Even rivers have tides. Older elementary schoolers will discuss the Hudson River and how weather, water craft, and the ocean cause tidal fluctuation. They will examine a series of line graphs that depict tidal fluctuation, then analyze...

Learners create an ecosystem in a jar to show a model of the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycle. Working in small groups, they research and present orally the information they find on this cycle.

Students illustrate the chemical differences between surface and tap-water. They investigate the common chemical and physical parameters relevant for water quality and gain hands on experience with water quality testing. They enhance...

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...

Learners develop an understanding of the interrelatedness of technology, culture, and environment as illustrated by the Chumash culture. They research the tribe and complete a table for the Chumash people describing their environment,...

Learners characterize a physical change as something that changes to a different size, but retains its basic substance. They measure volumes using milliliters, and perform an experiment that proves that gases expand when hot and contract...

What better way to learn about plant life than by creating a class garden? Young botanists start with a brief discussion about radishes before planting seeds and watching them grow. To determine the importance of water,...

First graders explore, analyze, document and study weather and the water cycle. They observe the weather and begin a weather journal. Each student interacts with the concepts of evaporation, condensation and precipitation, clouds,...

Students explore latent heat and how it relates to clouds in the atmosphere.  For this earth science lesson students investigate how clouds are formed. Students examine clouds and the water cycle.

Students take a virtual trip to a Catfish Aquaculture Pond and analyze soil bacteria to determine how many nitrogen cycle bacteria are present. They graph the number of colonies present and use data to determine ammonium levels in the soil.

Students consider the effects of topography on climate patterns. In this earth science lesson, students research weather patterns and make inferences of how the land forms may create different climates. Students compare Celsius...

Students construct a weather dial. In this weather lesson, students examine different types of weather and design a weather dial for use during the daily math meeting.

Students investigate the two key concepts covered in this instructional activity: first, how pollution can affect plants, and, second, how polluted plants affect the rest of the food cycle. In sum, this instructional activity teaches...

Learners estimate the amount of water that can be found in its various forms including oceans, lakes, glaciers, rivers, etc. They view a demonstration about water distribution and discuss flash flooding safety precautions.

Sixth graders explore how water behaves on a penny.  For this states of matter lesson, 6th graders observe water as they add drops to a penny. This lesson helps students apply the adhesive properties of water to the water cycle.

Students are shown how dissolved oxygen enters the water. They are taught the difference between a water sample that has been exposed to the air and one that has not. Students brainstorm what organisms need to survive. They use dissolved...

Students determine

Students explore the rain forest and where they are located. Students examine why the rain forests are important and what is happening to them. They investigate the water cycle and life cycle of a frog. Students build a rain forest in...

Seventh graders learn how trees help nature recycle.  In this carbon cycle lesson, 7th graders view a picture of a giant redwood tree, complete a Think, Pair, Share activity, view and discuss a poster about how nature recycles,...

Students state the physical, chemical or biological processes associated with these environments: Pelagic ocean zone, California coat Cave, Indiana Barrier island beach, North Carolina Sand dune, Dunes National Park, Colorado Wetland and...

Discover what it means when a stone is porous or permeable. In this geology lesson, investigate a sandstone and complete a lab exercise which displays how porous and permeable a stone can actually be then measure these terms as well.

Fifth graders study early explorers. In this World history lesson, 5th graders draw an outline of a map labeling each part, build geographical features out of dough, and paint each of the land and water features.

Students investigate the lives of frogs by completing several worksheets.  In this biology lesson, students discover the life cycle of a frog from tadpole to death.  Students complete frog life cycle puzzle as well as create a...

Students examine a frog's life cycle. In this amphibians lesson, students read a book about frogs and discuss how frogs are born and how they grow.  Students complete worksheets on the life cycle of the frog, and hold a discussion...