Develop a model of a wastewater treatment center. The last activity of the unit has pupils mix a lake water sample into a tank of water containing fertilizers. Over time, the algae from the lake water grows and removes the nutrient-rich...

Sixth graders explore, analyze and study the effect and impact that humans have on the environment based on their choices as individuals, businesses and governments. They assess the balance between human activities and aquatic pollution.

Students identify the four basic natural resources. They distinguish bettween renewable and non-renewable resources. Pupils recognize that all natural resources are needed by living plants and animals. Students list consequences for...

Students gain factual knowledge of the nature of industrial waste at on their school site. They gain process knowledge of the laboratory techniques and collection procedures for wastewater samples.

Eggshells and seashells have a lot in common. Learners use the similarities to conduct an experiment that models the effect of ocean acidification on marine animals. Using varying levels of acidic liquids, pupils make observations on the...

Develop an environmental case study! Elementary learners discover how a case study is used as an analysis tool. The goal of this activity is to show pupils how techniques of persuasion (including background, supporting evidence,...

Students discover what a watershed is and which one they live in. Using the internet, they research why watersheds are important to an ecosystem and how to keep them from getting polluted. They use a map to locate various items within a...

Young scholars investigate the meaning of potable water and water reuse. They define water quality and quantity problems. They complete worksheets, a quiz and design a poster.

Students experience the effects of pollution and erosion on a model of a watershed and explore ways to change the outcome.

Sixth graders complete a lesson on the properties, types and amounts of water on Earth. In groups, they travel between stations to identify water resources in Illinois and pollution sources. They complete the lesson with a field trip...

Students investigate how pollution is a global issue. They locate the countries affected by radiation from Chernobyl, sequence the progress of radiation transport from Chernobyl and plot the pollution points on a world map, and read and...

Students are explained that wastewater treatment plants are regulated as to the quality of water they may discharge into our rivers and canals. They are explained that wastewater treatment plants clean many pollutants out of the...

Seventh graders are able to demonstrate the harmful effects of an acidic solution. They become aware of the harmful effects of acid rain. Students make predictions before they began the experiment. If vingegar contains acid, then how...

Third graders observe the importance of recycling. In this environmental lesson, 3rd graders will view experiments on water filtration, paper-making, and breathing pollutants, and will categorize recyclable materials.

Students gain an understanding of how elevation affects the flow of water. They discuss issues that can arise when residents and industries upstream pollute or irrigate a river, in opposition to those downstream. They role play opposing...

Students investigate the San Francisco Bay Estuarine Research Reserve and watershed. In this estuary and watershed lesson plan, students complete 4 activities to better understand estuarine systems. They include studying the San...

Third graders investigate how farmers get more rice from their land. In this farming lesson, 3rd graders discover things that farmers to do produce more rice. Students study photosynthesis and illustrate pictures about it. Students test...

Students 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 plan, students listen to the story The Lorax by Dr....

Learners explore how oil pollutes the oceans. In this science lesson, students investigate various materials that could be used to clean up an oil spill. Learners discuss which materials worked best and how humans can reduce oil spills.

Students build a model that depicts how water is stored in an aquifer. They examine ways in which groundwater can become contaminated.

Students discover the harm and benefits of microbes. In this biology lesson, students explore water, nitrogen and carbon cycles. They investigate the factors affecting bacteria growth.

Students complete a hands on activity using hard boiled eggs, food coloring, tape, cups, water, and a knife to show how permeability affects animals. In this permeability lesson plan, students complete this activity and learn how...

Seventh graders examine the different types of pollutants. In this environmental science lesson, 7th graders observe particulate matter under a microscope. They explain how these can affect once health when breathed in large quantities...

First graders examine the human environmental impact and discover ways to lessen effects. They create a pollution damage flow chart and write down what they think Mother Earth might say. They create inventions from recyclable materials.