Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Variables Affecting Earth's Albedo

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study the variables that affect the Earth's albedo.  For this environmental data analysis lesson students interpret and graph information and calculate changes. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Differences Between Ground and Air Temperatures

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the differences between air temperature and ground temperature.  In this investigative lesson students find NASA data on the Internet and use it to create a graph. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Heating the Earth

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore how the angle of sunlight affects the Earth's temperature and seasons and then apply this understanding to their local situation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Vegetation, Precipitation, and Surface Temperature to Study Climate Zones

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners begin their examination of the climate zones found around the world. Using a software program, they identify the relationship between the vegetation, climate and temperatures of the different zones. They also plot coordinates...
Workbook
1
1
University of California

Seasons Lab Book

For Students 5th - 8th Standards
Unlock the mystery behind seasonal change with a collection of worksheets and activities. Whether they are drawing pictures of Earth's orbit around the sun or graphing the temperature and daylight hours of different locations...
Lesson Plan
US Department of Energy

Microclimate

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Atmosphere aces investigate the microclimates that exist within a larger area. They use a thermometer to record temperature variations and identify microclimates on a map they have drawn. This exercise helps them to understand that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate and Temperature

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore what the soil temperature would be on the north and south sides of a building. In this temperature lesson, students hypothesize what the results will be using a thermometer and then after a week see what the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

It's a Gas! Or is it?

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Examine the effects of temperature and pressure on solubility and the states of matter of ocean water. Learners make inferences about the unique chemistry of ocean water at different depths. They engage in an activity related to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Going Local with Global Warming

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners examine climate change by using recent temperature records.  In this data analysis instructional activity students plot weather data and study the differences between weather and climate. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classroom Meteorologists: An Experiential Approach to Learning about Seasons and Weather

For Teachers K
Students examine several concepts about weather in the seven lessons of this unit. This year long activity helps students to gather data seasonally about wind, clouds, precipitation, and temperature. Earth's three climate zones are...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

High Mountain Retreat

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars explore and analyze atmospheric conditions for a high mountain retreat. They examine the relationship between altitude, atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity at a particular location. In addition, they write...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Size Shapes Animals

For Teachers Pre-K - 3rd
Young scholars investigate how size affects large and small animals differently. In this animal lesson plan, students determine how size affects different animals by constructing their own animal out of marshmallows. Once young...
Lab Resource
Colorado State University

If Hot Air Rises, Why Is it Cold in the Mountains?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Investigate the relationship between temperature and pressure. Learners change the pressure of a sample of air and monitor its temperature. They learn that as air decreases its pressure, its thermal energy converts to kinetic energy.
Unit Plan
Association of American Geographers

Project GeoSTART

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
Investigate the fascinating, yet terrifying phenomenon of hurricanes from the safety of your classroom using this earth science unit. Focusing on developing young scientists' spacial thinking skills, these lessons engage...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Radiation Budget Lesson: Exploring Albedo

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students experiment with sunlight and temperature. They study the definition of albedo, or the percentage of incoming sunlight that is reflected, rather than absorbed.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reasons for the Seasons

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders conduct and analyze a survey that explores public perceptions about the reasons for seasonal change. They measure the changing length of days, observe shadows and discuss how the Earth's axis of rotation affects the seasons.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Unique Plants of the Biomes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine how the earth is divided into different biomes that are characterized by a distinctive climate.  In this earth's surface instructional activity students identify adaptations of plants in specific biomes. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

March of the Polar Bears: Global Change, Sea Ice, and Wildlife Migration

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students study global change and how these changes impact wildlife.  In this polar bears  lesson plan students analyze maps and data to understand climate change. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Linking Algebra to Temperature

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students convert between two units as they calculate the temperature. In this algebra lesson, students collect data on seasonal climate and create a graph. They make conjectures based on their data collection.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Probing Below the Surface of Mars

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students simulate the search for water in Mars using simple apparatus. In this space science activity, students explain how soil temperature affects the cooling of probes. They graph the data collected from the simulation.
Lesson Plan
American Chemical Society

Exploring Moisture on the Outside of a Cold Cup

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
As a stand-alone or as part of the intended unit, this is a valid investigation of what causes condensation to occur.  By limiting the amount of air around a cold cup of water and comparing it to one out in the open, they find that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate Change in My City

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners investigate the climate changes occurring locally, regionally and globally over the last one hundred years. They brainstorm and predict whether the current year's weather was warmer or colder than last year then check the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Living in the Greenhouse

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students discuss the different types of climate zones found throughout the world. They participate in activities which relate to real events. They make observations and the consequences of their actions on the environment.
Activity
US Department of Energy

Bringing Climate Change Into the Classroom

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the greenhouse effect and examine the potential effects of climate change in the Arctic. They construct a mini-greenhouse and test its effect on temperature, analyze historical climate statistics, and conduct...