Kenan Fellows
Using Water Chemistry as an Indicator of Stream Health
Will this water source support life? Small groups test the chemistry of the water drawn from two different sources. They then compare the collected data to acceptable levels to draw conclusions about the health of the source. The...
Teach Engineering
Skin and the Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation
Though UV radiation can damage skin, it isn't all bad. The third installment in a six-part series allows the class to study the structure and function of skin. They learn about the different types of skin cancer and the SPF rating...
Curated OER
Crashed on the Moon
Young scholars compare and contrast the environments of the moon and the earth. They discover how the differences might change one's daily activities.
Curated OER
Wet World in Danger
Pupils investigate the reasons why wetlands are threatened especially by people. They study the wise use of water to preserve wetlands.
Curated OER
Designing an Ecologically Sound City
Fifth graders design an "ecologically sound" city. They write laws for the city to help make all citizens aware of their ecological responsibilities and propose alternative power sources for light and heat.
Curated OER
Genetics
Students create a checklist of traits common in all of their families. Uisng a table, they compare and contrast their family members to non-family members. They also review dominant and recessive traits and discuss how knowing about...
Curated OER
Green Buildings Virtual Tour
Learners fill out a worksheet after researching green buildings by taking a virtual tour. In this green buildings lesson plan, students use Google Earth to research green buildings.
Curated OER
Soil Runoff Challenge
Learners find ways to decrease soil runoff for an African Village as a part of a Peace Corps project. In this soil runoff lesson plan, students play a soil runoff challenge online. Learners complete online activities and view a slide...
Curated OER
Holy Starbucks Batman
Learners investigate caffeine as a potential new pollutant in a northwest river system. Effects of caffeine on invertebrates and salmon fry will be explored through field work and lab work.
Curated OER
The Gulf Oil Disaster
Students take a closer look at the Gulf oil spill of 2010. In this global issues lesson, students analyze political cartoons related to the crisis. Students discuss their impressions of the crisis and U.S. energy policies.
Curated OER
Red Wigglers
Learners are introduced to the benefits of using Red Wiggler worms to produce compost. They identify the requirements for the worms and the methods to follow in order to produce compost. They draw a picture of a functioning worm bin.
Curated OER
A Tooth for a Tooth
Learners classify mammals as carnivores or herbivores. They look at a set of pictures of animal skulls, observing the shape and size of the teeth, and identify herbivores and carnivores.
Curated OER
Analyzing Soil Samples
Students grow grass or radish seeds in this experiment, which takes three to four weeks to complete. They become familiar with basic soil analysis techniques, as well as, explore the importance of analyzing soil samples.
Curated OER
Protecting Philippine Reefs
Learners watch a slide show about the Philippine Reefs to explore the topic of fish populations. In this reef and fish population lesson, students watch a slide show about fish populations and how the Peace Corps works...
Curated OER
Oil Well That Ends Well
Focusing on the effect of oil spills on the environment, learners conduct experiments to explore this issue. First, they create an ocean environment using materials provided. Then, they make a simulated crude oil substance from vegetable...
Curated OER
Enzymes and Catalysts
Students discuss the functioning of the digestive system and the specific enzymes present. They observe the action of amylase on starch to identify characteristics of enzymes then perform an experiment on the effects of temperature on...
Curated OER
Crafting a Fair Climate Agreement
Evaluate the effectiveness of Kyoto Protocol in addressing the issue of global warming. In this global warming lesson plan, learners compare the pros and cons of the cap-and-trade system versus a carbon tax, as well as other possible...
Curated OER
Meet the Trees!
Students investigate their school forest and make their own miniature forest. In this forest investigation lesson, students read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and make alist of reasons to have trees. Students investigate trees by...
Curated OER
Who Needs Power?
Students articulate the connection between energy consumption and the global economy. They identify and define the connection between energy consumption and environmental health. Students formulate suggestions concerning how the nature...
Curated OER
Creating Communities
Learners design a community with minimal environmental impact. They rate each other's community's presentation using the "Planning and Zoning Commission Rating Scale".
Curated OER
Air Conditioning
Students explore the roles that the United States government agencies play in weather forecasting, climate control, and other climate-related environmental issues. They then write letters to President Bush recommending how a new National...
Curated OER
The Wildland/Urban Interface Dilemma
Learners examine all sides of the issues surrounding wildland fire. Groups assume the roles of different people who must decide what to do about a fictitious wildfire. They have a discussion to analyze the issue. A good, real life lesson!
Curated OER
Water Quality Monitoring
Students comprehend the four parameters of water quality. They perform tests for salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and clarity or turbidity. Students comprehend why scientists and environmental managers monitor water uality and aquatic...
Curated OER
Environment: Waste Walk
Students assess the positive and negative affects of humans on the environment. The lesson plan explores ways in which individuals and societies can reduce the negative impact on the environment. By taking a "waste walk" around their...