Students examine the various populations that have made their home in the Tijuana Estuary. In groups, they read an article and note the name of each population, facts and what tools they used in a journal. They use colored notecards to...

Students understand how mineral deposits are formed and why they are not evenly dispersed. They create and describe three different precipitates from four solutions simulating mineral ore deposit formation in sedimentary rock.

students participate in hands-on activities to discover the different types of fossils. Using teacher-provided materials, they make models of cast and trace fossils. After writing essays describing how traces are formed, students plan a...

Students classify sediments based on their physical characteristics, such as size, shape and color. They identify and describe rocks and minerals that are common to their region of the state.

Students investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals. They make a list of the uses of minerals found in Illinois. They write a report individually based on their observations.

Learners explore the Cambrian explosion and Paleocene extinction events. In this climate change lesson, students read articles to link evidence they find to extinction and climate change.  Links to the articles are included in the...

Students examine NASA strategy for scientifically studying any celestial body. They brainstorm about all previous space explorations and missions they can recall, and propose an expedition plan to become space explorers of the future.

Students complete internet research in small groups to identify types of water pollution, spotlight water pollution hot-spots, and design a plan for water prevention.

Students create and record a model of mountain formation. They identify major mountain building formations. Students understand how the Himalaya Mountains were formed, why they are located near Bhutan, and why they are becoming larger.

Students investigate the factors affecting the size of a crater. In this space science lesson, students collect data from the activity and graph them. They explain how velocity of impact relate to crater size.

Students observe the melting of ice. For this phase change lesson, students observe ice as it melts. They discuss the process and create a Venn diagram comparing water and ice.

Students describe the overall events that occurred during the Paleocene extinction event as well as the processes that are believed to result in global warming after group research. They infer how a global warming event could have...

Young scholars define constructive forces. They describe how landforms are created as a result of constructive forces. Students recognize active volcano areas in the United States. They demonstrate an understanding of Panagea.

Students identify the three types of plate boundaries and the Earth's tectonic plates system. They examine how the Galapagos Islands were formed and hydrothermal vents.

Eighth graders examine how the movements of the Earth contribute to fossil distribution.  In this fossils lesson students make maps of the placement of the continents. 

Students study ice worms  and describe how they interact with other species.  In this methane hydrate instructional activity students study ice worms and hydrate shrimp to learn their behavior and can participate in an optional...

Students explore and define methane hydrates and describe ways that it can impact their own lives.  In this methane hydrate lesson students create a molecular model and research methane hydrate. 

High schoolers study photosynthesis and chemosynthesis.  In this chemosynthetic lesson students explain the processes of these and define terms. 

Students describe and define xenophyophores.  In this protozoa lesson students divide into groups and complete a lab activity. 

Students use the "No Impact Project" to analyze the consumption of water. In this water consumption lesson, students discuss the pros and cons of tap water or bottled water. Students read about chemicals in water and watch a video clip...

Students develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry. They develop an understanding of chemical reactions, structures and properties of matter. They develop decision-making skills in natural and human-induced hazards.

Students make a map of an imaginary island using the topographic symbols provided from a worksheet. Students place lakes, dwellins, reefs, etc. in areas where they would logically be located from understanding how the topography of an...

Students map out the bioregions of California by examining the species and environment in different areas of the state. They use information and pictures from a PowerPoint presentation to complete a map handout and play a trivia game.

High schoolers study the pH scale and sources of acid precipitation.  In this acid rain lesson plan students complete a lab on acid rain then complete a handout.