Curated OER
Where, Oh Where is All the Clean Air?
Students examine the history of air pollution dating back to the Roman Empire. In groups, they research the different types of pollutants in the air and how they can affect the environment. They participate in various experiments to...
Curated OER
Acid Rain
Young scholars investigate acid rain. In this environmental instructional activity, students participate in an experiment using litmus paper and various liquids and then test the acidity of the liquids. Young scholars identify reasons...
Curated OER
Carbon Cycle Game
In this carbon cycle instructional activity, middle schoolers review the carbon cycle and visit stations in the room where they experience every phase in the carbon cycle. Students journal about their journey through the cycle and...
National Energy Education Development Project
Introduction to Solar Energy
People have been using solar energy for many generations to dry crops, heat homes, and for light. This presentation explains how now it is possible to capture the solar energy and store it for future use, details how and where people use...
Curated OER
Biomass: The Energy of the Future
Students research renewable fuels. In this alternative energy lesson, students compile information and create a comparison chart on renewable resources. This lesson includes additional suggested readings, vocabulary, and a Biomass...
Curated OER
Where in the World is Carbon Dixoide?
Students conduct experiments designed to detect the presence of CO2 by using a BTB that changes color (blue to yellow) in the presence of CO2. First, students experiment with the CO2 from combining vinegar and baking soda. In part two,...
Curated OER
Visualizing the Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
Students discover the differences between global warming and the greenhouse effect through hands-on classroom experiences. They use a 2-D globe and picture cards to identify the causes of both. Students visualize the human influence on...
Curated OER
Acid Rain - Go Away
Learners set up an experiment and make observations of the effect of acid rain.
Curated OER
Global Change — Change and Cycles Where Land, Air and Water Meet
Young scholars participate in an experiment to define a parts-per-billion solution. For this ecology lesson, students select a second substance to create a parts-per-billion solution and observe and record their results. Young scholars...
Curated OER
Froth Flotation
Sixth graders experiment with the froth flotation process to extract metallic ore by using basic chemicals and equipment in the science classroom.
Curated OER
Household Conservation/Efficiency
Hook your class up to an online home energy usage calculator so that they can estimate the amount used per month by their families. Then give them Watt meters with which they will measure the power consumption of several small...
Curated OER
Environmental Agents of Mathematics: Mathematics for Change
High schoolers analyze environmental science data using Math. They do research about renewable energy, gather data, create graphs and interpret their findings. Then the group presents their arguments persuasively using their findings to...
Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
Greenhouse Gas Game
You will need to gather a number of tokens, bags, and other various game components in order to incorporate this activity into your curriculum. Different tokens represent carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Printable 8.5"x11"...
California Academy of Science
The Heat is On: Cause and Effect and Climate
The higher the number of letters in the final word for the National Spelling Bee, the higher the number of people killed by venomous spiders. Obviously, those two facts correlate, but no causation exists. Scholars view data based on...
Curated OER
Environmental Studies: The Power of Wind
Investigate the prospect of wind as a renewable resource. Second and third graders make a pinwheel, answer critical thinking questions, and then attempt to use wind power to wind string. I would be more apt to use this lesson in a 1st or...
Curated OER
Industrialization of the American Landscape
Students explore the Chernobyl incident and the resulting environmental health impacts. They explore three different isotopes that were released into the atmosphere. Through inquiry, students determine the difference between types of...
Curated OER
A Day In My Life
Students brainstorm how they can conserve energy in their daily lives. In this energy lesson plan, students discuss how they use energy and ways to conserve it.
Curated OER
The Magic of Solar Thermal: How the Sun Can Be Used to Heat Water
Learners are introduced to how the sun is used to heat water. In this solar lesson students identify the different types of solar water heating and demonstrate how it works.
Curated OER
Earth's Warming Climate: Are We Responsible
Students examine the atmospheric data for CO2. In this web-based atmospheric instructional activity, student follow instructions to examine and plot on-line scientific data about the CO2 levels in our atmosphere and analyze the changes...
Curated OER
Photosynthesis and Biomass Growth
Sixth graders examine renewable energy sources such as ethanol. For this photosynthesis and biomes lesson students complete a project on farming techniques.
Curated OER
From Polymers to Bioplastics: Looking Toward Finding Renewable Resources
Students investigate the properties of polymers. For this chemistry lesson, students explain the importance of energy sources. They produce a bioplastic from the lab and evaluate its structural integrity.
Curated OER
Oil and Gas As A Source of Energy
Students discuss the reasons why oil and gas are the United States' main source of energy. In groups, they use the internet to research how the resources are formed and the amount of consumption by the United States. They choose books...
Curated OER
Waterwheel Work
Students investigate the history of the waterwheel and common uses for water turbines today. They construct an experimental waterwheel using a two-liter plastic bottle, measure the rate of revolution of a waterwheel, and complete a...
Curated OER
Greenhouse Gas Lab
Students compare the ability of a sample of carbon dioxide gas to
absorb thermal energy compared to a sample of air. They build a visual representation of the greenhouse effect to illustrate the heat-absorption of
atmospheric carbon...