Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Differences Between the Earth and the Moon

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders identify the physical characteristics of the Earth and compare them to the physical characteristics of the moon. They produce a chart with Microsoft Excel to record the physical characteristics of both the Earth and the moon.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

2nd Grade Physical Sciences

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders complete activities to measure motion and learn about the Earth's history. In this motion and Earth history lesson, 2nd graders discuss sound and complete a matching sound activity. Students then study the history of Earth...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth

For Teachers 1st
First graders define what a planet is and study the planet earth. They examine the effects of the sun on the earth and make a model.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Outcomes Science 4: Earth & Beyond

For Teachers 7th - 12th
In this earth and beyond science worksheet, students read through an 18 page packet containing information and questions pertaining to global carbon cycles. There are website links available on the pages where additional information on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tsunami! Examining Earth's Most Destructive Waves.

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discover what creates a tsunami  In this earth science lesson, student research using the Internet how tsunami's develop. Students read accounts of first responders to the Sri Lanka tsunami.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Effects Of Weathering

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders simulate weathering and erosion using sand and soil. They define weathering and the ways in which surfaces become weathered. Working as a class, 3rd graders complete various activities that demonstrate physical and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Clouds

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students explore various cloud types. In this earth science lesson, students use pictures of the four types of clouds and identify them by name. Students construct pictures of clouds using chalk and blue paper.
Lesson Plan3:32
Orange County Water Atlas

Location, Location, Location…

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Young geographers discover not only how to read and recognize coordinates on a map, but also gain a deeper understanding of latitude and longitude and how climate changes can vary significantly across latitudes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rocks and Their Properties: Day 5

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars demonstrate their knowledge of rock formation processes in varied ways by sharing their cooperative research projects with the class. They generate well-framed questions in response to each presentation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

States of Water

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students investigate the 3 states of matter. In this physical science "matter" lesson plan, students observe and participate in a number of demonstrations involving melting and freezing water. Students observe the effect heat has on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Worm Composting

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders discuss worm composting. In this decomposition lesson plan, 2nd graders look at the anatomy of the worm and how it eats food. They have their own worm bin and review what foods can and can not be given to the worms for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What happens to water before we use it?

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students examine how water is treated prior to becoming available for human consumption. In this water treatment lesson plan, students conduct an experiment in which they filter water. Students formulate a hypothesis, test, analyze data,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How The Scientists Really Work

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners question the accepted practices of science by scientists and their interactions with technology and society. They devise and conduct appropriate interview procedures for scientists to question their understanding and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dirty Decomposers

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Learners explore the ecosystem by conducting a ziploc bag experiment. In this recycling lesson, students identify decomposer organisms in our environment and how they speed up the recycling process. Learners utilize a ziploc plastic bag,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

World Oil Reserves and Trade Routes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students analyze the global distribution of natural resources to determine the relationship of resource availability to international problems and issues. They explain how the uneven distribution of resources can result in global...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Northwest Hawaiian Islands

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students compare and contrast places around the world. Students analyze the effects of human activity on the physical environment and devise plans to address the consequences. Students also focus on geographical topics such as formation...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Carbon Cycle Capers

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine the carbon dioxide cycle in the atmosphere. In this element lesson, students discuss the relationship between carbon dioxide on Earth and the plants that store it. Students play a game to ensure their understanding. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bones

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders observe real bones and models to learn about the structure and function of the skeletal system. In this skeletal system lesson, 5th graders manipulate objects and models of bones. They handle real bones and determine the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spuds in Space

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Young scholars explore the effects of velocity on an object when it collides with another object. They design and outfit a potato astronaut in a spacesuit to withstand the hazards of high velocity impacts from space debris and meteoroids.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stream Quality Assessment

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students investigate many of the factors that affect water quality. They take measurements and water samples at a local stream and evaluate the health of their community's watershed. They write a report detailing their findings.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mystery of the Megaplume

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Read through the extensive background information and then lead your geology or physical oceanography class through an investigation of actual temperature anomaly data from the Juan de Fuca ridge. They translate the data onto a plot,...
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Watching Crystals Grow

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Amazing science can sometimes happen right before your eyes! The class gets cozy as they watch crystals grow. They use Epsom salts, rocks, and food coloring to create crystals. They'll observe the entire process, documenting every step...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stopping Deforestation in the Amazon: A Publicity Campaign

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the environment by designing a group project.  In this ecology activity, students identify the man made threats to the Amazon while reading environmentally conscience vocabulary terms.  Students collaborate...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Should Soil Be Sterile?

For Teachers 2nd - 12th
Students determine if the sterilization of topsoil is beneficial to seed germination and plant growth. They grow plants alongside control groups, make and record observations of plant growth and measure plant biomass.