Curated OER
Scale Model of Our Nearest Stars
Sixth graders calculate a light day, light hour, and light minute from the standard of a light year. After establishing the distances, a one meter scale is created to demonstrate the distance between the sun and the planets of our solar...
Curated OER
Aerology- The Study of Mars
Learners investigate various aspects of the planet Mars. They examine a core sample that is simulated to make observations. Then compare the known sample with one that is unknown and differentiate between the two. Students hypothesize...
Curated OER
Build A Model of the Water Cycle
Young scholars identify and describe the steps in the water cycle. They discover the sun as the source of the cycle. They work together to create their own water cycle model.
California Academy of Science
Carbon Cycle Poster
Humans can have a big impact on the environment, specifically the influence they have on the carbon cycle. First, the class will define and discuss each of the earths four major spheres, the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and...
University of Colorado
Phases of Charon
Charon, the largest of Pluto's moons, was discovered in 1978. Lesson is a walk through of how to solve for the phases of Charon. It uses two different points on Pluto and takes into account the tilt of the pole, the rotational axis, and...
Curated OER
Martian Colony Proposals
Ninth graders design a proposal for a Martian colony to be presented to a group of their peers. They review their knowledge of Mars. Students evaluate for themselves which of their classmates proposal best fits their criteria.
Curated OER
Sandscapes to Landscapes
Students explore landscapes and create their own in a creative project.
California Academy of Science
Energy: A Day in My Life
If only we could harness the energy of fifth graders, our energy problems would be over! The class discusses where different forms of energy come from and how we use them. They complete a chart of the activities that they do daily...
Curated OER
Lesson 4 Activity 1: Mapping the Third Dimension
Students work in pairs to construct a simple stereoscope.
Curated OER
What on Earth is Greater Than?
Students compare things that are greater than, less than, or equal to, compare the Earth to other planets, and list planets from greatest size to smallest size.
Curated OER
Our Savage Planet in the News
Students explore extreme earth phenomenons. In this savage planet lesson, students explore and report on various types of severe weather and earth phenomenons using the Internet, a word processor, or other multimedia device.
Curated OER
Continents and Oceans on the Move
Students create an awareness of the vast percentage of water covering the earth. They relate similarities/differences between topographical maps and other maps of various time periods. Students examine how to use a topographical map.
Curated OER
Gravity In The Universe
Students assess and explore gravity in the Universe via several short video lessons. They analyze why this science matters and the history of Sir Isaac Newton's law of gravity. A variety of questions are asked within this lesson for each...
Curated OER
Planet Oit!
Twelfth graders use this game to find minerals given rocks and outcrops in a plausible (but not real) geologic setting. They play without outside encouragement for hours as the world is fun to explore and the scoring system encourages...
Curated OER
Our Savage Planet in the News
Young scholars research volcanoes, storms, atmospheric conditions, etc., find information and collect facts, create a simulation of a science news broadcast, watch a video clip of an avalanche, and create an artistic rendering of one...
Curated OER
Fossils: The Eras of the Earth's History
Young scholars research the four geologic eras of Earth's history. In this extension on a fossils lesson, students research the different eras of Earth's history. Young scholars use AppleWorks to create a bar graph containing information...
Curated OER
The Lunar and Terrestrial Tug of War
Fourth graders, in groups, locate, comprehend, interpret, and evaluate information about celestial bodies that influence ocean tides on Earth. They apply this information through graphic representations.
Curated OER
The Salt Water Connection
Students explore the hydrological cycle and oceans. They determine the factors that influence the Pacific Ocean. Students research an organism found in Monterey Bay. They describe the organism's biome and ecological factors that...
Curated OER
Comparing the Satellite and Broadcast Radio Landscapes
Learners research the development of satellite technology over the last 50 years students explain how the enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 changed the rules for corporate ownership of multiple media outlets.
Curated OER
Great Explorations: To the End of the Earth and Beyond
Students analyze the factors that affect exploration such as religion, trade, territorial expansion, and science. In this Great Explorations lesson plan, students determine the names of famous explorers as well as their routes and...
Curated OER
Deep Blue: Exploring the Deep Ocean
Students examine landforms. In this social studies lesson, students bounce a beach ball around in order to discover that seventy percent of the Earth is covered in water. Students
Curated OER
Stranded Along The Coast
Students reflect and investigate how a seacoast is the dynamic border between two worlds-the terrestrial and the marine. In the realm of life science, we can observe marine animals that inhabit the shoreline and tidepools. In the realm...
Curated OER
Rock Around the World
Students take pictures and write a paragraph about a rock they have found. In this rock lesson plan, students also send their information to the Mars Space Flight Facility.
Curated OER
The People and Philosophy Behind Our National Parks: A Biographical Curriculum Unit
Learners discover the interaction of American Literature, politics and the environmental movement. They explore the changing concept and philosophy of wilderness, and explain the development of The National Park System. They read...