US Geological Survey
U.s. Geological Survey: Volcanoes
Six-part interdisciplinary teaching packet. Through the story of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, students will answer fundamental questions about volcanoes. By learning about volcanoes, students will understand that the Earth...
Center for Educational Technologies
Classroom of the Future: Earth Spheres
Everything in Earth's system can be placed into one of four major subsystems: land, water, living things, or air. These four subsystems are called "spheres." Specifically, they are the "lithosphere" (land), "hydrosphere" (water),...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Life Science: 12.15 Biosphere
Understand Earth's biosphere which contains the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Environmental Chemistry: Carbon Cycle
Article explaining the importance of carbon as the basis for life, carbon dioxide's role in photosynthesis and respiration, carbon in the ocean and lithosphere, the impact of human activities on the carbon cycle, carbon that seems to be...
NASA
Nasa: Earth: Overview: Our Home Planet
Provides a comprehensive look at the planet Earth including photos, how Earth got its name, and facts and figures about its size, seasons, moon, atmosphere, rotation, and lithosphere.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: A Guide to the Energy of the Earth
Energy is neither created nor destroyed - and yet the global demand for it continues to increase. But where does energy come from, and where does it go? This video examines the many ways in which energy cycles through our planet, from...
Center for Educational Technologies
Nasa Classroom of the Future: Environment Module: Uv Menace
This site provides information and activities for classes to learn more about ozone depletion and UV radiation.
Other
Few: Human Impact on the Environment & Environmental Impact on Humans
Human beings have an enormous impact on the natural environment, and ultimately on each other. The way we chose to house, clothe, shelter, and meet the needs for vital resources such as food, energy, and water, not only affect the...
E-learning for Kids
E Learning for Kids: Science: Greece: What Is the Earth Made Of?
Dionysus is a Greek God. and a theater director. Help him get ready for the play and learn about land, water, and air. After completing this lesson, students should be able to identify the different materials Earth is made up from (land,...
Center for Educational Technologies
Exploring the Environment: Earth System Science
Explains what the four spheres of the Earth are, and the interactions between them.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: Introduction to Climate
A detailed overview of the Earth's climate, with explanations about the difference between weather and climate, dendrochronology, palynology, and how Earth's climate has changed over time. All information is reinforced through pictures,...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Earth System Science
Students learn to identify the parts of the Earth system and the processes that connect them. They look for interconnections among components of the Earth system at the local level, using a study site close to their school.
Other
Elmhurst College: Virtual Chembook: Carbon Cycle
A step-by-step discussion of the stages in the carbon cycle. Each step includes a diagram further explaining the processes involved, as well as pictures depicting combustion, respiration, photosynthesis, and decomposition.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: Illinois State Water Survey: Nitrogen Cycle: Human Impact on the Nitrogen Cycle
An overview of the impact of human activities on the environment and how those actions effect the nitrogen cycle.
California State University
Csu: The Sourcebook for Teaching Science: Earth Systems Interactions
Explains what the four spheres of the Earth are and describes how volcanic eruptions affect the different spheres. Also provides a list of events that are examples of interactions.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: The Water Cycle
This site provides a comprehensive introduction to the water cycle. Students construct a model to simulate parts of the water cycle. Includes background information, links to standards, lesson plans, and assessment ideas.
eSchool Today
E School Today: Earth System
Learn about the systems that make up Earth, and find out how they interact.
Center for Educational Technologies
Cotf: Plate Tectonics
Plate Tectonics provides geology with a comprehensive theory that explains how the Earth works.
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Physical Geography
Get a general grasp on the four spheres, five sub-fields, and two scales of physical geography.