In this activity, younger students investigate the effects of acid rain. They will view photos of buildings and statues that have been damaged by acid rain, and conduct an experiment in which they treat a chalk 'statue' with vinegar and observe the effects. Full description.

This lesson enables students to explore how water moves through the hydrologic cycle, eventually making its way to their drinking glasses. They will explore the components of Earth's hydrosphere, including surface and subsurface features, and prepare a diagram illustrating the path their drinking water follows as it cycles from the place of precipitation to their own faucets or taps. Assessment materials, ... Full description.

This lesson introduces primary students to the water cycle by having them help draw a picture of a lake ecosystem, adding human impacts that affect water quality. Students conclude by creating their own illustrations of human-induced changes to a lake ecosystem. There are suggested implementation directions and assessment strategies. There are links to related sites and suggestions for extending the ... Full description.

In this activity, younger students enact the process by which precipitation (rain, snow, and hail) falls on an area and becomes standing water, run-off, or groundwater. They will learn general information about precipitation processes, aquifers, and the importance of clean groundwater. Full description.

This activity integrates art and science as students use books and other sources to learn more about the creatures that live in the ocean. Once they have learned about various sea creatures and their habitats, they will construct an undersea environment in their classroom. Full description.

Follow the adventures of a single raindrop character through the water cycle. The text is written at an appropriate level for primary students, and the illustrations will be compelling for young learners. A diagram the last page serves as a review of the raindrop's travels. Full description.

Classification activities that will lead students from simple sorting of familiar objects to classifying materials into liquids, gases, and solids. Full description.

This United States Geological Survey site focuses on water and its properties. The site contains activities for teachers and students, along with pictures, data, maps, and an interactive center where users can give opinions and test their water knowledge. Unique aspects of this site include the sections that contain student work and a picture gallery. There are links to other resources for students, ... Full description.

This live, interactive electronic field trip to a North Carolina estuary is conducted on two dates each year. Previous field trips are stored for non-interactive access. Teachers can access resources on such topics as estuarine and coastal monitoring, management, cultural traditions, invasive species, and habitat restoration. The lesson plans include grade level and standards applicable for technology, ... Full description.

Elementary GLOBE is designed to introduce students of grades K-4 to the study of Earth System Science (ESS). Elementary GLOBE forms an instructional unit comprised of five modules that address ESS and interrelated subjects including weather, hydrology, phenology, and soils. Each Elementary GLOBE module contains a science-based storybook and classroom learning activities. Five (5) books are included ... Full description.