Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fishing for Solutions

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars investigate the many ecological and economic issues related to over fishing the world's marine resources. Working in committees, students research the related topics of equipment and fishing techniques.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Search for El Nino

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders complete an El Nino scavenger hunt. In this earth science lesson plan, 6th graders describe the conditions that create El Nino and compare it to normal condition. They discuss how this phenomenon affects marine ecosystem.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Longshore Current

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners are posted at the beginning and end of a 10-meter long line parallel to the ocean and are instructed to look straight ahead towards the water. The student at the beginning of the line uses a stopwatch, goes to the water's edge...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Researching the World's Oceans

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars research and compare important features of the oceans based on current data. They examine the globe or map, determine the major oceans of the world, and record their names on the data sheet.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fish and zooplankton habitat through remote sensing

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers are exposed to the variety of ways in which scientist use remote sensing and it used in everyday life. They investigate about zooplankton and fish. Students list the two important groups of organisms in both aquatic and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fish and Zooplankton Through Remote Sensing

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Ecology aces examine sea surface temperature maps and relate temperatures to concentration in fish and zooplankton populations. Take your class to a computer lab and provide experience with actual remote sensing data. Some of the links...
Lesson Plan
US Citizenship and Immigration Services

Thanksgiving 2—The Pilgrim Story and My Immigrant Story

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
The tradition of the First Thanksgiving is really a story of immigration. Connect the feelings and customs of the early Pilgrims to the experiences of the immigrants in your class with an introduction to the 13 colonies, the Mayflower,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Beans and Baleen

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Predict whale populations using different beans as whales! Learners observe different types of beans in a dish knowing that each bean represents a different kind of whale. They then predict how many "whales" there are in a certain area....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Tibetan Plateau

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discuss the characteristics of the biosphere, with a focus on the Tibetan Plateau. They participate in a question and answer period discussing biomes and climate patterns. They compare and contrast different ecosystems.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oceans and Weather

For Teachers 4th - 9th
Students analyze the impact the ocean and its currents have on weather. In this oceans and weather lesson, students analyze data comparing inland and coastal weather, and analyze satellite data for evidence of El Nino.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Small Wonders

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate some of the 'mysteries' of the animal, marine and insect worlds, and create student books explaining their findings to younger students.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geologic Age

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students investigate radioactivity as a tool for measuring geologic time and how geologists use this information to determine the absolute age of rocks or minerals.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Photosynthesis

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students are introduced to the process of photosynthesis. In groups, they test the effects of the lack of sunlight on plant leaves and compare the results with their hypothesis. They note the characteristics that plants and animals share...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Life of An Island

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students identify the steps in the life cycle of an island. They label islands in the correct stage of their life cycle and illustrate the process themselves. They also review the concept of plate tectonics.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ocean Stratigraphy Challenge

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students are asked to explain the sequence of rock and sediment types and to devise an experiment to test this hypothesis. It is intended for students with some prior knowledge of oceanography, sedimentary geology, and plate tectonics...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Too Hot? Gotta Vent!

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students study deep sea exploration and underwater geology, specifically hydrothermal sea vents. They create digital video projects of their own to demonstrate their knowledge, illustrating the discoveries of the explorers of the ocean's...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sea No Evil

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the characteristics of marine life at different ocean depths. They use their findings as the basis for a classroom 'Life Under the Sea' museum exhibit.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hawaiian Hot Spots

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discuss how plate tectonics and volcanic activity have affected Hawaii. In this Hawaiian lesson, students look at maps and photographs of Hawaiian Islands and discuss their formation through multiple volcanic eruptions. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pleistocene Mammals

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students research the causes of the extinction of Pleistocene mammals.  In this Pleistocene mammals lesson, students read essays to understand the Pleistocene epoch. Students write an essay about the personal impact of this...
Lesson Plan
Discovery Education

Sonar & Echolocation

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
A well-designed, comprehensive, and attractive slide show supports direct instruction on how sonar and echolocation work. Contained within the slides are links to interactive websites and instructions for using apps on a mobile device to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Sea-nic Perspective

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners brainstorm topics related to the health of our world's oceans. They create presentations about specific issues affecting oceans for display in a classroom exhibit. They write letters of invitation to guests to view the exhibit.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plastic Peas

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students consider the life cycle of certain plastics products and propose improved recycling legislation in their own communities.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Build the Tallest Building

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the design and construction of skyscrapers. They use the internet to research information about different types of skyscrapers. They create their own building and defend it to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant Field Trip

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students go on a field trip to the Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant and learn about sewage, waste, and pollution. In this treatment plant lesson plan, students also complete collection samples of quadrats.