Middle schoolers investigate the different heating effects of sunlight. They conduct an experiment that demonstrates how sunlight strikes the equator, the poles, and other parts of the globe.

Students study coastal erosion and deposition by waves and sea-level rise in a particular area.

Students feel the changes in the amounts of greenhouse gases in the global atmosphere. They learn that the amounts of greenhouse gases in the global atmosphere are clearly changing. Some evidence of these changes includes levels of...

Students investigate the effects of atmospheric pressure.

Help your class improve the energy efficiency of their homes with the draft-o-meter. Simply tape a sheet of plastic wrap to a pencil and use it to observe any air leaking through windows, doorways, and other locations around the house....

Young scientists show the effects of light scattering by particles, which is similar to the scattering of light by volcanic aerosols. Groups of learners work together to conduct this simple, but illuminating demonstration. The follow-up...

Atmosphere aces investigate the microclimates that exist within a larger area. They use a thermometer to record temperature variations and identify microclimates on a map they have drawn. This exercise helps them to understand that...

Young scientists examine why Earth has seasons and how its motion around the Sun causes them. Groups of learners are given a variety of balls, a bamboo stick, a marker, and a flashlight, then use the objects to demonstrate Earth's...

Young scientists demonstrate how Earth's temperature has varied gradually over time. They attempt to answer four questions that all pertain to how the Pacific Ocean's temperature has evolved. This lesson includes internet research and a...

El Niño and the climate changes that go along with it are the focus of this Earth Science lesson. Learners pay particular attention to the wind patterns established on Earth, nd look at weather maps to see how El Niño can alter and...

Learners use a pipette to mix small amounts of food coloring into water. They visualize the small quantities of parts per million and parts per billion. Contrary to the title, the lesson is about liquid amounts rather than gas amounts....

Using the provided table of information, middle school marine biologists chart data on a graph to determine the impact of water depth on coral growth in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Then they answer questions that connect the data to...

Young scientists examine how even a small rise in sea level can lead to salinisation of valuable agricultural land. First, everyone takes part in a simple demonstration that shows the negative effects of saltwater on plants. Peer groups...

With this simple inquiry exercise, young scientists observe the effects of melting ice on the water level. Set up an easy experiment with floating ice cubes in a dish of water, then have your pupils make and record their observations of...

Young science learners construct a greenhouse out of a plastic bottle. They use a nail to punch a hole through which a thermometer will be inserted to monitor the temperature. This simple experiment easily demonstrates the greenhouse...

Through inquiry, experimentation, and observation, young scientists see how an increase in rainfall under climate change can affect the water table and soil salinity underground. Young scientists build models that represent the...

Observing the atmosphere is always a fascinating pastime. In this science instructional activity, learners are encouraged to observe the wind speed and cloudiness present each day. The observations take place over three days, and each...

The investigation of weather and climate is a fascinating study. In this lesson, learners see that weather and climate are two very different areas of study. They study printouts of an area's temperature highs, lows, and average rainfall...

Here is a simple inquiry experiment designed to demonstrate that the energy from sunlight can evaporate water. Young scientists follow provided procedural steps to construct a model of our atmosphere using a bowl, a cup, water and...

The Arctic and Antarctic Ice caps are the focus of this Earth science lesson. In reality, this is more of a demonstration than a lesson, but there is rich discussion that happens before, during, and after the demonstration. Very...

Learners identify, measure, and average microclimatic temperatures in a particular region. Groups of students are assigned to sample certain areas on the playground and around the school campus. They record their temperature data and...

Students examine the main features of the climate of the Tropical Pacific region by looking at maps and charting the tracks of one or more recent cyclones. After a brief discussion, they answer questions bout convergence zones and the...

Fifth graders discuss the greenhouse effect, then create their own small greenhouses using plastic bottles, testing and recording their effects on temperature.

Fifth graders investigate how pressure differences create wind. They discuss the Coriolis effect, then explore what happens when blown-up balloons are released.