Students compare current geological map and the one from 1800's. In this earth science lesson, students discuss differences between the two and explain the factors that caused the change. They write an essay about how these changes...

Eighth graders analyze weather diagrams and weather maps. In this earth science lesson, 8th graders explain why it is important to know the weather. They complete a handout at the end of the lesson.

Students study the science of the moon. In this moon observations lesson, students study vocabulary associated with the moon, study a lunar calendar, and a phases of the moon's orbit around the Earth.

Students examine how the link between the tilt of the Earth's axis to the ecliptic and seasons of the year--length of day, effectiveness of sunlight, polar day and night, and seasons south and north of the equator, as well as near it.

Students study energy sources to learn about fossil fuels and environmental concerns. In this energy sources lesson plan, students watch demonstrations for various energy examples. Students find hidden pennies, make a bar graph on their...

Students explore earth science by researching the Internet. In this weather pattern lesson plan, students utilize the website weather.com to analyze the weather in different geographic locations. Students view charts and graphs based on...

Young scholars construct a model of the Earth using clay and oranges. In this earth science lesson, students explain the causes of earthquakes and volcanic activity. They write their findings in their science journal.

Students measure shadows and explore the altitude of the sun.  In this sun lesson students will graph the length of shadows and solar altitude against time. 

Students discuss natural resources. In this science lesson, students understand that physical properties can be used to identify minerals and complete the chart each day working alone or in a small group.

Pupils construct a volcano model. In this earth science lesson, students determine the structure and build of their volcano. They explain the danger of volcanic eruptions.

Students observe the tides in San Diego for one month. Using this information, they graph the tides on a chart along with the phases of the moon. They answer questions related to the graph to end the lesson.

Students discuss the different types of water found on Earth. They discover why not all water is used for drinking and calculate how much water they use. They create their own water conservation plan.

Eighth graders recognize the some day humans may wish to colonize Mars. They participate in an Internet adventure where they compare and contrast Earth to the other nine planets in the solar system.

Students read the book Flat Stanley. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students participate in earth-friendly activities based upon the book. This lesson includes ideas such as using recycled paper to make a "paper pal."

Students classify earth's layers and plates using Ocean Seismicity data. In this plate tectonics instructional activity, students outline where the plate boundaries are on the world map. They then compare these predicted boundaries with...

Students explain how volcanoes form. In this earth science instructional activity, students identify the different types of volcanoes. They create brochures about Mt. Vesuvius before and after the eruption.

Fourth graders explore meteorologists. They explore symbols on a weather map and make five day forecasts.

Students explore the size of our Universe by understanding how long it takes to travel around from object to object in it - even if you travel at the speed of light! In making our exploration, we will examine ways of measuring distance,...

Middle schoolers identify the different components that make up soil. In this earth science lesson, students create a pamphlet for next year's class. They analyze how erosion and weathering shape the Earth.

Young scholars examine the observation of "coronal holes," by x-rays, also about related fast streams and moderate magnetic storms that recur at 27 day intervals. They study NASA'S great observatories.

In this unit of lessons, 2nd graders examine the water quality of the water on the planet. They discover how much water is on the planet and how to conserve their water usage.

Fourth graders complete activities to study the sources of energy and forms. In this energy lesson, 4th graders discuss the origin of energy and define it. Students participate in several experiments to further study energy including a...

Learners explore the concept that free-fall eliminates the local effects of gravity. They discuss what an Earth-orbiting spacecraft experience is like as well as the terminology of weightlessness. Their lab experiment commences.

Students explain the processes involved in the rock cycle. In this earth science lesson, students identify the different kinds of rocks. They complete a worksheet during the activity.