Browse lesson plans

Animal adaptation

This lesson focuses on the adaptations, body structures, and behavior of animals. The students will explore animal growth and adaptations of animals. This lesson is designed to be taught during the reading of Stone Fox.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 English Language Development and Science)

By Jennifer Fessler and Karen Wright.

Ecosystem problem solving

Students will apply their knowledge of ecosystems and the interdependence of plants and animals to creatively solve problems.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

By Kelley Turner.

Exploring properties of matter with submersibles

This inquiry-based learning activity allows students to explore the relationships between mass, volume, density, and buoyancy as they manipulate various materials to construct a submersible “vehicle” for deep-sea research.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)

By Miriam Sutton.

Getting down & dirty with soils

In this lesson, we will explore different kinds of soil (humus, sand, clay). The students will plant seeds in the different soils as part of further exploration.

Format: lesson plan (grade 1 English Language Arts and Science)

By Amy Rhyne, Paulette Keys, and Sarah Carson.

Investigating evaporation

Students will investigate evaporation as a cooling process. They will witness that temperature is affected by moisture content and the process of evaporation. Next, they will explore websites related to the processes of evaporation and condensation. Students will apply gained knowledge to real-life situations, and will share their new knowledge with a person outside the classroom.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Science)

By Jessica Bohn.

Mix and match ecology: Human impact

This high-school biology lesson uses a group activity to teach students about the impact of human actions on natural resources.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By MaryBeth Knight Greene.

Mix and match ecology: Symbiosis

In this high-school biology lesson, students gain an understanding of the three kinds of symbiotic relationships by creating relationships between imaginary animals.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 )

By MaryBeth Knight Greene.

More than just a rainy day: The water cycle

Students will identify water sources in the school environment in order to understand the origins of our water and to gain perspective about the students' place in the water cycle. Students will learn about the water cycle using a variety of resources and discover connections between the water cycle and the water that they use every day.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Development and Science)

By Kelly This and Leigh Thrower.

Pollution plume

The students will simulate a plume to illustrate point source and non-point source pollution.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

By Jennifer Smith.

Resources on the web

Exploring the Environment

Promotes science-literate and reflective students who are knowledgeable of the earth's processes and their responsibilities for stewardship using these instructional resources. Find activities and learning modules for coral reefs, global climate change, the... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: NASA