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Optional Laboratory: Soil Particle Size and Texture
Students work together to perform experiments on different types of soil. They record the soil's pH level, color and texture. They develop hypothesis' on what they believe they will discover before beginning the experiment.
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Optional Laboratory: Comparing Soil Temperatures In Sun and Shade
Young scholars work together to test the temperatures of different soils in shade and sun. They make their own hypothesis before beginning the experiment. They record their data and discuss as a class.
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Winogradsky in a Bottle: Beginning a Winogradsky Column
Students use their measurement skills by marking a bottle for construction purposes. They record qualitative and quantitative data and analyze their results. Students demonstrate evaluation of a small scale systems as a model for the...
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The Marvels of Mud
Young scientists roll up their sleeves and get a little dirty in this three-day earth science investigation. Following the scientific method, children monitor the growth of algae in pond water samples in order to determine the role that...
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What's Happening Below The Surface?
High schoolers determine the soil composition of soil layers in their area. They collect soil samples, calculate the percentage soil water content, analyze data, and evaluate each site for future tree growth.
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Water Filtration
As an example of nature's water filtering system, young ecologists conduct an experiment in the lab. They construct a funnel out of a plastic bottle, fill it with specified layers of materials that simulate layers of soil, then run muddy...
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What Are the Layers of the Rain Forest?
Young scholars investigate the different levels of the rain forest by comparing it to an apartment. In this ecology lesson, students practice using forest related vocabulary words and complete a vocabulary data sheet. Young scholars...
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De"compost"ition Activity
Students investigate the decomposition process and the parameters which influence the rate at which it occurs. They design a "controlled" experiment by comparing decomposition rates between two compost piles. Analysis questions include...
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Winogradsky in a Bottle: Beginning a Winogradsky Column
Students study changes in the environment using a microscale experiment. In this environmental science lesson, students construct a modified "Winogradsky Column" to observe bacteria activities. They record observations and formulate a...
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Goodbye Honey Buckets
Learners investigate arctic geology and hydrology as well as tundra ecology as they consider options for sewage treatment. Public safety, environmental impact, and issues of construction and engineering be explored.
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Habitat Unit - Day 2
Students explore abiotic factors that affect habitats. After a class lecture, students work in groups to answer questions about plant tissue, production and growth. They share answers, complete a crossword puzzle, and create a habitat...