NOAA
Stressed Out!
Are our oceans really suffering due to the choices humans make? The sixth and final installment in the volume of activities challenges research groups to tackle one of six major topics that impact ocean health. After getting to the...
Curated OER
Water, Water, Everywhere (High School)
Students view different types of water to make the point that salt or polluted water isn't useful for drinking water. They chart causes, consequences and solutions to water scarcity based on internet research. They write an essay as...
Curated OER
Power, Pollution, Pros and Cons
Students review what they know about non-renewable energy, compare and contrast advantages and drawbacks of each type, such as cost of energy sources, feasibility, air pollution, water pollution, and other risks, and create table listing...
Curated OER
Wide Open Spaces
Learners examine the problem of groundwater pollution. In groups, they develop a solution to solve the problem of a local polluted water source. They also practice measuring the space between sediment particles and the rate of water flow.
Polar Trec
Why Can’t I Eat This Fish?
Can turning on the television lead to toxins in the food supply? The instructional activity offers an opportunity for young scientists to complete guided research. A worksheet lists each question as well as the web page necessary to...
Learning Games Lab
Cattle Feeding
Finding a balance between too much protein and not enough doesn't have to be a guessing game. Young scientists use an interactive lesson to learn how to calculate protein content in cattle feed and how to mix feed to create the ideal...
Curated OER
What's In Your Stream?
Students conduct hands-on fieldwork in order to investigate water quality of a nearby stream. They discuss watersheds and how it affects water quality as well as identify any causes of changes or pollution in the area water before...
Teach Engineering
Introduction to Environmental Engineering
A series on environmental engineering introduces the class to issues that environmental engineers work to solve. This first instructional activity focuses on air and land issues, and looks at ways to reduce pollution.
Curated OER
Down By the River
Students examine how watersheds work and determine the difference between point and nonpoint source pollution. They research management practices to reduce pollution and investigate how everyone can participate in reducing water pollution.
Curated OER
Treacherous Trash
Learners recognize the harmful effects people have on the environment. For this environmental lesson, students simulate water pollution clean-up by using tangled objects and untangling them in a cooperative group. Learners identify why...
Curated OER
Pollution Solution!
Students listen to the story "Clean Air, Dirty Air" by Lynne Patchett and discover the main types of pollution and how these affect their bodies. In this pollution lesson, students work in small groups to create a machine to prevent...
Curated OER
Where, Oh Where is All the Clean Air?
Middle schoolers examine the history of air pollution dating back to the Roman Empire. In groups, they research the different types of pollutants in the air and how they can affect the environment. They participate in various...
Curated OER
What's in the Water?
Students make a water sampler and use proper techniques to collect water.They write a essay explaining the inter-relationship of factors such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and phosphates in a lake that might cause a...
Teach Engineering
Grow Your Own Algae!
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...
Carnegie Mellon University
Understanding Electricity Mix Tradeoffs
Use the accompanying presentation and colorful technology sheets to introduce your class to the 10 different energy technologies. Connect kids to an interactive computer tool that allows them to combine different types of power...
Curated OER
Lesson 11 - Potable Water
Students 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.
Curated OER
Current Groundwater Contamination Research
Students research the effects of groundwater pollutants on life. They name and describe 1 environmental factor that has an effect on our drinking water. Students read the Water-Groundwater and Pollution Article. They discuss and...
Curated OER
Colors of our Earth
Learners are introduces to soil profile classification. They remember that classification of soils is an important aspect of studying soils as it aids in predicting how soils react to weathering, transport nutrients or pollution. ...
Curated OER
Recycling
Third graders observe the importance of recycling. In this environmental activity, 3rd graders will view experiments on water filtration, paper-making, and breathing pollutants, and will categorize recyclable materials.
Curated OER
Waste Not, Want Not
Young scholars consider the types of debris that litters beaches and conduct research on waste management. They then interview professionals in a particular field of waste management and write reports for a booklet about garbage and...
Curated OER
Clouds
Students explore clouds. In this weather lesson, students identify the steps in the water cycle, define condensation and evaporation, and relate this information to cloud formation. Students perform a cloud experiment, predict weather...
Curated OER
Particulate Matter
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...
Curated OER
Stream Table
Students explore channelization, riparian habitats and soil erosion to find out about the aquatic habitats in Iowa. In this aquatic habitats lesson, students define important terms and read an article about pollution. Students complete...
Curated OER
All Messed Up
Young scholars begin the experiment by mapping and calculating their school parking lot. They calculate the volume of water falling on the lot and map the route the water runoff takes. They discuss the roles that humans play in affecting...