Learners examine fossils to understand how they are formed and how they give information about geological history. In this fossil lesson plan, students research and write about fossils and make models of different fossil types.The PDF...

Students observe evidence of erosion and various rock formations that have formed as a result of erosion and weathering. Their task is to explain how the forces of weathering and erosion contributed to sculpturing these rocks into arches...

A timely lesson uses documentation from the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918 to compare it to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Scholars watch a short video, analyze sources, complete a worksheet, and write a claim with supporting...

Students read about and complete question activities for the topic of relative dating. In this relative dating lesson, students read information for the topic and then complete two activities to further their understanding of geologic...

How far have California's Channel islands moved? What was the rate of this movement? Class members first examine data that shows the age of the Hawaiian island chain and the average speed of the Pacific Plate. They then watch West...

Students investigate the concepts related to volcanoes and focus upon Mt. St. Helens. They define the difference between an active and dormant volcano. They conduct research using a variety of resources. The information is used in order...

Students visualize the Earth's ecosystem at a specific time period and how Earth has changed over time. They create a detailed journal entry for a specific time period and create a birthday card to Earth.

Students study the rocks and fossils associated with the geologic landscape of Iowa. For this rocks and fossils lesson, students examine fossils that would be found in the Iowa landscape that show evidence of marine invertebrates such as...

Students research the evidence for prehistorically formed methane hydrates contributing to global warming. In this climate change lesson, students work in groups to research methane hydrates, global warming, The Cambrian Explosion, and...

Students discover the underlying scientific principles in common, daily events.

Students investigate how the age of sedimentary strata is determined. In this sedimentary strata lesson plan, students work through problems that show that geological history covers millions of years. They distinguish between relative...

Students investigate fossils. In this geology instructional activity, students study various types of fossils in rocks and identify the characteristics of the fossil. Students write a research paper on their fossil.

Fourth graders devise a workable inch-to-inch scale for a geologic timeline sequencing the eras covered in the unit. They hypothesize from descriptions of dinosaur fossil evidence.

Students receive copies of the Time Series Observations to use for note-taking. They work in small groups to discuss what they see when the outside lights of Alvin are turned on, and off, where the bacteria may have come from. They view...

Students investigate the lives of trees by examining ring cycles.  In this plant life lesson plan, students identify the field of study known as dendrochronology and discover its history.  Students investigate a simulated tree...

Students investigate the concepts of genetics and how it is tied to the variations found within different species and how it is tied to adaptations. They review the theory of evolution and factors found to help create variation. The...

Students read an article by Niles Eldridge about species and the environment and break into small groups to discuss it. They write essays noting strengths and weaknesses of punctuated equilibrium and gradualism, or other topics listed.

Students write a report about a paleontologist. In this paleontology lesson plan, students research and write a report about a noted paleontologist. They discuss the importance of technology to paleontologists and how paleontologist...

Young scholars explore the Big Bang Theory and the Theory of Plate Tectonics. In this history of life lesson plan, students explain two ways the Theory of Plate Tectonics and the Big Bang are of direct benefits to humans.

Students research the prehistoric earthworks site at Poverty Point, Louisiana. They compare the Louisiana artifacts and structure to the remains and knowledge of other ancient cultures. They present their research to the class.

Students explore parts of an impact crater and compare and contrast craters found in Earth, the Moon, and Mars. Crater formation is modelled and the relationship of mass, velocity, and size of the projectile to the crater formation is...

Learners use a video, the Internet and hands-on activities to explore how to determine the age of rocks and fossils based on radioactive decay data.

Pupils examine and analyze a poster that presents various types of animals throughout the ages. They determine biological classification with fossils and earth history in a game.

Students research important dates and events in the history and development of Yellowstone National Park. They create a timeline that denotes the events after watching the associated video clips.