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The Water Cycle and Global Warming
Learners study the flow of water in the environment. In this water cycle activity students evaluate the consequences of changes in the water cycle using data.
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Your Expedition of Discovery
Learners study GPS and see how it is used to determine points on the Earths surface. In this expedition lesson students use GPS to find given coordinates.
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Sea Ice and Satellites
Students study satellites and satellite images using Google Earth. In this satellite lesson, students discuss satellites and how they work. Students watch a demonstration of how satellites work and learn what they are used for. Students...
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Plate Tectonics: An "Eggs"periment
Students investigate plate tectonics by observing a cracked egg shell. In this Earth science lesson, students draw borders of continents on an egg shell, only to watch it crack in a glass. Students record the breakup of the "Earth" and...
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Scale Model of the Solar System
Students work in groups of 4-6 for the experiment/activity part of this exercise. Students know that earth is the third planet from the sun in a system that includes the moon, the sun, eight other planets and their moons, and smaller...
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Introduction to the Globe
Students investigate how to use a globe. For this map skills lesson, 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.
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Crashed On the Moon
Students compare/contrast the environments of our moon and earth, and examine examples of how these differences would affect their daily activities on our moon. They develop lists of emergency supplies to bring if their spaceship crashed...
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Reasons for the Seasons
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.
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Trash or Treasure
Students explore the importance of recycling. Students are read "Can Kids Save the Earth", they are then guided in a recycling project. Students discuss Earth Day, and make poster to promote Earth Day.
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Moon Glow
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.
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The Celestial Sphere and Circumpolar Motion
Students investigate the celestial sphere and circumpolar motion. In this science lesson, students view an applet, The Celestial Sphere and Circumpolar Motion. Students discuss the Earth's rotation and stellar movement.
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The Sun's habitable Zone
Students explore the average surface temperature of planets. They use the Planet Temperature Calculator to find the average temperature. Students explore how the distance from the sun affects the Earth's average surface temperature. They...
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Circular Motion
Learners research physical science by completing worksheets. In this gravity lesson, students read assigned text regarding the rotation of Earth and the gravitational force caused by the speed of which it rotates. Learners complete a...
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Stratospheric Ozone
Pupils explore about the structure of Earth's atmosphere and about the stratospheric ozone. They discuss how it is produced and destroyed, where it is located, why it is important, and how it is changing. Students investigate about the...
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Magnetometer Extension Activities
Students observe magnetic fields and locate the position of "ore deposits" patterns using models and maps. In this magnetometer instructional activity students complete a hands on activity and a reading/writing exercise.
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Earth's Hydrologic Cycle
Students examine the water cycle. In this hydrologic cycle instructional activity, students follow the provided procedures to demonstrate the how water moves around the planet through the dynamics of the water cycle.
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Candy Quakes
Eighth graders, using a candy bar, gum, and Twizzlers, demonstrate the effects of deformational forces on the earth's crust. They examine the processes of rock and fossil formation.
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Martian Sun Times
Learners become weather reporters for the Martian Sun Times newspaper to gather. interpret, and compare current weather information for Mas and Earth. Final articles be posted on-line. There are seven investigations in this unit.
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How Big is Your Footprint?
Students 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 their...
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Individual Sundial (Cloud/Rain Activity)
Students make a simple sundial to examine the changes in shadows over time. In this sundial and shadow lesson, students make a simple sundial out of a manila folder and pencil. They observe how shadows change over time, and relate it to...
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Expanding the Mission: Historical Parks
Young scholars explore U.S. geography by viewing a documentary in class. In this national parks lesson, students view video clips of individual national parks and locate them using Google Earth software. Young scholars create a...
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Environmental Fair
Young scholars investigate environmental issues. In this environmental lesson, students find an object that is considered trash and make something useful out of it. Young scholars present their creative project.
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Are You Balanced With Your Environment?
Students discuss the impact of not keeping the environment in balance for future generations. As a class, they are introduced to the concept of "Balance of Nature" and what it means. In groups, they research the role of trees and how to...
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Sun's Path
Learners explore the movement of the sun across the sky. In this science lesson, students use clear plastic hemispheres and markers to record how the sun moves across the sky. Learners write directions so the activity could be repeated.