Browse lesson plans

Cloudy with a chance of... what?

Students will enjoy reading about a town where no one ever goes hungry because the sky provides food while learning about weather and healthy and unhealthy foods.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2–3 English Language Arts, Healthful Living, and Science)

By BJ Larson and Paula Sharpe.

Nephelococcygia - Cloud watching

As part of the 2nd grade science objectives dealing with weather, students will learn the various types of clouds as well as the term and the act of nephelococcygia -- cloud watching.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Computer/Technology Skills and Science)

By Kelley James.

Observing the water cycle

Initially, students will observe a demonstration of the water cycle and apply the information gained through the demonstration. Then students will measure and graph rainfall for two weeks.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 and 5 Mathematics and Science)

By Priscilla Nutt.

Project Groundhog

The students will determine the groundhog prediction of either six more weeks of winter or an early spring and see if the prediction was accurate by recording daily weather data for six weeks. Over that six week period the students will be comparing their weekly data with schools around the USA and Canada using the Project Groundhog website.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Mathematics and Science)

By Jane Diamond.

Using K-W-L to confirm what you know

Students will learn to use a K-W-L to activate their prior knowledge and help them set a purpose for reading and recording what they learned. They will also extend their K-W-L chart to confirm the accuracy of their prior knowledge and of what they learn.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 English Language Arts and Science)

By Kathleen Neff.

Weather activities with Night of the Twisters

While reading the novel Night of the Twisters, students will complete activities related to weather concepts described in the story. Students will complete activities which explore the key concepts of cloud formation, air pressure, and local weather patterns.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

By Melissa Bancroft.

Weathering the water cycle: Condensation

This lesson introduces students to condensation as one phase of the water cycle. Through the use of the four lessons in this series students will learn that the water cycle is a continuous cycle. The other lessons in this series include lessons on evaporation and precipitation as well as a conclusion.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Science)

By Cathie Hill, Jackie Parker, and Karen Neilson.

Weathering the water cycle: Evaporation

Students will learn that evaporation is one of the three stages of the water cycle. The other lessons in this series include lessons on condensation and precipitation as well as a conclusion.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2–3 Science)

By Cathie Hill, Jackie Parker, and Karen Neilson.

Resources on the web

American Geological Institute

A site devoted to providing information and resources related to the geosciences, with a focus on earth science in education. Includes activities, lesson plans, links to relevant websites, and a section for online Earth science professional development for... (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: American Geological Institute

Enviro-Tacklebox

A series of films and web-based support materials designed to support environmental studies curriculum. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: LPB Learning Port

John Muir Study Guide

This is an extensive resource for the study of sciences. Complete with lesson plans and resources for grades Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Sierra Club

The USGS and Science Education

The whole Earth portal from the United States Geological Survey with links to satellite images, diagrams, text, teaching guides, an electronic field trip, and more. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: U.S. Geological Survey

Weather and wind

This ARTSEDGE lesson introduces the expanding and condensing properties of air masses and the unequal heating of Earth as the force behind the wind. Students write a report on a topic related to wind and weather patterns and create a dance to demonstrate... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–3 Dance Arts Education and Science)

Provided by: ArtsEdge