Curated OER
Science: Microcosms in the Biosphere
In a series of lessons, examine the impact on humans by microcosms in the biosphere. Among the plans structured for students with different abilities and learning styles, are activities describing the symbiotic relationship, drawing the...
Curated OER
Moving without Wheels
Students observe a simple water cycle model to better understand its role in pollutant transport. This activity shows one way in which pollution is affected by the water cycle; it simulates a point source of pollution in a lake and the...
Curated OER
Water
Young scholars complete activities to examine the properties of water. In this water science lesson, students read a book about water's forms and study a map or globe of the Earth to investigate water. Young scholars discuss living...
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Students study the liquid and solid states of water. In this water states instructional activity, students complete three experiments to study water as it cycles from a liquid state to a solid state and back. Students finish with a Venn...
California Academy of Science
Carbon Cycle Role Play
Anytime you make concepts clear with role playing or hands-on experience, it's a win for the whole class. Ping-Pong balls are used to represent carbon in a carbon cycle role-play activity. In small groups, children first discuss what...
Forest Foundation
Forest Watersheds
Where does the water we use come from? To understand the concept of a watershed, class members study the water cycle and then engage in an activity that simulates a watershed.
Curated OER
Wipe Out
Learners examine the flow of water. They observe and test the properties of water by using sticks in flowing water. The lesson has streaming video, resource links to access, and a good hands-on activity that is clearly described in the...
Techbridge Curriculum
Calculating Rainwater Runoff
Thirsty plants soak up every bit of a rainfall, but what happens to the rain that hits the roof? Calculate the amount of rainwater from your school's roof with an Earth science activity, which brings measurement skills, observation...
Curated OER
An Underground River
Seventh graders describe how water flows through the ground, what an aquifer is and what soil properties are used to predict groundwater flow. They consider the affects of pollution on groundwater supplies and write a letter drawing...
Curated OER
Water Reflections:
Students analyze data from monitoring activities . They summarize, post, and present the data from activities. They tell others in the community what they've learned about local water quality.
Curated OER
Ecology
Learners make connections between their daily lives and the usage of natural resources as they relate to the importance of environmental quality. In this ecology lesson, students listen to the story The Lorax by Dr. Seuss...
Curated OER
Moist Air & Clouds
Fifth graders study the weather and water cycle of clouds. In this water cycle instructional activity, 5th graders read background information about evaporation, condensation, and the states of water.
Curated OER
"Tri-County" Project--Water Cycle
Students analyze the parts of the water cycle through research and experimentation. Particular attention is paid to the processes of evaporation and condensation.
Curated OER
Rock Cycle: The Story of a Rock
High schoolers examine the rock cycle by watching videos and then use creative storytelling techniques to tell the story of a rock as it undergoes geologic changes.
Desert Discoveries
The Sonoran Desert
Elementary schoolers study the geographic location of the Sonoran Desert. They pay close attention to the characteristics of the plants and animals found in this desert environment. The student handouts embedded in this plan are...
Curated OER
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Young scholars conduct a number of experiments involving evaporation and condensation. They view and discuss a video about the water cycle and then design posters about the rain based on the book "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs".
Curated OER
Evaporation
Young scholars study the evaporation stage of the water cycle. In this water cycle lesson plan, students participate in an experiment to study the process of evaporation that uses jars and water. Young scholars complete an...
Curated OER
Defining Drought
Students examine the hydrologic impacts of drought. They look at drought from a variety of prespectives. Students first focus on the scientific definition of drought, including weather patterns, water cycles, water requirements by plants...
Curated OER
Cloud Formation
Fifth graders discuss the weather and cloud formation. They rotate, in groups, through various activity stations set up in the room. Stations include activities such as researching types of clouds, drawing pictures of the water cycle,...
Curated OER
Forest Floor Terrarium
Students study the aspects of a forest floor ecosystem, including decomposition, the water cycle, food webs, the needs of living things, and physical vs. chemical change over an extended period. In addition, students conduct observations...
MENSA Education & Research Foundation
Ecosystems
Explore the Earth's different ecosystems through four lessons, an assessment, and extension activities. Lessons include informative text and step-by-step instructions to apply knowledge in interactive, and thought provoking ways; such as...
Curated OER
The Water Cycle and Watershed
Students summarize the steps in the water cycle. In this earth science lesson plan, students create a skit, song or poem showing the various components of the cycle. They identify the different watersheds in their area.
Curated OER
Water Cycle Project
Young scholars complete a water cycle project. In this Earth science lesson, students use recycled objects from around their homes to illustrate the water cycle. Young scholars illustrate evaporation, condensation, precipitation,...