The 3 steps of the water cycle, evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, are the focus of this instructional activity. After a neat demonstration of rain using hot water, a pie tin, and ice cubes, young scientists observe and...

Fifth graders explore the major components of the water cycle. They pay close attention to evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. A water cycle kit is set up in the classroom, which learners observe for a couple of days before the...

Learners examine how a hot air balloon works. In this hot air balloon lesson, students do an experiment to test the effects of heat on density. Learners make their own hot air balloon and act out how nitrogen moves when turned to a liquid.

Fifth graders investigate evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. They observe a water cycle kit and record their observations, and examine how water condenses on the outside of a cup. Next, they observe an evaporation...

Learners dance the image of falling snow. They move, swing, fall, and rise to music working to depict snow falling, the sun, and high/low movements. This is a well-thought out lesson that aids them in seeing movement as a form of...

Fourth graders rank balls by size from smallest to largest and from lightest to heaviest and then by how much they made the water rise. They then discuss why certain balls make the water rise higher than do other balls.

Students investigate the concept of rising air in the formation of clouds and precipitation. In this rising air lesson, students conduct an experiment with hot and cold water that shows how warm water rises due to thermal buoyancy. They...

Convection currents aren't just a bunch of hot air. The second of five lessons in the Solar Updraft Towers unit focuses on energy transfer and convection currents. Young scientists watch six demonstrations that illustrate how warm air...

Young scholars investigate hydrothermal vents by observing a simple model designed to show that hot water rises when it's heated. First, students listen as the teacher explains hydrothermal fluids and vents. Young scholars watch as the...

Learners, after evaluating different allocation methods for water, determine the costs and benefits of each method.

Students explore the water cycle. In this investigative lesson, students examine the water cycle process. They will record their observations and discuss marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Students explore the water cycle.  In this water cycle instructional activity, students experiment with a variety of activities to discover what happens during the water cycle.  Students create their own animated versions of...

Second graders synthesize the four parts of the water cycle by participating in a water cycle dance. They perform movements that signify each stage of the cycle.

Students use water, beakers, hot plates, paper dots, and goggles to participate in a hands on activity where they see how a convection current creates wind. For this convection current lesson plan, students participate in a hands on...

Students watch a demonstration using a plastic bag and a hair dryer to create a hot air balloon. After the demonstration, they discuss the results and whether or not hot water behaves the in the same manner as hot air. They conduct...

Students watch the teacher make a cloud. In this water cycle lesson plan, students discuss the water cycle and see the formation of a cloud. The teacher leads the discussion including the role of water vapor, smoke and air pressure.

Students explore the Earth and its ability to support life. They discuss the geosphere and the water cycle and complete the Water Wonders activity. After completing the activity, they respond in their journals and reflect upon the...

Students comprehend that hot water rises up through cold water but cold water does not rixe in hot water. They comprehend that water at temperatures above 4oC decreases in density with increases in temperature. Students answer lab...

Learners conduct an experiment to discover what happens to air when it is heated or cooled, discover that wind moves from a high-pressure area (an area of sinking air) to a low pressure area (an area of rising air).

Discover the calorie content of foods by observing how much heat they produce in water. If you have a calculator-based laboratory (CBL™) insturment for collecting data, then this laboratory worksheet will not need any changes. If...

Students experiment observing a demonstration on models of density-driven currents which are typically found in an estuarine system of water flow. They compare/contrast water temperature and salinity to the formations of estuarine currents.

Students engage in three short, hands-on, in-class demos which expand students' understand of energy. First, using peanuts and heat, students see how the human body burns food to make energy. Then, they create paper snake mobiles to...

Students study yeasts or cellular respiration in this inquiry activity. They examine different types of bread to show which rise or do not. They measure the amount of carbon dioxide released by the yeasts when using different sweeteners.

Students place themselves in the position of a water molecule, ice molecule, or steam molecule and then describe the process of changing phase.