Earth Science

This lesson plan is an investigation in which students consider the criteria used to assess damage to natural resources and mitigation measures when a large scale environmental threat, such as an oil spill, occurs. The lesson plan is appropriate grades 7-12 and aligns with National Geography and Science Education Standards.

In this lesson plan from the New York Times Learning Network, students create experiments to learn more about the effects of oil spills and apply their findings to coastal communities in the gulf region. They also explore the economic impacts of the oil spill as well as the technological progress involved in stopping the leak. The lesson is appropriate for students in grades 6-12 and meets McREL standards in Engineering Education, Geography, Health, Science, Technology and World History.

This lesson plan from the American Society for Engineering Education focuses on how engineers use various techniques to provide speedy solutions to oil spills. Students work in teams to analyze an oil spill, then design, build and test a system made from everyday materials to contain and remove the oil from the water. The lesson is appropriate for grades 3-12 and adheres to National Science Education Standards as well as Standards for Technological Literacy.

In this lesson, students examine the effects of packaging decisions and the engineering advancements in packaging materials and waste management. They also observe biodegradation in a model landfill. This lesson is best suited for grades 3-5 and adheres to Colorado Life Science and Interrelationships Educational Standards.

This lesson plan engages students in a real-life exploration of climate change as it is affected by greenhouse emissions from vehicles. The aim of this activity is for students to realize the impact of vehicle use in their family and to give students the opportunity to brainstorm viable alternatives to vehicle use.

Students identify the role of government in protecting the environment and participate in a game where they run a profitable or unprofitable power plant in changing market conditions. They summarize the pros and cons of emissions credit trading. This lesson is best suited for grades 9-12 and adheres to National Education Standards.

In this lesson, students examine the causes and effects of air pollution, as well as ways in which various industries and government organizations are aiming to control it. Students first use the internet to answer a series of questions about air pollution and to compile a list of related websites, and then use these websites to create informative posters about air pollution topics.

Students study lichens as indicators of air quality. They learn to use GPS units, track their lichen research using scientific data collection methods, and determine the air quality of a region based on their findings. This lesson is best suited for grades 6-8 and adheres to National Science Education Standards.

Students engage in experiment activities, which illustrate that air is made of matter, does take up space, and is very important to our health. This lesson contains activities for a variety of grade levels. This lesson is best suited for grades K-5 and adheres to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards.

What's Up in the Environment has produced three long-term projects focusing on water issues: Contaminated Water, Watersheds, and Wetlands. Each project provides step-by-step instructions and resources for educators to get their students involved in local water issues.