What natural resources are available in your area? Your learners can consider this question after reading a brief passage about natural and renewable resources. After reading, class members respond to five questions related to the reading.

Students discover the differences between global warming and the greenhouse effect through hands-on classroom experiences. They use a 2-D globe and picture cards to identify the causes of both. Students visualize the human influence on...

Students visualize, in three dimensions, features represented by contour lines on a topographic map. They see that the different elevations shown on a two dimensional topographic map can be used to build a 3-D model.

Students work in small groups to research a planet in our Solar System in order to compare it to Earth. They examine the planet's size, atmosphere, rotation and revolution periods, temperature, and other attributes. They collect...

Fourth graders label maps of Arizona and Mexico to show the people, goods, and ideas that have moved between the two places. In this Arizona and Mexico lesson plan, 4th graders summarize the effects of the movement on Arizona life.

Students create animal print casts from molds in the classroom. They use the cast patterns to identify animal prints on a field trip in which they locate animal tracks, identify the location with GPS and create field casts of the...

Sixth graders create a type of notebook or journal using colored copy paper on which to take notes. They complete research on a certain disease and report on it and then design their own disease causing bacteria or virus. Finally, 6th...

Students analyze data on coral reefs and use this to help characterize reefs.  In this mapping coral reefs lesson students identify and explain the major threats to coral reefs.

Students estimate geographic position based on speed and air travel.  In GPS lesson students use GPS to estimate the set and drift of currents. 

Students use the internet to gather information on the solar system. They identify the discoverer and unique characteristics of each planet. They compare and contrast each planet based on size, mass, and distance from the sun. They...

Young scholars describe the design and construction of the Mars Exploration Rovers (MERs). They imagine that they can visit Mars and think about what they want to find out about the planet. The review the solar system and discuss...

Students describe the importance of structural features that increase surface area in a coral reef habitat.  In this investigative lesson students quantify the impact of modifications on surface area in model habitats. 

Students identify the major threats to coral reefs and the ways that they benefit from humans.  In this coral reef conservation lesson students create a public education program on coral reefs. 

Students investigate water pollution prevention. In this ecology wastewater instructional activity, students activate prior knowledge about sewage, then view a video explaining the waste water sewage system used in the San Francisco Bay...

Fourth graders observe demonstrations how heated air rises and becomes a low pressure area. After watching several teacher-conducted experiments, 4th graders, in groups, discuss and answer questions in their journals. Finally, they...

Third graders watch a video on the solar system and examine the role of the sun. As a class, they complete a KWL chart and make different color temperature pockets to use during their experiment. In groups, they make predictions about...

Students use maps and mathematics to determine the appropriate panther population in a given area. In this Florida ecology instructional activity, students research the area requirements of male and female panther and use a map to help...

Sixth graders recognize that the Earth was different in different eras. In this Mesozoic Era lesson, 6th graders compare the time frame of the different eras and how long they lasted for by graphing them. Students study the...

Students will use their bodies to act out the motions of Earth by exploring orbits, rotations, and the turning of the earth as it revolves around the sun. Doing research to find correct answers to their questions will help them act out...

Students are oriented to the plight of endangered species and to help them explain and gain perspective on human issues that continue to endanger species and threaten our global environment.

Students view a presentation of water and land and how we need to protect our water resources. In this water lesson plan, students discuss how we rely on water, and complete activities in all subjects related to water.

Students listen to the story Little Brothers Share Big Bond and answer comprehension questions. In this instructional activity on acceptance, students use various areas of reading (vocabulary, fluency, comprehension) to promote...