Sixth graders conduct a controlled investigation to determine the length of the sun's shadow on a fixed object (i.e., flagpole, telephone pole, etc.) over a three-day period (one day in the fall, one in the winter, and one in the...

For this plate tectonics worksheet, students use Graham crackers, frosting, water and a paper plate to simulate tectonic processes such as convergent, divergent and transforming plate boundaries.

Students map magnetic fields of a magnet using a compass and predict where fields cancel each other to create 'Bermuda Triangles'. For this magnetism lesson, students use a compass to map the magnetic field of a magnet. They explain how...

Students study conservation and how cities obtain their water.  In this water lesson students view a PowerPoint presentation and draw a picture of the water cycle.

Students understand the process of recycling. They investigate how it improves the environment. They read the story "Don't Pollute" by Stan and Jan Berenstein. They analyze trash and sort it into bins.

Middle schoolers examine and compare traits of humans and crocodiles.  In this crocodile instructional activity students use a ratio to estimate the height of a person and compare that to a crocodile. 

Students explore wind energy by making a pinwheel to model a wind turbine. They experiment with their turbine by placing it in different locations for optimal energy.

Students explore air pollution. In this ecology lesson, students participate in an experiment in which 5 numbered jar lids are placed outside. Students bring one lid a day in until all jars are inside. Dirt specks are counted, observed,...

Young scholars explore wants and needs. In this ecology and economics lesson plan, students listen to the story The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and compile a class list of what the boy got from the tree. Young scholars categorize...

Students explore the environment by completing science worksheets in class. In this water conservation activity, students identify ways water is used in our society and how we abuse the privilege. Students discuss methods to reduce water...

Students compare the weathering of different-sized materials. Comparisons are made and data analyzed to reach conclusions about the process of weathering. Applications can be made for the higher grades.

Students propose and perform an experiment using the scientific method. The purpose of the experiment is to discern some earth materials or combinations of earth materials that best increases the pH of "acid rain". From the results of...

Students study the path and forms of water through Earth. In this water cycle lesson, students role-play water as it moves throughout the Earth. Students play the water cycle game and complete various stations to learn about water forms...

Second graders explore Earth science by participating in a nature observation activity. For this four seasons lesson, 2nd graders identify the four seasons on Earth and the weather patterns they are known for. Students read several books...

Students participate in activities that increase awareness of environmental stewardship. In this stewardship lesson, students discuss solutions to environmental problems and apply the solutions to ways they can keep their classroom...

Students explore earth science by creating illustrations in class. In this four seasons lesson, students identify the four different types of weather that take place during the year and read the books Harvest Year and Snow Comes to the...

First graders do an experiment on the rotation of the earth.

Students explore the concept of the planet Earth and its connection to the Native American traditional beliefs of 'Mother Earth.' Students describe and illustrate the Native American beliefs for 'Mother Earth.' Students interpret words...

Students dissect an apple to model the percentage of land on Earth that can be used as a food-producing resource. They use fractions to determine the habitable and agriculture area of the apple.

A multi-part lesson opens with a review of p waves and s waves. Then scholars use a simple s wave simulator to view the way the wave travels. Next, pupils use cups and various fluids to simulate p waves moving through different...

Middle schoolers work in a team to use the ProScope Digital USB Microscope and a computer to collect microscopic images from a variety of mineral specimens. They compare specimens and determine how they are alike and different by...

The second of a three-unit lesson plan, this focuses on how human-made structures affect watersheds. Using watershed models that were built during the first unit, junior geologists now place buildings, dams, or levees into the models and...

Amazing! Any 5th grader would be more than willing to participate in this project. Students are broken into groups, each group reads one book from a list of five. They use their book as the basis for choosing an animal and environment to...

The San Andreas Fault moves about two inches a year, approximately the same rate fingernails grow—crazy! The third instructional activity in the series allows for hands-on exploration of various fault formations. Through the use of a...