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National Science Teachers Association
The Ethanol Project
In a mock senate hearing regarding the development of ethanol as a fuel source, each person in the class is assigned a role to play and must uphold the stance of their character. Once the senate hearing is complete, each person writes a...
Teach Engineering
Thinking Green!
Encourage your class to solve local environmental issues. Groups brainstorm environmental issues that are affecting the community, choose one they want to solve, and design a product or service to solve their chosen issue. They then...
Curated OER
Responsible Stewardship: The Saving of the Great Lakes
Learners devise a plan to protect the Great Lakes. In this environmental lesson, students conduct research to identify nonprofit groups that help protect the waterways. Learners write letters to the Congressman or a nonprofit...
PBS
Stories of Painkiller Addiction: Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Campaign
The I-STOP law was designed to regulate the distribution and tracking of prescription drugs. After reading an article about its signing and implementation, middle and high schoolers work together to come up with their own ideas for an...
Curated OER
Earth Day Lessons With The Right Stuff
Earth Day lessons provide a great way to teach students about the significance of the event, and how they can make a difference.
Curated OER
Digging Into the Past
Fifth graders study fossils and how they are charted. In this fossil lesson plan, 5th graders research the excavation process of discovering fossils, and view fossils. They then do a hands on activity that involves plastic fossils that...
Curated OER
The Earth's Rain Forests
Students study the importance of the world's rain forests. In this rain forest instructional activity, students read about the role of the rain forests in the world's environment. Students then write a formal letter to a member of...
Curated OER
Animal Science as Agriculture
The methods by which farming and agriculture became a valid area of study and research are detailed in this PowerPoint. Also presented are the steps involved for improving productivity and efficiency. The use of scientific method...
Curated OER
In My Opinion
Young writers craft letters to the government stating their opinion on different topics. They pick an environmental or ocean issue, research it, and craft their formal persuasive letter. Ensure your learners include supporting facts and...
Curated OER
The Garbage Patch: Two Earth day Lessons
Young scholars view a seven minute video called Gorilla in the Greenhouse. In this Earth day lesson, students review the history of Earth day. Young scholars work in groups to describe the life cycle of a plastic bag. Students...
Curated OER
The Most Important Equation in Astronomy!
For this astronomy optics worksheet, students calculate the angular resolution and maximum resolution for given telescope specifics. This worksheet has 3 problems to solve.
Curated OER
The Energy Task Force
Students simulate a meeting of the President's energy task force in order to observe how energy policy may be developed with the input of various groups. Students will form groups with the following roles: lobbyists, members of the...
Curated OER
Message in the Waves :Two Earth Day Lessons for Middle School Students
Fifth graders are introduced to Earth day and study the nesting colonies of Midway. In this Earth Day activity students watch an online clip and see the effects our waste has on wildlife.
Curated OER
Fossils: The Eras of the Earth's History
Students 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. Students use AppleWorks to create a bar graph containing information of the four...
Curated OER
The Federal Legislative Process
Students investigate the concept of the Federal Legislative Process. This is done through the use of research on approved class websites. The lesson gives the option of developing other resources for students to use for the teacher to...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Reflecting on What I Learned About Climate Change
After three eye-opening lessons about our environment, scholars revisit a 10-question survey, reflect on their new-found knowledge, and take action by writing to a representative or creating a public service announcement about...
Curated OER
Pesticide Laws and Regulations
Students explore the laws and regulations of pesticides. In this pesticides activity, students research how laws are made and identify the agencies responsible for enforcing the laws. Students research the Internet for laws and bills...
Curated OER
A Duck's Bill on Capitol Hill?
Use a list of environmentally related words to engage learners in a discussion about ecosystem conservation legislation. As a class, read "Aware of Political Ecosystem, Property Rights Advocate Embraces Conservation Plan." Then, present...
Curated OER
Superhero Science
Young scientist explore the various positions in the debate on stem cell research and then discuss these perspectives before formulating their own positions. They must research the topic and beliefs that others have. They will also look...
Curated OER
Arkansas: A Changing Climate, a Changing Land
Here is a activity on the climate zones and geography of Arkansas. In it, learners look at maps (embedded) of different climate zones found throughout Arkansas. They engage in discussions regarding how global warming and climate change...
Curated OER
Gas and Oil Royalties
In this gas and oil worksheet, students read articles about the gas and oil industry and the royalties that are collected. Students then write a letter to their Senator about their feelings toward oil issues and answer short answer...
Curated OER
Flood Control: Environmental History
Students examine the painting, Spring on the Missouri. They role-play and discuss floods and flood control from the views of an environmental lobbyist and a farmer.
Curated OER
Out of the City and Into the Soup
Young scholars examine the issue of air pollution. They read and analyze an article, evaluate the responses of state and federal officials to the problem, conduct Internet research, and write a letter to their senator and congressman.
Curated OER
Mustang: Wild Spirit of the West
Students write a day in the life story from the point of view of another endangered animal. Students write to your local newspaper to express their opinions on the issue. Students research a horse's diet and explain why horses have...