The 21st century will be defined by challenges such as understanding and preparing for climate change and ensuring the availability of resources such as water and energy, which are issues deeply rooted in Earth science. Understanding Earth science concepts is critical for humanity to successfully respond to these challenges and thrive in the…

Describes a long-term project, Moonwatch, which introduces the relationships between the earth, sun, and moon, highlighting the broad conceptual themes of patterns and change. (MKR)

Provides instructions for building a radio telescope for less than $120. (PR)

Describes a course where students design and construct a sundial, once they understand the apparent movement of the sun. Explains general issues of daily astronomy and describes the design and construction of three sundials. (PR)

"A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas" emphasizes that the practice of science is inherently a model-building activity focused on constructing explanations using evidence and reasoning (NRC 2012). Because building and refining is an iterative process, middle school students may view this practice…

Describes a class project of producing a geologic report of a park for a community. (PR)

For several decades, science teachers have used bottles for classroom projects designed to teach students about biology. Bottle projects do not have to just focus on biology, however. These projects can also be used to engage students in Earth science topics. This article describes the Earth System Science Project, which was adapted and developed…

Describes a project where students were involved in finding the most suitable site for a landfill in their community. This two-month project was conducted using team teaching. Two twelfth grade geoscience classes were involved. (PR)

Provides instructions for making telescopes. The design and instruction sheets given to students are provided. (PR)

For the past 13 years the JASON Project has offered students and teachers a unique opportunity to learn about how the earth and space systems support life, and technologies used to study the earth-space system. The JASON Project aspires to help teachers to increase student learning of content-specific information; and to engage students in…

Science exhibitions presented by college students at local elementary schools foster goodwill in the community; give college students an opportunity to share their science as role models; provide elementary school children with a positive, enjoyable approach to science; and can be organized rather easily following guidelines that outline…

Science projects are a great way for students to learn more about science as they search for the answers to specific problems. This book offers guidance and provides ideas for students as they plan experiments, find and record information related to the problem, and organize data to find answers to the problem. The 20 topics in this book suggest…

Uses shoeboxes to set up science kits to supplement specific areas of the science curriculum. Each kit contains a set of material and instructions for a single activity. The activity is intended as an individualized experience that is related to a current topic of study or that reinforces a recent topic. Details for making six sample shoeboxes are…

This book contains 18 themed teaching units with 2 themes per chapter, organized seasonally around the traditional school year. Each theme includes natural connections and hands-on science activities that correspond to what children are already observing in their world. Each chapter begins with highlights of the month and a reproducible "Science…

This is an instructional activity from a Crustal Evolution Project (CEEP) module which involves the student with evidence supporting continental drift and the past existance of Pangea. (MDR)