In this activity, students simulate the movement of water within the water cycle with a roll of the die. Role-playing a water molecule helps students to conceptualize the water cycle as more than a predictable two dimensional path, a simple circle of water, flowing from a stream to an ocean, evaporating, condensing to the clouds, raining down on a mountaintop, and flowing back into a stream. As they ... Full description.

This slide show provides basic information on the three major rock types and the rock cycle. Diagrams of the rock cycle explain the processes and changes that connect the three rock types and illustrate how one type can be changed into another. Each of the three types (sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic) are described and illustrated with photographs. Addresses for websites with additional information ... Full description.

This is a hands-on activity that fosters decision-making skills and emphasizes scientific principles such as objectivity and replication. It is designed to show that pollutants are not always obvious and not all contaminants pose a health risk. Students will learn that some contaminants can be detected by sight, smell, or taste and that others are not detectable except with sophisticated analytical ... Full description.

This site provides information about precipitation, evaporation, condensation, surface runoff, infiltration and transpiration, which are all part of the water cycle, a complex process that not only gives us water to drink and fish to eat, but also weather patterns that help grow our crops. The site has four sections. The introduction presents the overall concept while the second section covers each ... Full description.

This explanation of the hydrologic cycle discusses evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, runoff, percolation, groundwater, and the water table. There is a diagram and a description of each as well as a discussion of the dynamics of the cycle, which powered by the Sun. In addition there are links that lead to all parts of the Properties of Water menu. Full description.

This site contains a basic explanation of the rock cycle along with information on the difference between a rock and a mineral and a description of the three types of rocks (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary). The site also describes the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core, which are the four different layers of the Earth. In addition, it has a diagram of the rock cycle showing its relationship ... Full description.

This lesson plan is part of the DiscoverySchool.com lesson plan library for grades 6-8. This lesson focuses on sedimentary rocks and how they are formed. Students review the rock cycle and three rock types: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. They then write children's books about sedimentary rocks to explain the process to a younger audience. Included are objectives, materials, procedures, discussion ... Full description.

This National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) site provides classroom resources about the Moon. A teacher's guide contains basic detailed information about the Moon, such as the lunar landscape, craters, and Moon rocks. The lesson plan and activities sections cover phases of the Moon, lunar landforms, a Lunar Prospector model, and orbits. Full description.