Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Heat it Up!
This demonstration of solar ponds can be used in an earth, environmental, or physical science setting. Lab groups set up a solar pond and model how it is able, due to a salt concentration gradient, to maintain heat for future use.
Creative Chemistry
Fossil Fuels Summary
As the title suggests, this is a simple summary of fossil fuels. There are no questions or problems to solve or no notes about fossil fuels. The notes cover how fossil fuels are formed, how we extract them, what humans use them for, and...
Curated OER
Sea Water Mixing and Sinking
Students investigate the role of temperature and salinity in determining seawater density. They use a Temperature-Salinity Diagram to examine the effects of mixing on density.
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Weather
Here is a comprehensive and colorful collection of slides to introduce 4th - 8th graders to all things weather-related. The factors that contribute to weather are defined, types of clouds and the related conditions are explained, air...
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Graham Cracker Plate Tectonics
For this plate tectonics worksheet, students use Graham crackers, frosting, water and a paper plate to simulate tectonic processes such as convergent, divergent and transforming plate boundaries.
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Study of Fossils
Fifth graders dig for fossils. In this fossil lesson, 5th graders read about the oldest found fossils and discuss the process of fossilization. They dig for their own fossils in a fossil box made of several dirt layers.
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Juice Boxes
In this recycling worksheet, students cut apart a juice box to determine what it is made of and what can be recycled. They record a conclusion as to whether a juice box is recyclable and what they could use for juice that would be better...
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Friendly Volcanoes
Students discuss the benefits of volcanic activity on marine life. They explain the process of tectonic plates.
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Layers of Time in the Earth
Students are introduced to the concept of stratification as a historical and geological process. Students will read about the Richard Beene archaeological site, which lies near San Antonio, Texas on the Medina River, and watch a short...
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RIDE THE WILD LEAF
Students identify and interpret that leaves provide food for new trees and plants. Students cut out leaves and glue them on the appropriate
number on included worksheet. Students collect different types of leaves and make leaf rubbings....
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A Model of Three Faults
Pupils investigate faults. In this science lesson, students explore the many stresses and strains in the earth's layers and research the types of faults in their state.
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Volcanoes Crossword Puzzle
In this Volcanoes Crossword Puzzle worksheet, students solve a crossword puzzle by answering 13 questions related to volcanoes. An example question includes, "the outer layer of the earth."
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What's Happening to the Ozone?
Students identify causes of ozone depletion, generalize how that information affects everyday life, and discuss ways individuals can help slow down depletion of ozone.
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What's the Connection Between Convection and Inversion?
Ninth graders observe a simulation demonstrating the difference between convection and inversion. They explain where and when convection and inversion layers occur and how each impacts air quality, and by connection, human health.
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Earthquake Information
In this earthquake worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle by determining the terms associated with the 8 given clues.
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Land of No Trees
In this Land of No Trees learning exercise, students read a passage titled "Land of No Trees" about the Arctic Tundra and complete an experiment and short answer questions about it. Students complete an experiment with a plastic...
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What's the Difference?
Students discover how volcanic processes differ at convergent and divergent tectonic plate boundaries. They identify three geologic features that are associated with most volcanoes on Earth.
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The Environments of Big Sur -- Which Do We Protect?
Students investigate the geological, climatic, and biological features of Big Sur. They watch a video, conduct Internet research, and create a script and images in the form of an outline in a simulation of an environmental group.
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Law of Superposition
Students define relative dating and describe the law of superposition. They apply their knowledge to construct an accurate geologic time scale. Students examine the importance and function of biotechnology in Earth Science.
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Wonders of Weather
Students understand the destructive force of a tornado. They learn the role of a thunderstorm in the creation of a tornado.
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Influential Scientists Vocabulary Multiple Choice Worksheet
In this influential scientists learning exercise, students read the definitions of 19 science professions. From 4 choices, students choose the correct name of the job that fits the definition. Example: studies birds (ornithologist).
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Soil Nutrients - Phosphorus Lab Lesson Plan
Students list sources of phosphorus in soil. They explain how phosphorus is removed from the soil and used by plants. Students list the symptoms of insufficient or excess phosphorus. Students perform experiments to examine the effect of...
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Extinction of Dinosaurs
In this dinosaurs worksheet, students review the different theories that scientist believe may have led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. This worksheet has 18 fill in the blank questions.
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Environment: Battling for Oxygen
Students construct an interactive ozone depletion model using gumdrops and toothpicks. After analyzing the data obtained from the model, they record it on butcher paper and complete worksheets about oxygen.