Dirt is worthless, isn't it? Find out the true value of dirt, and by dirt I mean soil. The class explores what makes soil, the types of soil, and what happens when soil becomes void of its nutrients. There are several great activities,...

A hands-on activity helps learners explore the water cycle. After discussing how they use water, classes discuss water pollution and then move into a simulation where 20 pupils move through the water cycle based on description cards. 

Fourth graders examine soil to find its contents, and how much water and air they can measure.  In this soil composition lesson, 4th graders perform three experiments and record their results.  In one experiment they examine...

Students investigate soil temperatures. In this graphing and earth science lesson, students insert temperature probes into different types of soil at varying depths. Students complete a data chart and construct a related graph...

This lesson is designed after research done on the ecology of soil lichen in the Tucson Basin area during the summers of 1997 and 1998. Its purpose is to guide learners into adopting the problem solving thinking of ecologists. The lesson...

Fourth graders show the needs of plants met by soil. In this Science lesson, 4th graders detail the components of soil and determine which are living or once living and non-living. Students determine the needs of plant growth that are...

Fourth graders explore needed mineral nutrients for healthy soil. In this soil lesson, 4th graders investigate how living and nonliving elements combine to contribute to fertile soil development.

Students investigate botany by creating a soil separating device.  In this plant life lesson plan, students identify the needs of plants and how important the right soil is in the growing process.  Students define different...

Students explore biome data. In this world geography and weather data analysis lesson, students record data about weather conditions in North Carolina, Las Vegas, and Brazil. Students convert Fahrenheit degrees to Celsius degrees and use...

Fourth graders investigate the impacts of erosion. In this Science lesson, 4th graders determine connections between plants and soil erosion. Students examine the historical implications of erosion.

What kind of impact do humans have on watersheds? Find out in a lesson plan that defines, explores, and promotes ways to protect our watersheds. The ultimate goal of the lesson plan is for learners to discover how a watershed is impacted...

Students investigate chemicals in soil samples. In this soil science lesson, students test local soil to measure the pH, nitrate, phosphate, and potassium content.

Fourth graders understand the importance of soil to the food web.  In this food web lesson, 4th graders create various food webs beginning with soil using yarn and name cards.  Students write about the importance of soil to one...

Students study soil, living and non-living particles in the soil, and learn about composting. For this soil study lesson, students study soil samples and discuss the living and non-living components of the soil. Students classify the...

Young scholars study groundwater movement beneath the surface of the Earth. In this agriculture lesson, students experiment with how water moves through rock materials such as sand, gravel, and clay.

Fourth graders explore different types of land. In this land instructional activity, 4th graders investigate how water, climate, and soil type determine what types of crops may be grown. Students discover these elements while playing an...

Students determine how and why soil needs to be prepared for the fall and winter seasons. In this agriculture activity, students determine how to use gardening tools safely. They show how to work with compost material and fertilizer to...

Third graders examine what makes soil by creating a Venn Diagram.  In this Earth environment lesson, 3rd graders identify the different components that soil is made from. Students bring soil from their homes to examine and create a...

Fourth graders examine different opinions on soil management. In this soil management lesson, 4th graders use a variety of resources to research how agriculture and the environment are related. They investigate cause and effect...

The construction of skyscrapers is no simple undertaking, involving the careful coordination and planning of many different people. The third lesson in this series explores this detailed process by first teaching children about the main...

Fourth graders investigate compost. In this Science lesson, 4th graders take notes on the components of soil and its relation to plant growth. Students describe the steps in making compost.

Fourth graders examine earthworms. In this earthworm lesson, 4th graders investigate how earthworms help prepare soil for planting. Students examine other living and nonliving elements in a garden habitat.

Students examine several types of plants. In this plant lesson, students complete activities that require them to identify types of plants, chart plant anatomy, and explain plant propagation.

Students study energy sources to learn about fossil fuels and environmental concerns. In this energy sources lesson, students watch demonstrations for various energy examples. Students find hidden pennies, make a bar graph on their data,...