Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Connect the Spheres: Earth Systems Interactions

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Is everything really connected? Take your class on a walk outside, where they will make observations and write them down on a worksheet. Once they are back in the classroom, learners will work to determine if and how things like birds,...
Lesson Plan
Space Awareness

Measure the Solar Diameter

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed Standards
Scientists could measure the diameter of the sun before they knew its distance. Scholars construct a simple mirror box to measure the diameter for themselves. They compare this measurement with the official size, listed in a...
Lesson Plan
NASA

Cloudy vs. Clear - Maps

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Find out the science of how clouds keep Earth cooler on hot days. Using guided discussions, investigators analyze and interpret maps of how much solar energy Earth receives at different times of the year. Participants draw conclusions...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reproduction, Day 3: Parenthood

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Reproduction can result in parenthood. Discuss the pros and cons, responsibility, and possible results of sexual intercourse. Intended for a secondary special education class, this lesson is developmentally appropriate for mild to...
Lesson Plan
Stanford University

Solstice and Equinox Season Model

For Teachers 4th - 8th Standards
How can December 21 be the shortest day of the year when all days are 24 hours long? Pupils see how to build a model showing the differences between winter and summer solstices and equinoxes. Using this model, classes can then discuss...
Lesson Plan
US Geological Survey

Water, Water, Everywhere?

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Less than one percent of the earth's water is available for human use. A hands-on activity models the phenomenon for young scientists. Beginning with a specific volume of water, learners remove water that correlates to the percent of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reasons for the Seasons

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders conduct and analyze a survey that explores public perceptions about the reasons for seasonal change. They measure the changing length of days, observe shadows and discuss how the Earth's axis of rotation affects the seasons.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth's Hydrologic Cycle

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Learners examine the water cycle. In this hydrologic cycle lesson plan, students follow the provided procedures to demonstrate the how water moves around the planet through the dynamics of the water cycle.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hello, Sunshine!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate how the sun travels across the sky at different latitudes using Solar Motion Demonstrator. In this earth science lesson, students explain why seasons change. They study how the tilt of the Earth's axis affects...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Astronomy

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students explore space science by utilizing education software. In this moon cycles instructional activity, students discuss the importance of the moon and the different phases we observe from earth. Students demonstrate the earth's...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth Kids: Kindergarteners Taking Care of the Earth

For Teachers K
Students explore a variety of ways of how to care for the environment in the nine lessons of this unit. They observe how to be responsible "Earth Kids."
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hike Preparation

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine hiking preparation.  In this hiking lesson students plan and pack a bag for a day hike, explore wildlife safety, and investigate the teamwork involved in a group hike.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Navigating a Spacecraft

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students work with a partner to plot the trajectory of a spacecraft traveling between Earth and Mars in the 2018 and returning in 2020. They examine the key factors when planning a mission to and from Mars such as travel time, distances...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Moon Glow

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students identify the Earth-Moon relationship and the phases of the Moon. They participate in an activity that illustrates why the Moon has so many different looks within a lunar cycle. They discuss solar and lunar eclipses.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mazes and Labyrinths

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Learners evaluate directions by participating in a maze activity. For this labyrinth lesson, students identify the history of mazes and labyrinths and utilize Google Earth to examine real life mazes. Learners create their own mazes...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Looking into Surface Albedo

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Young scholars demonstrate how the color of materials on Earth affect the amount of solar energy that is absorbed.  In this solar energy lesson plan students complete a lab to explore how the color of materials on the Earth's...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Recent Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars study the recent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.  In this recent earthquakes lesson students complete an activity while working in groups.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Big is Your Footprint?

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Young scholars create awareness for ways in which the "Western" lifestyle negatively impacts the Earth. They create awareness for alternatives to our current ways of living, eating and traveling. Students are challenged to talk with...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geologic Time Scale

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students recreate and comprehend the geologic time scale. They discuss how long humans have been around on Earth. Students are shown the geologic time scale and its different parts. They work in groups to recreate the time scale.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Makes you Hot?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers manipulate different variables in a model and make inferences about the temperature on Earth.  In this heat lesson students calculate the blackbody radiation of an object at a certain temperature. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Great Glaciers!

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders study the earths surface and how changes happen to it.  In this glacier lesson students complete a lab activity to see how glaciers form.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Human Footprint

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Young scholars study facts about humans and how they are impacting the Earth.  In this investigative lesson students help map peoples footprints over the Earth's surface and evaluate these factors. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Activity Plan Mixed Ages: Sunny Science

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Young scholars develop problem-solving, observation, and critical-thinking skills. In this early childhood lesson, students explore the topic of the sun as they notice shadows and light.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

A Rockin' Investigation

For Teachers K - 2nd
Young scientists identify the rock cycle. For this earth science activity, students participate in web-based research to understand how sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks form. As a follow-up, they collect various rocks and...

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