Lesson Plan
Curated OER

WHO CARES FOR THE LAND?

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students explore the importance of natural resources. They are given copies of the story, "Who Cares For The Land," and students follow along as the teacher reads it. Students identify the key points in the story. (Soil, water and air...
Worksheet
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What is a Fossil?

For Students 7th - 9th
In this fossils worksheet, students are given a bag of fossils mixed with non- fossils. They are to determine which category each item belongs to and give a reason. They answer questions about how they determine fossils from non-fossils.
Lesson Plan
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Rock and Roll with Music and Movement

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders improvise music and dance to express their analysis of types of rocks. They discuss the three classes of rocks, list describing words, and create a short musical piece and dance to symbolize the rock they are dancing.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Worm Watching

For Teachers K - 1st
Students examine the role earthworms play in building soils. They discuss worms and what they do with soil, make predictions and draw pictures, and observe their worms in soil over a two week period.
Lesson Plan
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The Paleozoic Era

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students access prior knowledge to create a chart of eras. In this Paleozoic era lesson, students research the Paleozoic era to find information to create dioramas. Students participate in fossil activities.
Lesson Plan
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Understanding the Geologic Timescale

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students identify and analyze how the geologic time scale was developed by investigating 11 periods of time and the vast expanse of time of the Earth's existence. They study their period, determine the important factors indicative to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Aging of Trees

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students examine tree rings to determine its age.  For this tree ring lesson, students examine core tree samples, identify the tree rings, and then determine its age. Students complete a worksheet, deciding which of the two core...
Lesson Plan
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Are You Getting Thirsty?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars study droughts and how they affect communities and coastal ecosystems.  In this ecosystems lesson students use data to examine drought conditions in certain areas. 
Lesson Plan
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Eyes on the Estuaries

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study estuaries and compare several ones in the U.S. In this estuary instructional activity students interpret data and compare the distribution of different species. 
Lesson Plan
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ABOUT ALL YOU CAN EAT: Superfoods

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Young scholars trace back through time to see how the nutritional value of food consumed was enhanced.  In this nutrients lesson students complete several activities that show the mass of food, and its PH value.
Lesson Plan
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Water Quality Comparison of Pulpit Rock Stream and Welton Falls

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders analyze different water samples given to them by their teacher.
Lesson Plan
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Exploring Rocks

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students collect and examine rocks. They record information about the rocks they have collected in their notebooks. They compare and contrast different rocks and complete a class chart at the end of the lesson.
Lesson Plan
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Sustainable Development

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders explore the difference between natural and man-made environments.  In this renewable resources lesson students evaluate the economic importance of resources. 
Lesson Plan
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Weathering and Erosion: Some Ways the Hydrosphere Affects the Geosphere

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Young scholars explain the causes of erosion, describe the effects of erosion, and devise a method of preventing erosion. They model the before-and-after-effects of erosion.
Lesson Plan
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What is in Soil?

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders identify and examine the components that make up soil. Individually, they use a magnifying glass to identify the organic and inorganic material in their soil sample. To end the lesson, they record the differences in the...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Why is the Ocean Salty?

For Students 6th - 10th
In this ocean salt worksheet, students read about the processes that have lead to the salt content in the ocean. Then students complete 5 short answer questions.
Lesson Plan
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Soil Formation

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders investigate how soil is formed. They analyze types of soil samples, examine soil using a magnifying glass or microscope, complete a chart, conduct a soil and plant experiment, and construct a soil profile.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classification

For Teachers K - 12th
Students gather and classify samples of a given item (rocks, fossils, seeds, etc.) They discuss various ways of classifying and that there are many different ways that are acceptable.
Lesson Plan
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Igneous Rocks

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners perform experiments in which they grow crystals. They draw pictures of where each type of rock originates from. They also identify igneous rocks by using a chart.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Plants Multiple Choice Activity

For Students 3rd - 5th
In this plant learning exercise, students complete a set of 15 multiple choice questions about plants and their growth. A reference web site is given for additional activities.
Lesson Plan
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Exploring Rocks

For Teachers K
Students recognize differences in the size, shape, texture, and color of different rocks. In this rocks lesson plan, students also learn and repeat back how a volcano erupts and make one out of a toilet paper tube.
Lesson Plan
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Earthquake!

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students gain an understanding of earthquakes. They examine vocabulary associated with earthquakes, how earthquakes happen, and preventive measures taken to diminish damage or harm in the event that an earthquake should happen.
Lesson Plan
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What is the Rock Cycle?

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students investigate the rock cycle. In this geology lesson, students read about the rock cycle on a website and discuss the steps of the rock cycle. Students visit a rock cycle website to complete a quiz. This is the first introductory...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Igneous Rocks Worksheet

For Students 4th - 8th
In this geology exploration learning exercise, students complete 27 short answer questions about the properties and locations of igneous rocks. Teacher must provide text or internet link.