In this activity, students learn about the tools and methods paleoclimatologists use …
In this activity, students learn about the tools and methods paleoclimatologists use to reconstruct past climates. In constructing sediment cores themselves, students will achieve a very good understanding of the sedimentological interpretation of past climates that scientists can draw from cores.
This template is an instructional tool that can be used to guide …
This template is an instructional tool that can be used to guide elementary students (grades 2-5) through the reading strategy of questioning. The template is based on the Question-Answer Relationship (QAR) approach in which students classify questions according to type and then provide answers from text. The template was designed to be used with the Feature Story, The Dance of Life, by students in grades 2-5. It is a PDF document that can be copied and distributed to students.
This poster illustrates and describes types of high-, low-, and mid-altitude clouds. …
This poster illustrates and describes types of high-, low-, and mid-altitude clouds. Poster back has article and activity related to Earth's water cycle, as well as a cloud identification quiz and a water cycle crossword puzzle.
This winning entry in the museum's Young Naturalist Awards 1999 by Mary, …
This winning entry in the museum's Young Naturalist Awards 1999 by Mary, a 13 year old student from New York, takes a look at how rocks and fossils provide much of Earth's history. Her essay discusses the great variety of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks found on the north shore of Long Island, how all three types were formed and the specific rocks she collected.
Thanks to the Disney/Pixar movie "Finding Nemo", virtually everyone has heard of …
Thanks to the Disney/Pixar movie "Finding Nemo", virtually everyone has heard of the clownfish. In this video, Jonathan travels the Pacific to investigate the behavior of real clownfish. Even though they don't actually talk in real life, they are beautiful and fascinating fish to observe. Please see the accompanying lesson plan for educational objectives, discussion points and classroom activities.
This article explains how the ice and snow of the polar regions …
This article explains how the ice and snow of the polar regions fit in the global water cycle and includes links to professional development resources.
Students write a short essay using relative age principles to describe a …
Students write a short essay using relative age principles to describe a fictional set of geologic events and processes (specified in the exercise) that occur in a hypothetical area. The essay is used to develop a geologic profile, and then it is given to another student who is tasked with producing the correct geologic profile (as a quiz), based on the essay information. A teacher-designed rubric is used to score the quiz and to allow students to complete a self-evaluation of their learning.
Measure relative humidity in the air using a simple device made of …
Measure relative humidity in the air using a simple device made of a temperature sensor, a plastic bottle, and some clay. Electronically plot the data you collect on graphs to analyze and learn from it. Experiment with different materials and different room temperatures in order to explore what affects humidity.
This article describes Katy Farness' work with the Byrd Polar Research Center …
This article describes Katy Farness' work with the Byrd Polar Research Center at the Ohio State University. Farness used remote sensing images and computer technology to create detailed images of Antarctica and the ice sheets of Greenland.
This collection of 103 individual sets of math problems derives from images …
This collection of 103 individual sets of math problems derives from images and data generated by NASA remote sensing technology. Whether used as a challenge activity, enrichment activity and/or a formative assessment, the problems allow students to engage in authentic applications of math. Each set consists of one page of math problems (one to six problems per page) and an accompanying answer key. Based on complexity, the problem sets are designated for two grade level groups: 6-8 and 9-12. Also included is an introduction to remote sensing, a matrix aligning the problem sets to specific math topics, and four problems for beginners (grades 3-5).
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students analyze how much renewable energy is used …
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students analyze how much renewable energy is used around the world.
SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson offers key insights for students to explore renewable energy, map countries' renewable energy sources, and analyze relative change and patterns. Students are able to compare and make recommendations for a just and fair transition to clean energy. All materials embedded in the lesson are thoroughly sourced and are void of scientific misconceptions. We recommend this lesson to be used for teaching.
POSITIVES: -Students can study any countries they want! -Students can internalize that renewable energy solutions already exist all around the world. They simply must be scaled up in order to address the climate crisis.
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES: -This is lesson 5 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Renewable Energy unit. -Some students may struggle with the x-axis and y-axis scales when comparing different countries. The scales are not the same for all countries.
DIFFERENTIATION: -You have many options in the Investigate phase of this lesson. Students can complete worksheets for individual countries, two countries, or multiple countries. Students can complete these worksheets individually or in groups. Students can also complete more than one worksheet if they finish early. -You can share the student worksheets digitally or you can print hard copies. -Be sensitive with how you share the "Adapted" worksheets with certain students. Students may realize that they have different worksheets from some of their peers. -If students would like to learn more about geothermal energy around the world, they can explore this interactive graph from Our World in Data.
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students discuss and evaluate artwork by Jill Pelto, …
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students discuss and evaluate artwork by Jill Pelto, investigate renewable and nonrenewable energy, and demonstrate their learning through writing or drawing.
SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson demonstrates the impact of climate change in our ecosystem through Jill Pelto's arts. Arts appear to be an effective tool in climate science communication. The lesson has passed our scientist review and is recommended for classroom use.
POSITIVES: -This lesson creates a collaborative atmosphere for the unit. -Students are able to identify how meaning can be created through art, especially when learning about fossil fuels and their damage to the environment. -Students can identify and share their own thoughts and feelings about Jill Pelto's artworks.
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES: -This is lesson 1 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Art for the Earth unit. -iPads or computers with Internet connectivity are necessary. -Students will need basic research skills and computer skills. -Teachers will need to create a free Newsela account to access the readings on renewable and nonrenewable energy.
DIFFERENTIATION: -Teacher can create groups to include mixed ability levels, especially when students are taking notes on renewable and nonrenewable energy in the Investigate section. -Teacher can pause throughout the reading of Sven's Search for Clean Energy to encourage students to write in the "Learned" section of their KWL charts. -The two Newsela articles on renewable and nonrenewable energy are available in many reading levels. Teacher can select the appropriate reading level for each student.
This article, part of Biodiversity Counts, examines how to responsibly collect and …
This article, part of Biodiversity Counts, examines how to responsibly collect and keep specimens. The article discusses the reasons why collecting specimens is important and the behaviors and attitudes that define responsible collecting for both scientists and students.
This video segment from Kentucky Life describes how scientists control pollination of …
This video segment from Kentucky Life describes how scientists control pollination of one of the few remaining American chestnut trees to develop blight resistant trees.
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