Students examine how fuel cells and combustion engines work. Using the internet, they research the positives and negatives of the various energy sources. In groups, they complete an experiment with a working fuel cell model and take a...

Learners research the causes and effects of air pollution. Using the internet, they examine the specific effects of carbon dioxide on the environment and discover the benefits of using solar power. In groups, they build a model of a...

Students research the ways in which scientists study glaciers and glacial change. They interpret real time data and calculate the estimated global sea level rise potential. A very good activity to illustrate global warming.

Students investigate how the loss of soil, a valuable natural resource, affects their lives through loss of productive land to grow food, loss of coastal land mass, and poor water quality from runoff. They design a project to keep soil...

Students examine all sides of the issues surrounding wildland fire. Groups assume the roles of different people who must decide what to do about a fictitious wildfire. They have a discussion to analyze the issue. A good, real life lesson!

Students review and use the steps in the scientific method to complete the experiment. In groups, they research the importance of water to plants and animals in their local area. They examine how water can become contaminated and take...

Students examine the level of energy usage on a local and national level. Using the internet, they discover ways to conserve energy every day and how over-consumption of energy negatively affects the environment. In groups, they...

Students identify the causes and effects of acid rain. Using the internet, they research pollution sources in their local area and by collecting rain samples and testing the pH. In groups, they develop their own plan urging local...

Young scholars use the Internet to research non-native plants that exist in their local community. Using this information, they analyze the invasive species effect on their environment. In groups, they plan and execute their own project...

Young scholars consider the role of industry on the American landscape from a variety of perspectives. They investigate a simulated case study. They investigate a chemical spill catastrophe. Students write an informative pamphlet to...

Students discover the importance of watersheds and how they impact other bodies of water. Using a map, they identify and analyze a watershed in their local area and evaluate the health of the water nearby. In groups, they plan their...

Students synthesize the information they have been researching on water quality to evaluate the potential health risks in a region with arsenic contamination. They prepare and present a persuasive speech that incorporates visuals.

Young scholars study various types of glaciers and the landforms they create. Working in pairs, they research a type of glacial landform and construct a calendar page illustrating and describing it. The pages be compiled to create a...

Students discuss visits to national parks, the differences between national parks and other parks, and plan an ecologically friendly trip to several parks that emphasizes conservation and national heritage.

Students model a pond system that becomes enriched with nutrients (fertilizer). They manipulate variables, make observations over time, and draw conclusions that may lead to further inquiry. They, in groups, simulate a pond environment.

Students determine, based on their knowledge of coal pollutants, the effectiveness of clean-coal technologies. They state and defend a position on whether power plants in the United States should be required to upgrade to available...

Students gather information and create a web site on prairies and plains using a variety of resources, including the internet.

Students research an endangered animal's habitat, investigate the survival problems. They research the animal's zoo life. They research some programs of reintroduction and chart the pros and cons of each.

Pupils investigate waste management through a simulated role-playing activity. They use a decision chart to organize their presentatioins and justify their decisions.

Learners create observable layers in water that represent a separation based upon density differences. They model density boundaries using differences in temperature and salinity. They, in groups, perform a meaningful experiment...

Pupils create "catchers" that collect dirt particles from the air. They observe the particulate matter that is collected from the air and discuss the effects and causes of air pollution.

Students research the ancient civilizations of Rome, India, Greece, and Egypt. They conduct Internet research, compare/contrast aspects of each culture, and create a Powerpoint presentation.

Learners analyze the consequences of changing variables on a system. Changes in a model are measured and recorded and conclusions drawn based on the data provided in this six lessons unit.

Students examine the movement of the water table and saturation zones. They describe the movements of the water table and locate the saturation zones. Students identify the function of each saturation zone. They develop a model of the...