Learners analyze atmosphere and light. In this earth science lesson, students are introduced to an investigation about why the sky is blue. Learners complete a WebQuest to answer the question.

In this Earth worksheet, middle schoolers investigate the interactions between the four major parts of the earth-the atmosphere, the geosphere, the biosphere and the hydrosphere. Students discuss their findings as a class.

Students investigate how the ocean plays a part in the water cycle. In this earth science instructional activity, students locate a puddle outside and mark it with chalk. Students observe the changes in the water during the next two days.

Students investigate rocks. In this earth science activity, students collect rocks from the schoolyard and describe each of the rocks. Students measure and weigh each rock and record the results. Students create a rock guide for the...

Learners explore the water cycle. In this earth science lesson, students observe and measure water in a closed container and in an open container. Learners record their observations and compare their sets of data to draw conclusions...

Learners build and erode a hillside. In this earth science lesson, students build a five inch hillside in a paint pan using sand, soil, and pebbles. They pour water over the hillside to monitor the erosion and how it is...

Eighth graders identify the different layers of the earth. In this earth science instructional activity, 8th graders choose a project to do from a given list according to their learning style. They present their finished project in class.

Pupils compare the unique characteristics of Earth to other planets and then write descriptions of Earth that might attract fictional extraterrestrials to visit the planet. They design an appealing travel brochure that incorporates the...

Students study the three components that comprise the Earth's system.  In this investigative instructional activity students develop an understanding of the Earth's structure and identify the three major components of the system. 

Students examine the layers of the earth and the basic composition and thickness of each. Using construction paper, each student models the layers of the earth.

Students study plate tectonics.  In this plate tectonics lesson students build a cutaway scale model of the Earth. 

Eighth graders describe how the Earth's position causes seasonal changes. In this astronomy lesson, 8th graders explain how solar radiation varies depending on the season. They create a collage or poster on each of the Earth's four seasons.

Middle schoolers demonstrate size and orbits of Earth, Moon, and Mars. In this space science lesson plan, students will use balloons to show how the size and distance between the planets and satellite compare.

Students explore the Earth. In this space lesson, students view the " Earth and Moon Viewer" web site and complete a related worksheet.

Eighth graders use Google Earth to study the landscape of Utah. In this Utah landscape lesson, 8th graders view landscape photos and work in partners to analyze the pictures. Students write a paragraph that describes the landscape and...

Young scholars are led through a demonstration in which they cut open an apple, which represents the earth. They follow through the hands-on lesson, cutting the apple into various portions--each representing some aspect of the earth.

Eighth graders research about different types of volcanoes. For this earth science lesson, 8th graders create PowerPoint presentation on the information gathered. They share findings with the class.

Students identify the interior layers of the Earth and analyze a diagram.  In this Earth's layers lesson students create a model of the Earth's interior. 

Students explore different scientists throughout history.  In this scientists and culture lesson students research using the Internet and complete a handout. 

Students examine how seasons occur and explore how the different angles effect surface heating.  In this climate lesson students interpret satellite maps of the world that show seasonal differences in plant life. 

Students comprehend how Landsat satellites orbit teh Earth to produce images. They comprehend the elliptical path of satellites. Students recognize that a different orbital path is needed for different satellites to perform their tasks....

Ecosystem, human body system, weather system. We hear the word system a lot, but what does it really mean? In the activity, pairs or groups of learners discuss how a bicycle is a system and then analyze objects in their classroom and...

Beginning with a pre-lab, kindergarteners trace the letters in the word earthquake and discuss what happens in an earthquake. The lab portion allows young scientists realize that earthquakes trigger shaking of different intensities...

Young scholars comprehend how satellites use remote sensing to produce images. They use supervised classification with Landsat images. Students recognize that the earth's surface has different basic land surfaces that reflect/emit...