Students explore the layers of earth's atmosphere and conduct an experiment to identify carbon dioxide. They construct models using styrofoam to represent molecules in the atmosphere's layers. To discover how sunlight efffects...

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...

Here is an outstanding 10-page lesson plan on global warming. Learners discover that there is a lot of controversy surrounding this topic in that the science behind global warming is difficult to prove. The best thing about this plan is...

Young scholars examine NASA satellite observations of surface temperature and investigate the seasonal changes of land and water temperature.

First in a two-part lesson plan on the greenhouse effect, this lesson plan involves a classroom demonstration of the phenomenon, and a lab group experiment with color and absorption. Although there are easier ways to demonstrate the...

Students explore energy. In this science instructional activity, students conduct an experiment in which they measure how much energy is produced by the sun. Students build a calorimeter to measure the amount of energy.

Students design and build a model solar energy home. In this technology instructional activity, students test the efficiency of their model houses by measuring temperature at regular intervals. They analyze data and share results with...

High schoolers conduct a series of experiments to investigate density, buoyancy and climate. In this math lesson plan, pupils design and build a hot air balloon to demonstrate convection. They research and write a paper about solar...

Students engage in three short, hands-on, in-class demos which expand students' understand of energy. First, using peanuts and heat, students see how the human body burns food to make energy. Then, they create paper snake mobiles to...

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...

Students investigate the seasonal changes to sea surface and near-surface air temperatures near the equator. They use actual satellite data to track and graph the differences in air and sea temperatures during different seasons in the...

Ninth graders examine how dark surfaces absorb more light than light surfaces. They perform an experiment that compares various surfaces abilities to absorb heat, then record and analyze the results.

Students examine the different ways heat can be felt.  For this radiation and conduction lesson, students recognize that the sun radiates heat. Students conduct three experiments to find how the sun warms the Earth and how that heat...

Learners observe temperature differences of water and air in sunlight and darkness. They determine that the sun warms the Earth's surface, which controls global currents and climate, keeping the earth habitable. They discover water and...

Students use the NASA website's Live Access Server to create a graph of surface temperature at two locations on earth. They analyze the data and then answer specific questions provided in this lesson plan. They also examine and compare...

Learners experiment with the concepts of absorption and reflection of radiant energy.

Third graders explore the concept of heat transfer as experienced in wearing winter clothing and analyzing the refrigerator.

Students explore and discover how the sun provides heat to the earth, depending on the surface as well as the angle of the sun's rays.

Students study the types and parts of seeds and how they have evolved.  In this germination lesson students complete experiments that show the effects of variables role in seed germination. 

Studens experiment with temperatures. In this science instructional activity, students make their own weather station by heating one bottle and keeping the water in another bottle at room temperature.

Students observe the process of transpiration in leaves. They measure how much water a leaf gives off in a 24-hour period, calculate the volume, and answer discussion questions.

Students study weather characteristics of a cold front passage. They view animations of several atmospheric variables (e.g., temperature, rainfall) during a cold front passage and locate the front, determine its direction of movement,...

Students look at how clouds form. In this cloud lesson, students make a cloud using water,  2 liter bottles and a match. They watch how the pressure and temperature changes the atmosphere in the bottle to create a cloud. 

Students identify, measure, and average micro-climatic temperatures in a particular region. They draw a small-scale map of an area to be sampled (classroom, playground, park, backyard) and identify potential locations for...