Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

Using Satellite Imagery to Discuss the Science Behind Brazilian Deforestation

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students can delve into earth science by using satellite imagery to learn about the deforestation of the Brazilian rainforest.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Selecting Trees for Urban Environments

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers consider the best place to plant a tree. In this environment activity, students identify urban locations that are compatible with particular tree types. High schoolers decide what trees would go where and why they would...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sensational Seaweed

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students compare kelp and land plants. In this sea plant lesson, students look at the role of algae in aquatic environments. They research the properties of kelp and explore seaweed. 
Lesson Plan
Space Awareness

Continental Climate and Oceanic Climate

For Students 1st - 5th
There's nothing better than a cool breeze blowing in from the ocean. Scholars explore how water affects change in temperature using a hands-on experiment on climate. They use measurement tools to compare the continental and oceanic...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The High Cost of Chemical Dependency

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore, analyze and study the effect and impact that humans have on the environment based on their choices as individuals, businesses and governments. They assess the balance between human activities and aquatic pollution.
Activity
Star Wars in the Classroom

Star Wars Geography Unit

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
What kind of animals live on an ice planet like Hoth? How would the habitat on Tatooine allow different organisms to thrive? Connect social studies, science, and Star Wars in one engaging activity that focuses on the ecosystems...
Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Carbon Cycle Role Play

For Teachers 3rd - 12th Standards
Anytime you make concepts clear with role playing or hands-on experience, it's a win for the whole class. Ping-Pong balls are used to represent carbon in a carbon cycle role-play activity. In small groups, children first discuss what...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Earth

For Teachers 8th - 10th
In this Earth's environment worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle given 35 clues about a variety of topics related to our Earth. Topics include ecosystems, precipitation, biomes, energy transfer, soil, weathering and rocks.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bird Brilliance!

For Teachers 1st
First graders explore natural resources and search outdoors to find materials to create a bird's nest. In this bird's natural resources lesson, 1st graders listen to a book about birds and reflect on the various things birds use to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plankton in the Air

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Here is a lab activity adequate for use with any full lesson on environmental factors that shape animal adaptations or marine animal characteristics. Pupils will discuss the role plankton plays in the environment and filter-feeding...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Lizard Lab

For Students 9th - 12th
In this detailed and comprehensive multi-day activity, budding evolutionary biologists use real data from lizard populations in the Canary Islands to examine evolution and natural selection. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dirt Babies

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Dirt babies are an excellent way to show young botanists the plant life cycle. They explore the functions and industry behind grasses before growing some of their own. Use the informational text here and consider implementing some...
Lesson Plan
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Kenan Fellows

Sustainability: Learning for a Lifetime – Soil

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Do great gardeners really have green thumbs—or just really great soil? Environmental scholars discover what makes Earth's soil and soil quality so important through research and experimentation. Learners also develop an understanding of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mining and Land Reclamation - A Classroom Simulation

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students simulate mining mineral resources using cookies. In this earth science instructional activity, students analyze the cost and profits in mining. They write a lab report about the activity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Keep the Environment Clean

For Teachers K
Students discuss ways our environment becomes polluted. They make a list of ways to keep it clean.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Caring for the Land

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners study soil management and issues relating to agriculture and the environment. For this agriculture and environment lesson, students define the terms farmer, environmentalist, and activist. Learners use a Venn diagram to compare...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Different Environments

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students read literature selection, discuss habitat, divide habitats into different categories such as water, soil, and land, list animals that live in each habitat, and describe habitats using descriptive words in vocabulary list.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Basics of Environmental Science

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore environmental concerns of the community and identify the basic needs of people, wildlife and domestic animals. Working both individually and in groups, they also define natural resources and compare and contrast...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Land Leases

For Students 9th - 12th
In this environment worksheet, students look for the answers to a problem. They read the article and then work in teams to analyze and make an informed decision.
Lesson Plan
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Yesterday and Today

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders are introduced to the concept of conservation. As a class, they brainstorm ways in which they can or already have helped the environment. Using the internet, they research key individuals and organizations that help the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Land is Changing: Stories from Across the North

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Students explore the changing environment in their community. They interview elders about the issues, impacts and potential ways of adapting to climate change in the north. Students post pictures and information on the student...
Lesson Plan
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The Farmer Cares for the Land

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students identify cause and effect relationships in issues relating to agriculture and the environment.
Lesson Plan
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Are You Balanced With Your Environment?

For Teachers K - 4th
Young scholars discuss the impact of not keeping the environment in balance for future generations. As a class, they are introduced to the concept of "Balance of Nature" and what it means. In groups, they research the role of trees and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Illinois Coal and Our Environment

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers read and discuss the important environmental issues of acid rain and global climate change in relation to Illinois coal. According to the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program, acid rain has had minimal effects...