Curated OER
Sunlight and Heat
Learners brainstorm about the sources of heat. They discuss that sunlight is one of those sources. Students complete a lab about cold water and warm water. They record the temperatures from each thermometer and discuss which container...
Curated OER
Around the Sun We Go
Sixth graders complete a short survey on the relationship between the Earth and the Sun. In groups, they participate in an experiment in which they test the angle of the Earth and compare it to the sun. To end the lesson, they discuss...
Curated OER
What is Climate?
In this climate worksheet, students review the components that make up climate including temperature and precipitation. This worksheet has 8 true or false and 2 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Sleuth Rays
Students conduct a close examination of the atom's electrons, and discover how to theorize the energy levels, observe the brightness of light, classify colors, and measure temperature.
Curated OER
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
Learners examine the relationship between temperature and brightness. In this astronomy lesson students will correlate the evolution of stars to the HR diagram plotted.
Curated OER
Weather and its Effect on the Environment and Settlement
Students, after choosing two diverse cities, collect data on weather for a month and construct a graph on temperature and precipitation. After collecting population data of said cities, and graphing it, they plot population on a large...
Curated OER
Measurement: When Degrees Matter
Eighth graders record the temperature change of the beakers. In this general science lesson, 8th graders create their own data table for recording observations. They discuss experimental results and cite real life applications.
Curated OER
The Greenhouse Effect
Pupils complete a group experiment which simulates the greenhouse effect as well as compare the climate on Earth to the climate on Venus following a class discussion on the greenhouse effect.
Curated OER
Helping plants grow well
Students explore the effect of water, temperature and light on plant growth. Students are asked if they remember the LAW for plants. This is Light, Air(temperature) and Water, which all plants need for growth. Students are divided...
Curated OER
Is It Hot in the Light?
Third graders make observations about the temperature of items in direct sunlight. In groups, they discuss why asphalt, brick and cement are warmer than items surrounding them. To end the lesson, they examine how heat transfers energy...
Curated OER
Selling Our Insulated Long Undies
Students review the information they have gathered in previous lessons on temperature. In groups, they must decide on which material they tested is the best one for long underwear. They develop a cost and determine a company to sell...
Curated OER
Introducing The Gulf Stream
Sixth graders research the average temperatures of different places on Earth. In this earth science lesson, 6th graders explain how the sun's heat cause ocean movement. They discuss how temperature change affects the weather we experience.
Curated OER
Reflection and Absorption of Light
Students use a microcomputer connected to a light sensor and temperature probe to explore the reflection and absorption of radiation for different surfaces. Students follow instructions in this guided inquiry based lab and are then asked...
Curated OER
Why Is Our Stream Changing?
Learners test turbidity, pH, oxygen content and temperature of local stream. In this earth science instructional activity, students collect and record data from the experiment. They analyze findings and present it to class.
Curated OER
Currently Warm
Seventh graders investigate how ocean currents affect climate. In this earth science lesson, 7th graders draw and label the current in their assigned ocean. They discuss how currents from the poles differ from the equator.
Curated OER
What is Wind Chill?
Middle schoolers calculate wind chill using a mathematical formula. In this earth science lesson, students compare the wind chill in Antarctica to that of their local area. They explain how this can lead to hypothermia.
Curated OER
Weather: Like It or Not!
Second graders investigate daily weather changes. In this earth science lesson, 2nd graders identify the different terms used to describe weather. They use the outdoor thermometer to record data.
Curated OER
Ocean Currents
Students discover the geography of Earth by analyzing water currents. In this oceanography lesson, students create visual references on a map of the globe where and why major ocean currents are moving water. Students conduct a water...
Curated OER
Global Climate Change
Second graders investigate the effect of melting glaciers to sea level. In this earth science lesson, 2nd graders simulate the process in the lab by conducting an experiment using ice cubes and clay. They explain the consequences of...
Curated OER
Sun Friendly Homes
Students design and build a model solar energy home. In this technology lesson, students test the efficiency of their model houses by measuring temperature at regular intervals. They analyze data and share results with the class.
Curated OER
Investigating Convection Currents
Students examine how differences in the temperature and salinity of the water help create ocean currents. They perform an experiment which shows how temperature affects the circulation of ocean water.
Curated OER
Ice Core Clues
Students create a PowerPoint presentation on the information they research about the ice cores and what they tell us about Earth's past. In this ice core lesson plan, students research radioactivity, air pollution, sodium, snowfall...
Curated OER
Outdoor Observation
Second graders explore Earth science by participating in a nature observation activity. For this four seasons lesson, 2nd graders identify the four seasons on Earth and the weather patterns they are known for. Students read several books...
Curated OER
Ocean Currents
Students label the names, relative temperature, distribution, and direction of flow of major ocean currents on a world map. They also explore and model the natural forces that affect the movement of ocean currents through demonstrations...