Curated OER
In My Own Backyard
Students explore the soil and vegetation found in their home and/or school environment and map a familiar area. Each group is assigned a section of the schoolyard. They draw maps of their assigned places and gather soil and vegetation...
Curated OER
Diversity in Insects
Second graders examine bug photos from across the world. In this biodiversity lesson, students use a field notebook to make observation of insect photos. The class gather on the floor to investigate a mock field of...
Curated OER
Defining Agriculture and Natural Resources
Students define agricultural using concept maps. In this agriculture lesson, students use concept maps to determine the ideas that are related to agriculture such as farming, food, flowers, and forestry before defining the word...
Curated OER
Reading Maps of the East Pacific Rise
Pupils make qualitative and quantitative observations and use various maps to investigate the features of the East Pacific Rise The study actual bathymetric maps of the EPR region. They identify key features of the ridge and explore the...
Curated OER
Exploring Earth Through Maps and Technology
In this maps worksheet, students read 3 pages of detailed information about maps, latitude, longitude, topography, satellites and global positioning. Students then answer 10 questions. There is also a research project assignment available.
Curated OER
Hide and Seek with Bones: A Mapping and Scaling Comparison
Students examine and simulate how paleontologists map objects. They hide and find objects using a grid to map the objects' placements.
Curated OER
Using GIS to Construct Water Table Maps and Flow Nets
Students examine how to use GIS software to analyze patterns of groundwater flow. Seepage lake elevation data from the Sand Hills of Nebraska is used to construct a water table map and flow net using Esri's Arc Map software.
Curated OER
Landscape Picture Map
Students explore pollution of water sources. In this ecology lesson, students define and identify natural resources. Students use map skills to locate local rivers and lakes used for recreation. Students brainstorm ways in which to keep...
Curated OER
The Missing Piece: A Tale of a Tail
Students analyze and write about their findings of the dinosaur discoveries of Edward Cope. In this Edward Cope lesson plan, students examine illustrations of concept maps, discuss challenges, analyze skeleton diagrams, and write...
Curated OER
Where in the World? The Basics of Latitude and Longitude
Students 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 on a...
Curated OER
Modeling Shadows
Students demonstrate understanding of shadows by creating a physical model of concepts taught.
Curated OER
The Case of the "Lost Gorge:
Students examine the case of a map making expedition. In groups, they read a case study on "The Lost Gorge" in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. They examine maps and determine where the error in the map-making occured to end...
Curated OER
Social Studies: The Human and Animal Connection!
Students infer the connection among humans, animals, and disease through the interpretation of concept maps. They are introduced to the idea of a connection human disease and the domestication of animals.
Curated OER
Review of Populations
Students review the concept of populations. In this Biology lesson plan, students will work with a partner to talk through what they remember from the unit on populations. The class will then begin to work through a concept map as a way...
Curated OER
What are Igneous Rocks and How are They Formed?
Crystals form before your very eyes! What sixth grader wouldn't enjoy this lesson on igneous rock formation? Using hot Salol, junior geologists observe the crystal formation process as the material cools. This comprehensive lesson plan...
Curated OER
Where Has It Been? Tracking the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
By studying the assumed extinction, and subsequent rediscovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, learners use maps and come up with a scenario for the rediscovery of the bird. This incredibly thorough lesson plan is chock-full of...
Curated OER
The O Zone-Code Read Alert
What are the effects of an air quality alert? Expert groups receive one component of air quality information resources to study. Pupils then jigsaw into new groups and share their knowledge. Finally, they draft a statement of what they...
Curated OER
You Are Here
Students map local places and learn to use scale and distance. For this mapping lesson, students map their school and a favorite place. Students recreate their maps showing distance and scale sizes. Students locate their...
Curated OER
Flower Power
An engaging, multi-session art and science lesson awaits your class. Within this lesson, you'll find everything you need to implement the plan. They go on a nature walk around their school, and must identify many living and non-living...
Curated OER
The Responsibility of Preservation
Upper elementary and middle schoolers study the case of the ivory-billed woodpecker, a bird that was once-thought to be extinct. Learners explore the responsibility of people to preserve habitats, and take care of the animals who live in...
Purdue University
The Represented World: Recreational STEM
How are forces and motion important to a swing set? Scholars explore the concepts of force and motion using swing sets. In preparation for their own STEM design project, individuals take surveys and data from peers, complete labs on...
California Polytechnic State University
Australian Geography Unit
At the heart of this resource is a beautifully detailed PowerPoint presentation (provided in PDF form) on the overall physical geography of Australia, basic facts about the country, Aboriginal history, and Australia culture and lifestyle.
Channel Islands Film
Island Rotation: Lesson Plan 1
How do scientists provide evidence to support the theories they put forth? What clues do they put together to create these theories? After watching West of the West's documentary Island Rotation class members engage in a series of...
US Navy
The Science of Diving
Introduce gas laws using the popular topic of SCUBA diving. This activity makes a connection between the gas laws and the effect of pressure and temperature changes during diving. Young engineers complete introductory experiments to...