and nitrates. They collect data and compare what they collected with other...
Curated OER
Wetland Ecosystem Conservation
Students read articles about wetland ecosystem conservation in Florida and other countries. They summarize information found in the articles. Students reflect on the information in the articles and write their feelings.
National Institutes of Health
Niehs: Kids' Pages
Learn about keeping our environment clean with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' Web Page. There are web resources for environmental issues, games and activities and coloring pages, too.
University of Guelph
Canada's Polar Environments
This site is a set of images along with volumes of information make this site a treasure trove. The site has satellite images.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Are There Dangerous Levels of Lead in Local Soil?
The element lead is a neurotoxin that is particularly dangerous to young children. Among other uses, lead compounds were common paint additives until being phased out for safer titanium-based additives beginning in the 1960's. Lead...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Air Particles and Air Quality
What does the phrase, "Like a breath of fresh air," mean to you? This common phrase can have different meanings: calming, relaxing, invigorating, energizing or clean. In this experiment you will test the quality of air by measuring the...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: The Big Dig
Even though many cities have recycling programs, a lot of trash still ends up in the dump. Find out which materials will break down and which materials won't. Will the results of this experiment change which products you often buy?
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Get Down and Dirty: How Does Soil Change With Depth?
What covers less than 10% of the Earth's surface, yet is a vital natural resource for terrestrial life? What filters ground water and supports most of our food production, not to mention the production of building materials and paper?...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Getting Carried Away: Measuring Soil Erosion
When you think of environmental challenges facing the world, the first things that come to mind might be global warming, or loss of biodiversity, since these are often in the newspapers. A serious problem that you may not have heard...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: How Does Soil Affect the P H of Water?
Did you know that soils can be alkaline, neutral, or acidic? Most plants grow best in soil near neutral pH, but some plants prefer slightly acidic and others slightly alkaline soil. What is the pH of the soil in your garden? What happens...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: I'm Trying to Breathe Here! Dissolved Oxygen vs. Temperature
To survive, we need oxygen in the air we breathe. Oxygen is also essential for most aquatic organisms, but there is much less oxygen available in water than in air. Learn how to measure dissolved oxygen and then see how oxygen...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: It's Raining, It's Pouring: Chemical Analysis of Rainwater
Here is an interesting project that could be approached from several different scientific angles: Environmental Science, Weather & Atmosphere, Chemistry, or Plant Biology. You can probably think of your own variations to emphasize...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Acid Rain and Aquatic Life
Chemicals from the Earth's atmosphere are making their way down to the planet. Not in spaceships, but in rain. The acid rain can infiltrate ground water, lakes, and streams. How does acid rain affect aquatic ecosystems?
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Something's Fishy About That Fertilizer
Did you know that when you use fertilizer in your garden, it can eventually reach a lake, stream, or pond? There are many different chemicals present in fertilizers. Learn how they affect the aquatic organisms in the ecosystem within...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Heavy Metals and Aquatic Environments
You might know that lead can be toxic, and that you can get lead poisoning from eating or inhaling old paint dust. Lead is called a heavy metal, and there are other sources of heavy metals that can be toxic, too. Silver, copper, mercury,...