Lesson Plans > Science > Earth Science > Earth Science: Part 2

	Earth Science: Part 2 (12)
		1. Earth's Structure
				Structure of the Earth • Middle School  2-3 class periods Standing on the surface of the Earth, we only get to see a small part of this dynamic planet. To understand many of Earth's processes, such as the magnetic field, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the movement of the continents, it is important to know about conditions deep beneath the surface. This lesson provides a series of activities that can supplement a unit on the Earth's structure. Students will learn about the characteristics of the Earth's crust, mantle, and core.
			1b. The Core
				Structure of the Earth • Middle School  2-3 class periods Standing on the surface of the Earth, we only get to see a small part of this dynamic planet. To understand many of Earth's processes, such as the magnetic field, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the movement of the continents, it is important to know about conditions deep beneath the surface. This lesson provides a series of activities that can supplement a unit on the Earth's structure. Students will learn about the characteristics of the Earth's crust, mantle, and core.
			1c. The Mantle
				Structure of the Earth • Middle School  2-3 class periods Standing on the surface of the Earth, we only get to see a small part of this dynamic planet. To understand many of Earth's processes, such as the magnetic field, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the movement of the continents, it is important to know about conditions deep beneath the surface. This lesson provides a series of activities that can supplement a unit on the Earth's structure. Students will learn about the characteristics of the Earth's crust, mantle, and core.
			1d. The Crust
				Structure of the Earth • Middle School  2-3 class periods Standing on the surface of the Earth, we only get to see a small part of this dynamic planet. To understand many of Earth's processes, such as the magnetic field, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the movement of the continents, it is important to know about conditions deep beneath the surface. This lesson provides a series of activities that can supplement a unit on the Earth's structure. Students will learn about the characteristics of the Earth's crust, mantle, and core.
		2. Plate Tectonics
				Plate Tectonics • Middle School  1-3 class periods The rumble of an earthquake, the formation of mountains, the gradual movement of the continents... all because of plate tectonics. This lesson consists of a series of activities that teachers can use as a supplement to a unit on plate tectonics.
		3. Earthquakes
				Earthquakes • Middle School  1-2 class periods People who have experienced earthquakes never forget them. What conditions lead to earthquakes? Why are there more earthquakes in some places than in others? This lesson consists of a series of activities designed to supplement a unit on earthquakes. Students will learn about the different types of faults, and will analyze data on recent seismic events.
			3f. Can Earthquakes Be Predicted?
				Earthquake Prediction • Middle School  2-4 class periods Earthquakes can have devastating effects on communities. What are some ways that communities could respond to earthquake threats? How would evacuating a town under the threat of an earthquake affect the lives of residents? How well can earthquakes be predicted? Students will investigate these questions by participating in a mock "town meeting," where they will discuss whether government officials should force people to evacuate an area in which scientists predict an earthquake will occur.
		4. Volcanoes: Part 1
				Volcano Project • Middle School  Approximately 1-2 week project Vesuvius, Pinatubo, Mount Saint Helens . . . These are some volcanoes that have caused much destruction throughout history. Other volcanoes have erupted less explosively and did not cause as much damage. In this project, students will explore the characteristics of volcanoes by researching and preparing a presentation on one particular volcano that they choose. Student projects will include information on the type of volcano, the volcano's location, the amount of damage caused by eruptions, and an assessment of whether this volcano will erupt again.
				Volcanoes • Middle School  2-3 class periods Volcanoes are dramatic (and often hazardous) events that result from conditions deep in the Earth. This lesson consists of a series of activities designed to supplement a unit on volcanoes. Students will examine videos and models of eruptions, compare different types of volcanic eruptions, and learn about the effects that volcanoes can have on surrounding areas.
		5. Volcanoes: Part 2
				Volcano Project • Middle School  Approximately 1-2 week project Vesuvius, Pinatubo, Mount Saint Helens . . . These are some volcanoes that have caused much destruction throughout history. Other volcanoes have erupted less explosively and did not cause as much damage. In this project, students will explore the characteristics of volcanoes by researching and preparing a presentation on one particular volcano that they choose. Student projects will include information on the type of volcano, the volcano's location, the amount of damage caused by eruptions, and an assessment of whether this volcano will erupt again.
		6. Minerals
				Minerals • Middle School  1-2 class periods From the mica in our sidewalks to the table salt we eat, minerals are all around us! In this lesson, students will use various tests to identify minerals. Students will also research a mineral and learn about its uses.
		7. The Rock Cycle
				Rock Cycle • Middle School  1-3 class periods, plus extension Rocks may not be alive, but they certainly are dynamic as they form, erode, are transported, and change. This lesson consists of a series of activities to accompany a unit on the rock cycle.
		8. Weathering and Soils
				Soil Investigation • Middle School  1 week project In this lesson, students will play the role of scientists that have been asked to evaluate soil samples in order to choose a site for a proposed community farm. Students will design experiments to test these soil samples for their sand, silt, and clay content and for their ability to hold water. Students will make recommendations based on their results. This activity is designed to help students achieve the "Science as Inquiry" content standard from the National Science Education Standards.
			8b. Soil Formation and Composition
				Soil Investigation • Middle School  1 week project In this lesson, students will play the role of scientists that have been asked to evaluate soil samples in order to choose a site for a proposed community farm. Students will design experiments to test these soil samples for their sand, silt, and clay content and for their ability to hold water. Students will make recommendations based on their results. This activity is designed to help students achieve the "Science as Inquiry" content standard from the National Science Education Standards.
			8c. Soil Characteristics
				Soil Investigation • Middle School  1 week project In this lesson, students will play the role of scientists that have been asked to evaluate soil samples in order to choose a site for a proposed community farm. Students will design experiments to test these soil samples for their sand, silt, and clay content and for their ability to hold water. Students will make recommendations based on their results. This activity is designed to help students achieve the "Science as Inquiry" content standard from the National Science Education Standards.
			8d. Humans and Soil
				Soil Investigation • Middle School  1 week project In this lesson, students will play the role of scientists that have been asked to evaluate soil samples in order to choose a site for a proposed community farm. Students will design experiments to test these soil samples for their sand, silt, and clay content and for their ability to hold water. Students will make recommendations based on their results. This activity is designed to help students achieve the "Science as Inquiry" content standard from the National Science Education Standards.
		9. Surface Processes
				Surface Processes • Middle School  2 class periods, plus extension From the stalagmites and stalactites found in caves, to the arches and cliffs that can be found along coasts, the Earth has many types of incredible landscapes and formations. Water, wind, and gravity are constantly shaping and reshaping the Earth's surface. This lesson consists of a series of short activities designed to supplement a unit on surface processes.
		10. Geologic History
				Geologic Time • Middle School  1-3 class periods Throughout Earth's history, there have been many changes in climate, life, and the surface of the Earth. In this lesson, students will make a timeline of Earth's history, view an animation of the movement of the continents over time, and learn about some ancient life forms. This lesson consists of a series of activities designed to supplement a unit on geologic time.
		11. The Living Earth
			11a. The Nitrogen Cycle
				Nitrogen and Carbon Cycles • Middle School  1-2 class periods The nitrogen and carbon cycles are essential to maintaining life on Earth. This lesson consists of activities that are designed to supplement a unit on biogeochemical cycles, and includes a simulation where students imagine themselves to be a nitrogen atom moving through the cycle.
			11b. The Carbon Cycle
				Nitrogen and Carbon Cycles • Middle School  1-2 class periods The nitrogen and carbon cycles are essential to maintaining life on Earth. This lesson consists of activities that are designed to supplement a unit on biogeochemical cycles, and includes a simulation where students imagine themselves to be a nitrogen atom moving through the cycle.