Researchers think they have evidence of a new planet deep in our solar system that is the size of Neptune and orbits the sun far beyond Pluto. The orbit simulator shows the orbits of our well-known planets, as well as Pluto and the comet...

Students recall details about the formation of the earth and early atmosphere. They name the layers of the atmosphere and compare amounts of atmospheric nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. Formulate questions about global warming.

Pair earth scientists up to use an amazing online arctic portal mapping tool and Google Earth to analyze permafrost changes. They compare changes to data on atmospheric concentrations of methane to see if there is a correlation. Then...

An ambitious and engaging lesson on the Westward Movement for your students to enjoy! Groups of learners rotate between learning tasks such as learning about the Chislom Trail, Lewis and Clark, and the Gold Rush. A WebQuest is also...

High schoolers map connections among raw materials. For this environmental stewardship lesson, students design strategies to minimize the use of raw materials and discuss how to use more sustainable materials.

Students explore the patterns of day and night. In this geography skills lesson, students read brief selections and examine diagrams that note the transition of day and night around the world. Students respond to the questions included...

Students examine ways in which humans have brought change to the natural environment. In this ecology and literacy lesson, students listen to the book Island Boy by Barbara Cooney. Students observe and define map-reading vocabulary as...

Students locate different places on globes and maps by learning about latitude and longitude lines. In this latitude and longitude lesson plan, students identify specific locations based on the degrees of latitude and longitude.

Students distinguish between latitude and longitude on the map. In this mapping lesson, students participate in mapping skills to recognize spatial relationships, and where to find natural resources on the map. Students create...

Students identify the differences between maps and globes. In this map skills instructional activity, students are shown a globe and a map and recognize the differences. Students use post-it notes to locate several locations on the world...

Young scholars are introduced to the concepts of latitude and longitude. In groups, they identify the Earth's magnetic field and the disadvantages of using compasses for navigation. They identify the major lines of latitude and longitude...

In this field trip study guide for the planetarium show lesson plan, young scholars construct a model of the Earth and describe the relative positions of the continents using latitude and longitude. Students construct a star chart to...

Learners examine and identify the various types of maps. Using two types of maps, they compare the data that can be gathered from each one. They also identify and locate the continents and the oceans. They review the purposes of each...

Young scholars comprehend the differences between flat maps and relief or topographical maps. They recognize how forces such as earthquakes, volcanoes, water, and wind-as well as human actions--have altered the Earth's surface. Students...

Fourth graders discuss the different interactions of plates and the ways mountains are created.  In this plate tectonics instructional activity students complete an activity in groups.

Explore Earth and her amazing layers with this lesson plan on planetary change. Learners will research the ways in which Earth's layers cause change. They will complete a "Tectonic Puzzle" and use a worksheet to answer questions about...

Underclassmen create a cone-shaped landform and then draw a contour map for it. Then they examine a quadrangle (which was easily located with an online search), and relate it to what they experienced. The accompanying worksheet is...

Students examine how grids are created and used to locate positions of objects or features on a map.

Students identify the various forms of fresh water on the earth. They observe a demonstration aand read articles that show them the importance of water conservation. They write a journal about their opinion regarding paying for water.

Young scholars explore the earth with maps and globes. In this map lesson plan, students use maps and globes to locate oceans and continents.

Students investigate how to use a globe. In this map skills lesson plan, students define what a globe is and locate the various continents on the globe. Students are also asked to locate the four oceans on the globe.

Students discuss differences between man made and natural features on the Earth's surface. In this natural and man made features lesson plan, learners brainstorm a list of features and categorize them on the board. Students study a...

Bring the ocean floor to life! Earth science scholars discover the process of deep sea mapping in the third installment in a series of five lessons about ocean exploration. The teacher's guide includes helpful resources, worksheets, and...

Militaries throughout history have used topography information to plan strategies, yet many pupils today don't understand it. Scholars use Legos and a contour gauge to understand how to construct and visualize topographic profiles. This...