A greenhouse provides additional warmth and protection to the plants inside, but what if the greenhouse gets too hot? Pupils discuss and experiment with the difference between natural and anthropogenic greenhouse effect. They measure the...

In the summer of 1815, snow fell every month in New England. Was this related to the volcanic eruption of Tambora in Indonesia earlier in the year? Young scientists design their own experiments to research the long-term effect a volcanic...

Small groups brainstorm their roles in the community. Then, individually, complete a community roles web worksheet. Peers share their completed product and extend the conversation to include the feelings and character traits that go...

Students create their own timeline. In this social science lesson, students write the important events that happened in their lives on their timeline and then compare their timeline to Earth's timeline.

Students discover the effects of El Nino on the global climate. As a class, they role play the role of a cold or warm wind and act out a skit in front of the class. They discuss the results of the role play once it is completed.

Young scholars study the ecology, habitats, geographic range and feeding habits of narwhals. They determine at least three reasons for the decline in the narwhal populations and complete the accompanying worksheets.

Students create and present a powerpoint presentation.  In this cultures and cuisines research lesson, students select a country, interview someone from that country and visit a restaurant from that country.  Students complete...

Students describe the role of density in driving deep ocean currents and the density layers of the ocean. They determine that the ocean is one continuous body of water with global currents that interact, with water surrounding all...

Students explore the environment by completing environmental problem worksheets. In this pollution lesson, students identify the biggest threats to our environment such as deforestation, global warming, and pollution. Students utilize...

Students identify and describe major geographical features of the Middle East and explain how these features and other natural resources influence the economy of the area. Then they research one of the middle-eastern countries listed,...

Students experiment to gain understanding of how a greenhouse retains heat.  For this greenhouse lesson, students work with soda bottles and simulate a greenhouse. Students compare data from a vented and intact bottle. Students...

Students define the following words: extinction, endangered species, meteorite collision, glaciation and climate warming. They investigate that there are 307 species on the endangered list, and an average of 10-20 species are added each...

Students investigate the urban heat island effect. In this urban heat island effect lesson, students learn how trees, grass, asphalt, and other things on the school grounds effect temperature. They use the information to generalize it to...

Sixth graders have an opportunity to enhance their computer skills by using Internet as a resource tool and a vehicle for global interaction with other students.

Fifth graders investigate imports and exports to discover its importance to America as a world power.  In this Imports and exports lesson, 5th graders discuss how climate and natural resources aid a country in becoming a world...

Students explore the impact of world events on past Olympics as a springboard for understanding the cultural, political, and social climate surrounding the 2002 Winter Olympics after the events of September 11, 2001.

In Beacon Valley, katabatic winds regularly knock fit adults to the ground. The lesson compares the actual temperatures to the wind chill after factoring in katabatic winds in Beacon Valley. Scholars learn to calculate wind chill and...

Will human existence define an epoch? Many scientists think we are in a new epoch, the anthropocene, defined by humans and our impact on the environment. An online interactive demonstrates the immense impact humans have had on every part...

Exploring the weather has never been more intriguing! Whether you are looking for a quick glance at the 10-day forecast, trying to figure out if lightning is heading your way, or wondering what the pollen count is, you will find out...

Have you ever wanted to be an atom of carbon? The lesson allows each student to be an atom of carbon in the carbon cycle. First, they follow through the cycle as it existed before human interference. Then, they try the same activity, but...

Build a bridge to learning in a STEM-aligned unit about urban infrastructure. Young engineers explore the many aspects of civil planning and design in a five-day unit. Content includes the challenging aspects of balancing building with...

A storm is brewing. Scholars use the resource to listen to news reports about extreme weather events from different parts of the world. Pupils then role play an emergency meeting to save their town from a dangerous weather emergency. 

What is the connection between farming and the environment? Scholars complete a worksheet to learn about the environmental impacts of farming. Next, individuals assume the identity of someone within a farming community and role play...

Scholars independently explore several websites to calculate their ecological footprint. Using their new found knowledge, they answer six short-answer questions and take part in a grand conversation with their peers about how...