One hundred metric tons of CO2 can accumulate in one acre of forest over time—that's a lot of carbon! In the activity, groups of middle school learners determine what makes forests important. They then solidify the concept by using a...

A thorough description of volcanoes appears in this Earth science activity. Students read facts about volcanoes and answer 20 multiple choice comprehension questions. The answers appear at the end of the activity.

Eighth graders comprehend Newton's Laws of Motion and to use the scientific method in rocketry sub-unit. They work through the scientific method. Students illustrate how science and Newton's Laws can be used in everyday situations and...

Learners consider the earth and its problems as a system. They examine the fragility of that system when population, pollution, 1st world verse 3rd world, terrorism, etc., are considered as interactive parts of a spaceship earth.

In this language arts learning exercise, students analyze 30 words in a word bank. The words appear to pertain to biodiversity and earth science. Students locate the words in a word search puzzle. The meaning of the title is unclear.

Students work with partners to track tagged animals using real-time data from satellites. Students gather and analyze data, compile information and conclusions and then prepare a final presentation of their research.

Students explore the Solar System. In this cross-curriculum space instructional activity, students identify the planets, name them in order according to distance from the sun, and describe major characteristics of each planet. Students...

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...

Fourth graders access prior knowledge of rocks and minerals. In this petroglyphs lesson, 4th graders become familiar with artwork on rocks. Students create original artworks using rock art.

Students create an awareness of the vast percentage of water covering the earth. They relate similarities/differences between topographical maps and other maps of various time periods. Students examine how to use a topographical map.

Students complete a unit of lessons on rocks and minerals. They conduct research, write e-mail questions to geologists, write daily journal entries, label maps demonstrating types of rocks/minerals found, and create a web page that...

Students explore the relative sizes of the Sun, Earth and Moon as they make an impressive large-scale model for classroom use throughout the unit.

Students identify the plant parts and bee structures that are involved in pollination. They simulate pollination in a group activity and process the information.

Students discover the relationships between minerals, crystals and gems. They bring in rocks that they find at home, in the schoolyard, etc. and examine them and attempt to identify them. They set up a classroom exhibit that includes all...

Students gain an understanding of the relationship between climate and culture in the sub- Saharan Africa. Students will complete short exercises pertaining to the various cultures of Africa and the climate in which they live....

Students research and develop a report on birthday rituals around the world. In this research lesson plan, students compare birthday rituals from other cultures to their own. Images and resources are included.

Students explore the history of our mail system. For this postal lesson plan, students evaluate mail as a means of communication, create a mail system in their classroom where they can send and receive mail. Once the students receive...

Students construct models of early gas balloons and gliders. In this balloon and glider lesson, students create models of early gas balloons and gliders, discover how the forces of lift and drag effect aircraft in flight, and put on...

Students draw conclusions about an mystery person based on documents and artifacts provided. In this drawing conclusions instructional activity, students become detectives by reading and analyzing evidence provided. This instructional...

Students analyze the impact the ocean and its currents have on weather. In this oceans and weather instructional activity, students analyze data comparing inland and coastal weather, and analyze satellite data for evidence of El Nino.

Students examine how natural resources are reusable, renewable or nonrenewable.  In this ecosystems instructional activity students see the effects humans have on ecosystems and complete an art instructional activity activity. 

Students investigate recycling and waste reduction and its positive impact on the environment. In this environmental science lesson, students determine how and why materials are recycled. They apply their knowledge by making...

Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them.  For this investigative lesson students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings. 

Students explore the resources in other countries. In this communities lesson, students examine characteristics of their community to those of other communities. Students examine Canada, El Salvador, and India and their natural resources.