My Library

Through role-playing as a particle of water, students gain an understanding of the complexity of the movement of water through earth’s systems. Stations are set-up for nine different water reservoirs associated with the water cycle. On each turn, students roll the dice at each station and either stay in place or move to a different location. Students track their unique journey through the water cy ...

This is a three part lesson where students use observations, activities, and videos to learn basic facts about the Sun. Students also model the mechanics of day and night and use solar energy to make a tasty treat. One of the videos is a time-lapse video of a sunrise and a sunset.

This lesson introduces students to the concept of marine debris, especially as it relates to plastic bags. Students are asked to do a research project measuring the amount of plastic bags they use at home and school and create a communications piece that educates others on plastics contribution to marine debris. In the Extension part of the lesson, students can take steps to reduce the use of pla ...

Students investigate which building types are structured to withstand earthquake damage. They take on the role of engineers as they design their own earthquake resistant buildings, then test them in a simulated earthquake activity. Students also develop an appreciation for the job of engineers who need to know about earthquakes and their causes in order to design resistant buildings. This lesson i ...

This lesson is the first in a two-part series on the weather. The study of the weather in these early years is important because it can help students understand that some events in nature have a repeating pattern. It also is important for students to study the earth repeatedly because they take years to acquire the knowledge that they need to complete the picture. The full picture requires the int ...