Curated OER
Is That Icebox Green?
Seventh graders create a timeline of the development of electrical appliances. In this physics lesson, 7th graders explore energy consumption over the past 90 years. They create a poster about their chosen electrical device detailing its...
Curated OER
The Urban Heat Island Effect - Lesson 2 (Grades 8-9)
Learners use the scientific process to show that when various surfaces are exposed to similar environmental conditions, surface temperatures may vary. They examine the "urban heat island" phenomenon and analyze why it increases energy...
Curated OER
Walking the Talk
Students research production, consumptions, and disposal of everyday items and their ecological impacts. In this sustainable economics lesson, students discuss clothing and various items used everyday in groups. Students then study a...
Curated OER
Earn Points with Technology
Students explore renewable energy by analyzing a diagram. In this fossil fuel activity, students view a chart explaining the different energy consumption from automobiles and how they impact our environment. Students analyze a point...
Curated OER
The Market System and Consumerism
Students examine their own consumption habits. Using various advertisements, they discuss their role in showing consumers what they must have in their lives. As a class, they encourage each other to change their habits and discuss how...
Curated OER
Power Generation
Students examine energy issues. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students discuss nuclear power options. Students also discuss energy consumption and create energy reduction guides for students their own age. Many links to...
Curated OER
Needs and Wants
Students examine the difference between needs and wants. In this consumption lesson plan, students illustrate their needs and wants and discuss their own reasons for buying things. They also discuss the connection between their choices...
University of California
Energy and Biomass Pyramids
Young scientists play tag as they act out the food pyramid in the ocean ecosystem. Energy circles pass from the smaller prey to the predators and at the end of the activity, a data chart and analysis questions allow pupils to apply their...
Curated OER
Lesson 2 of 5 - Energy
Students complete an energy analysis for the No Impact Man project. In this environment and energy lesson plan, students review the project by visiting the given website and discuss the issue of electricity in the project. Students watch...
Curated OER
Tread Lightly: Low Carbon Lunch
Students create a flowchart of the carbon footprint of food from production to disposal. In this biology lesson, students brainstorm ways to reduce greenhouse gases by smart food choices. They create a blog promoting ways to eat low...
Curated OER
Eating your Energy's Worth
Students calculate the amount of electrical energy used in a week in food units. They create ways to reduce energy use. Students discuss the different forms and sources of energy. They discuss how people use electrical energy to power...
Curated OER
Managing Your Energy Budget
Learners experience an inequitable resource distribution and electronically calculate their own Ecological Footprint. The assess their resource use and learn more about sustainable living strategies in a video tour by Penn State...
Curated OER
Trash Or Treasure
Students investigate the concept of garbage and define how it may be useful for people. The consumption of products is estimated to predict the annual volume of garbage for a household. Then students attempt to create a treasure made...
Curated OER
Energy Audit
Students examine the level of energy usage on a local and national level. Using the internet, they discover ways to conserve energy every day and how over-consumption of energy negatively affects the environment. In groups, they...
Curated OER
Exploring Air Issues
Young scholars collects survey data from their community on air pollution. In this environmental science instructional activity, students consider the opinion of the community on air pollution and create a plan to reduce it. Young...
Curated OER
Health, Pollution, and Safety: Why Should We Care?
Students examine the impact of reducing the carbon dioxide emissions. They identify ways alternative fuels can lessen the effect of emissions on communities. Working in teams they conduct research from various community and Internet...
Curated OER
Peak Oil
Young scholars explore the finite petroleum resources available and the surging demand for fossil fuels by developing nations. the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption and the development of alternative, sustainable fuels is examined...
Curated OER
Rain Gardens for Controlling Excess Runoff
Students address the idea that human beings live within the world' ecosystems. They discuss how humans modify ecosystems as a result of population growth, technology, and consumption. Students discuss how the human destruction of...
It's About Time
Renewable Energy Sources - Solar and Wind
There has been a huge solar energy spill! Let's go outside to play in it. This lesson includes multiple experiments showcasing solar and wind energies. Scholars build a solar heater and an anemometer before testing the results. The...
Curated OER
High School EcoHouse Curriculum
How has the level of carbon dioxide changed over recent years, and what is contributing it? Groups work together to research and present their findings in a creative way. Also built into the lesson is a visit to a sustainable house, but...
Curated OER
Earth Day Rap
In this Earth Day Rap, students read a rap/song about helping conserve resources and take care of the earth. On the second page, the song is missing 6 of it's phrases and students fill in the blanks.
Curated OER
The Importance of Recycling Batteries
Students discover the types of batteries and their uses. They experience static electricity by rubbing glass jars and using it to raise their hair. After discussing the importance of recycling batteries and using ones that are...
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
How Much Water Do You Use?
Incorporate reading strategies, math, research, and the scientific method into one lesson about water conservation. After reading a story about a landlady trying to determine how many people are living in an apartment, learners develop a...
Curated OER
Water Works
Learners create a "water web" to illustrate the interdependence among water users and producers. They distinguish between direct and indirect uses of water; illustrate the interconnectedness of water users in a community; and demonstrate...