Curated OER
Carbon Dioxide: The Heat is On
Students examine the greenhouse gases affecting the atmosphere. In groups, they participate in activities in which they examine the effects of heat on the atmosphere and phytoplankton. They research how the phytoplankton differ in warm...
Curated OER
Smog Be Gone
Students begin the lesson by identifying greenhouse gases. In groups, they observe and record the effect of the gases on the atmosphere and the temperature of the Earth. They participate in activities that describe the role of...
Curated OER
Global Change — Change and Cycles Where Land, Air and Water Meet
Young scholars participate in an experiment to define a parts-per-billion solution. For this ecology lesson, students select a second substance to create a parts-per-billion solution and observe and record their results. Young scholars...
Curated OER
The Environment: Vocabulary
In this environment vocabulary worksheet, students complete 12 multiple choice questions, then translate a set of "environment words."
Curated OER
Biofuels Blast!
Students observe yeast fermentation using different energy source. In this chemistry lesson plan, students measure the gas collected in the balloon. They upload their observations on the internet so they can share it with kids across US.
Curated OER
Urban Ecosystems 5: In Defense Of Cities
Students explain that while cities have unattractive features, the density of human life enables energy efficiency, mass transit, recycling, and other benefits which are difficult or impossible in rural areas. This is the fifth in an...
Teach Engineering
Solar Water: Heat it Up!
Young engineers are instructed to design and build their own solar water heaters. Then, they calculate the efficiency and cost and compare them to commercially available models. This is a full unit for pupils to apply their knowledge.
Teach Engineering
Algae: Tiny Plants with Big Energy Potential
My, what big energy potential you have! Scholars learn about the energy potential of using algae as a biofuel. A PowerPoint presentation first describes the structure of algae and then how researchers use algae as biofuel to produce energy.
Consumers Energy
The Cost of Electricity
How much is your toaster costing you every day? Young environmentalists calculate the monetary costs of household appliances based on their average consumption of wattage.
Curated OER
CO2 and You
Students study the scientific evidence about carbon dioxide emissions. They learn to calculate the amount of energy used by different appliances. They complete a worksheet which analyzes the amount of energy that their home uses.
Teach Engineering
Efficiency of a Water Heating System
Tired of waiting for hot water? Groups of three determine the efficiency of an electric water-heating device. They calculate the amount of energy it takes to heat the water and the theoretical amount of energy required to heat the water....
Teach Engineering
Efficiency of an Electromechanical System
How efficient is a motor in a LEGO set? Future engineers conduct an activity where a LEGO motor-generator system raises an object to a specified height. They then show what they learned and use their measurements to calculate the energy...
Global Oneness Project
Deconstructing Consumerism
To increase awareness and launch a discussion of consumerism, class members view What Would It Look Like, a 25 minute film of images that capture the global effects of the consumption of goods. Viewers make a list of the images that they...
Curated OER
Climate Change
Rising sea levels, strong storms, melting ice ... who or what is to blame? Scholars browse the website in preparation for a class discussion or debate about whether human activity is causing climate change. They gain a balanced...
Curated OER
Know Your Energy Costs
Students calculate energy costs using a formula and complete a cost chart. For this energy costs lesson, students analyze the cost of electrical energy and find ways to conserve it.
Curated OER
Not Just a Corny Idea
Students explore ways in which ethanol can be created using alternate energy sources.
Curated OER
Scientists Create Energy-Making Artificial Leaf (29th March, 2011)
Students read an article about alternative energy and complete the associated worksheets. In this ESL/ELL alternative energy lesson plan, students read or listen an article about research at MIT in which scientists designed a...
Curated OER
Water Power
Learners observe a model of a waterwheel to investigate the transformations of energy involved in turning the blades of a hydro-turbine into work. They work as engineers to create a model for a new waterwheel while considering resources,...
Curated OER
Air Quality
Students determine potential sources of major air pollutants, explain how acid rain is generated and how it affects the environment, discuss global warming, and explore protective role of ozone and cause of ozone layer thinning. Lessons...
Curated OER
Stocking up for the Next Millennium
Students examine how democracy stands the test of time. In this technology lesson, students research inventions and contributions of the 20th century in order to gather information to write a persuasive essay on the topic.
Curated OER
Middle School Home Energy Audit
Seventh graders research the origins of local electrical power and compare costs and methods of generation with other areas of the country or world.
Curated OER
Calculating Your Travel GHGs
Students calculate the amount of greenhouse gases they produce in a given day. Using an equation, they determine the emissions for different sized vehicles and calculate the amount resulting from a family vacation. They create a class...
Curated OER
Titration Lab
Students determine the concentration of an unknown solution using titration. In this chemistry lesson plan, students explain the difference between acids and bases. They discuss the role of indicators in titration.
Curated OER
Limited Resources - Understanding Our Cultural Resources
Students examine and compare preserving natural resources and preserving cultural resources. They conduct Internet research on two topics, and write a position paper on whether cultural resources or natural resources are more important...