Earth Science & Astronomy

A comprehensive unit on meteorology focusing on air mass interactions, pressure systems, and frontal boundaries. Students learn to interpret data to predict local weather events like thunderstorms and clear sky periods.

A comprehensive unit designed to turn students into nature detectives, focusing on observation, documentation, and appreciation of the local environment for K-6 students.

This sequence connects thermodynamics to Earth Science by examining how heat transfer drives global systems. Students analyze real-world case studies involving weather patterns, ocean currents, and climate phenomena.

This case-study sequence connects abstract thermodynamic principles to large-scale Earth systems. Students investigate how unequal heating of the Earth drives weather patterns, focusing on specific heat capacities of land versus water and the resulting atmospheric convection.

An exploration of the three modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. Students investigate the physics of thermal energy movement from microscopic particle collisions to global atmospheric systems and engineering applications.

This sequence explores the physical properties of gases through the lens of atmospheric pressure and meteorology. Students move from proving air has mass to understanding how pressure differentials drive global weather patterns and extreme storms.

This sequence connects micro-scale gas properties to macro-scale atmospheric science, exploring how air pressure, gas density, and temperature drive global weather patterns.

This sequence explores the critical distinction between short-term weather and long-term climate through data analysis, modeling, and geography. Students learn to interpret climatograms and understand how latitude and geography shape regional weather patterns.

Students transition from data collectors to weather forecasters by learning to interpret meteorological maps and symbols. The sequence introduces the concepts of air masses, fronts, and pressure systems as the drivers of weather change, culminating in a student-produced weather forecast.

This project-based sequence explores severe weather phenomena and the engineering design required for human safety. Students investigate thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, concluding with the design of safety kits and communication plans to protect communities.

This simulation-based sequence casts students as broadcast meteorologists. They must synthesize raw data (isobars, fronts, radar) to construct a coherent narrative for a public audience, emphasizing scientific communication and data visualization.

This case study-driven sequence focuses on the mechanisms and impacts of severe weather events. Students analyze the specific atmospheric conditions required for thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, evaluating warning systems and emergency preparedness.

A technical literacy sequence focusing on interpreting meteorological data, station models, and synoptic maps to predict weather patterns. Students progress from decoding symbols to full-scale forecasting.

This inquiry-based sequence explores the fundamental physics driving Earth's weather systems, from fluid convection and atmospheric pressure to the Coriolis effect and global circulation cells. Students move from hands-on lab experiments to synthesizing complex systems modeling regional climates.

A comprehensive 6th-grade earth science sequence exploring the formation, structure, and safety protocols for thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards. Students analyze atmospheric conditions and design mitigation strategies for high-impact weather events.

Students become meteorologists by learning to read and interpret synoptic weather charts. They master air masses, frontal boundaries, pressure systems, and satellite imagery to predict future weather patterns, culminating in a broadcast weather forecast project.

A comprehensive 6th-grade Earth Science unit exploring the mechanics of the water cycle, energy transfer via convection, and the formation of clouds and precipitation. Students engage in inquiry-based labs and simulations to understand how solar energy drives global weather patterns.

A comprehensive sequence for 6th-grade students exploring the tools and techniques of meteorology, focusing on quantifying atmospheric variables like temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind.

This culminating project-based sequence challenges students to act as meteorologists. They will synthesize data from maps, instruments, and models to predict future weather, moving from decoding individual station models to broadcasting professional-grade forecasts.

This middle school Earth Science sequence explores the mechanics, tracking, and safety protocols of severe weather systems. Students analyze the life cycles of thunderstorms, the genesis of tornadoes, the heat-driven power of hurricanes, and the technology used to predict these events to improve disaster preparedness.

A short series of lessons exploring prehistoric life and the Mega-fauna that once roamed the Earth. Students learn about adaptations, extinction, and the tools paleontologists use to study the past.

Students explore the principles of stratigraphy and relative dating to understand how rock layers act as a chronological record of Earth's history. This sequence covers the Law of Superposition, index fossils, geological disturbances, and the vast scale of geological time.

Students transition from studying individual fossils to analyzing the rock layers (strata) in which they are found. This sequence focuses on stratigraphy, emphasizing the Law of Superposition to determine relative ages of rock layers and fossils. Students learn to use index fossils to correlate rock columns from different locations and reconstruct past environments based on sedimentary evidence. The sequence builds toward students interpreting a geological cross-section to tell the chronological story of a landscape.

Students explore the principles of stratigraphy and the Law of Superposition to understand relative dating. They learn to read rock layers like a historical book, identifying index fossils and interpreting geological complexities to map Earth's history.

This sequence explores how rock layers and fossils serve as a timeline for Earth's history, teaching students to apply the Law of Superposition, identify index fossils, and interpret ancient environments to reconstruct geological changes over millions of years.

A project-based sequence where students act as paleontologists, learning the precise skills of grid mapping, careful excavation, skeletal reconstruction, and scientific classification. The unit culminates in a professional museum exhibit presentation.

An inquiry-driven sequence where students act as paleontologists to piece together the history of life on Earth using fossil evidence, stratigraphy, and case studies of transitional forms.

Students become geological detectives, learning to read the Earth's history through rock layers, fossils, and landforms. This sequence covers sedimentation, fossilization, and landscape interpretation to build a comprehensive understanding of geologic time.

A hands-on workshop sequence where students model the three main types of plate boundaries to understand the forces and landforms that shape our planet's surface. Students progress from specific boundary simulations to global mapping and future geological forecasting.

An inquiry-driven journey through the historical and scientific process of validating the theory of Plate Tectonics. Students analyze fossil, climate, and geological data to reconstruct Pangaea and discover the mechanism of seafloor spreading.

A 5-lesson inquiry-based sequence where students act as scientific detectives to evaluate the evidence for Alfred Wegener's theory of Continental Drift, culminating in a synthesis of fossil, geological, and climatic data.

A multi-day inquiry-driven investigation where students act as scientific detectives, layering evidence from geometry, fossils, geology, and paleoclimatology to reconstruct the supercontinent Pangaea and evaluate the theory of Continental Drift.

A short series of lessons exploring prehistoric life and the Mega-fauna that once roamed the Earth. Students learn about adaptations, extinction, and the tools paleontologists use to study the past.

Students explore the principles of stratigraphy and relative dating to understand how rock layers act as a chronological record of Earth's history. This sequence covers the Law of Superposition, index fossils, geological disturbances, and the vast scale of geological time.

Students transition from studying individual fossils to analyzing the rock layers (strata) in which they are found. This sequence focuses on stratigraphy, emphasizing the Law of Superposition to determine relative ages of rock layers and fossils. Students learn to use index fossils to correlate rock columns from different locations and reconstruct past environments based on sedimentary evidence. The sequence builds toward students interpreting a geological cross-section to tell the chronological story of a landscape.

Students explore the principles of stratigraphy and the Law of Superposition to understand relative dating. They learn to read rock layers like a historical book, identifying index fossils and interpreting geological complexities to map Earth's history.

This sequence explores how rock layers and fossils serve as a timeline for Earth's history, teaching students to apply the Law of Superposition, identify index fossils, and interpret ancient environments to reconstruct geological changes over millions of years.

A project-based sequence where students act as paleontologists, learning the precise skills of grid mapping, careful excavation, skeletal reconstruction, and scientific classification. The unit culminates in a professional museum exhibit presentation.

An inquiry-driven sequence where students act as paleontologists to piece together the history of life on Earth using fossil evidence, stratigraphy, and case studies of transitional forms.

Students become geological detectives, learning to read the Earth's history through rock layers, fossils, and landforms. This sequence covers sedimentation, fossilization, and landscape interpretation to build a comprehensive understanding of geologic time.

A hands-on workshop sequence where students model the three main types of plate boundaries to understand the forces and landforms that shape our planet's surface. Students progress from specific boundary simulations to global mapping and future geological forecasting.

An inquiry-driven journey through the historical and scientific process of validating the theory of Plate Tectonics. Students analyze fossil, climate, and geological data to reconstruct Pangaea and discover the mechanism of seafloor spreading.

A 5-lesson inquiry-based sequence where students act as scientific detectives to evaluate the evidence for Alfred Wegener's theory of Continental Drift, culminating in a synthesis of fossil, geological, and climatic data.

A multi-day inquiry-driven investigation where students act as scientific detectives, layering evidence from geometry, fossils, geology, and paleoclimatology to reconstruct the supercontinent Pangaea and evaluate the theory of Continental Drift.

An immersive Earth Science unit exploring the rock cycle, weathering, erosion, and landforms through hands-on labs and creative design projects. Students act as geologists to understand how Earth's surface is constantly being reshaped.

A comprehensive investigation into the Earth's geological processes, focusing on the formation, transformation, and identification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

A collection of rigorous, movement-based review activities and readiness assessments for middle school science units.

A series of lessons exploring the intersection of technology, geology, and environmental science, focusing on how the products we use every day are connected to the Earth's resources and the global environment.

Students explore the principles of stratigraphy and relative dating to understand how rock layers act as a chronological record of Earth's history. This sequence covers the Law of Superposition, index fossils, geological disturbances, and the vast scale of geological time.

Students transition from studying individual fossils to analyzing the rock layers (strata) in which they are found. This sequence focuses on stratigraphy, emphasizing the Law of Superposition to determine relative ages of rock layers and fossils. Students learn to use index fossils to correlate rock columns from different locations and reconstruct past environments based on sedimentary evidence. The sequence builds toward students interpreting a geological cross-section to tell the chronological story of a landscape.

Students explore the principles of stratigraphy and the Law of Superposition to understand relative dating. They learn to read rock layers like a historical book, identifying index fossils and interpreting geological complexities to map Earth's history.

This sequence explores how rock layers and fossils serve as a timeline for Earth's history, teaching students to apply the Law of Superposition, identify index fossils, and interpret ancient environments to reconstruct geological changes over millions of years.

A STEM-focused exploration of the architectural and engineering feats of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. Students investigate monumental pyramids, urban planning on water, vast road networks, and precision stonemasonry to understand the values and capabilities of these ancient societies.

This sequence explores the slow but powerful processes of weathering and erosion that sculpt Earth's surface over geologic time. Students distinguish between mechanical breakdown and chemical alteration, conducting experiments on reaction rates and surface area, and exploring the formation of soil and transport of sediment.

Students become geological detectives, learning to read the Earth's history through rock layers, fossils, and landforms. This sequence covers sedimentation, fossilization, and landscape interpretation to build a comprehensive understanding of geologic time.

A 5-lesson inquiry-based sequence where students act as scientific detectives to evaluate the evidence for Alfred Wegener's theory of Continental Drift, culminating in a synthesis of fossil, geological, and climatic data.

A multi-day inquiry-driven investigation where students act as scientific detectives, layering evidence from geometry, fossils, geology, and paleoclimatology to reconstruct the supercontinent Pangaea and evaluate the theory of Continental Drift.

A collection of project-based STEM and social studies lessons designed to engage 3rd and 6th grade students in creative exploration and technical skill-building.

A comprehensive unit on meteorology focusing on air mass interactions, pressure systems, and frontal boundaries. Students learn to interpret data to predict local weather events like thunderstorms and clear sky periods.

A comprehensive marine biology curriculum exploring the structural and functional design of ocean life, from microscopic plankton to massive cetaceans. Students act as 'Ocean Architects' to understand how environmental pressures shape biological forms.

A series of lessons exploring Earth's major systems, starting with the hydrosphere and its impact on the planet's processes.

A week-long independent study unit based on 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind', guiding students through literary analysis, scientific research, and engineering design.

A unit exploring the science and conservation of global carbon sinks, their roles in climate regulation, and the threats they face from human activity and climate change.

A comprehensive review sequence for Grade 6 Science covering genetics, heredity, thermal energy, and climate patterns. Each mission focuses on a mix of all key standards to prepare students for their upcoming assessment.

A comprehensive 3-week unit exploring the unique physical properties of water, its role in life and geological processes, and the dynamics of watershed systems. Students investigate polarity, cohesion, and universal solubility through hands-on labs while connecting these traits to climate moderation and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

A comprehensive 3-week unit exploring the unique physical properties of water, its role in life and geological processes, and the dynamics of watershed systems. Students investigate polarity, cohesion, and universal solubility through hands-on labs while connecting these traits to climate moderation and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

A comprehensive 5-week sequence exploring the physical properties of water, the engineering of water filtration, and the complex systems of Virginia's watersheds. Students move from hands-on engineering to chemical properties and finally to large-scale environmental systems.

A comprehensive 5-week sequence exploring the physical properties of water, the engineering of water filtration, and the complex systems of Virginia's watersheds. Students move from hands-on engineering to chemical properties and finally to large-scale environmental systems.

A lesson sequence focusing on the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, culminating in a town council role-play debate. Students explore energy transformations and evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of different power sources.

A series of lessons focused on human-induced climate change, exploring the causes, effects, and potential solutions through data analysis and scientific inquiry.

This middle school science sequence focuses on the intersection of scientific data, environmental policy, and local air quality. Students will explore the historical context of the Clean Air Act, analyze modern Air Quality Index (AQI) data, and investigate pollution sources in their own communities to understand how science informs law and public health.

A series focused on local environmental action and urban air quality solutions, guiding students from observation to advocacy.

A comprehensive lesson sequence on ocean literacy, focusing on why oceans matter, their role in global systems, and conservation efforts. Students will engage with a video, take structured notes, and participate in a live quiz.

A lesson sequence exploring the greenhouse effect and human impact on climate change for 6th-grade students. This sequence focuses on the mechanics of heat trapping, the role of fossil fuels, and the consequences for the Arctic.

A 5-lesson sequence for 6th-grade students focused on using visualization strategies to understand informational texts, including spatial relationships, schematic diagrams, cause-and-effect flowcharts, and concepts of scale. Students move from sensory imagery to building mental models of complex systems and processes.

This sequence connects thermodynamics to Earth Science by examining how heat transfer drives global systems. Students analyze real-world case studies involving weather patterns, ocean currents, and climate phenomena.

This case-study sequence connects abstract thermodynamic principles to large-scale Earth systems. Students investigate how unequal heating of the Earth drives weather patterns, focusing on specific heat capacities of land versus water and the resulting atmospheric convection.

A two-day unit exploring the carbon cycle's movement through diverse ecosystems, focusing on how carbon storage and release impact global stability. Students examine oceans, rainforests, tundra, and local environments to understand ecological balance.

A two-part interdisciplinary unit for middle school students exploring the science and art of the Three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Students analyze the environmental impact of waste through scientific data and then apply creative design thinking to upcycle materials into functional art.

A three-day sub plan sequence for middle school students exploring wind and solar energy. Students learn about energy transformations, advantages and disadvantages, and analyze energy output data to prepare for upcoming engineering design challenges.

A comprehensive marine biology curriculum exploring the structural and functional design of ocean life, from microscopic plankton to massive cetaceans. Students act as 'Ocean Architects' to understand how environmental pressures shape biological forms.

A week-long independent study unit based on 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind', guiding students through literary analysis, scientific research, and engineering design.

An exploration of chemical properties and their real-world applications, focusing on the balance of substances in our environment.

A multi-day project where students trace the lineage of household technology, culminating in a prototype design and a presentation on societal impact.

A unit exploring the science and conservation of global carbon sinks, their roles in climate regulation, and the threats they face from human activity and climate change.

A comprehensive unit designed to turn students into nature detectives, focusing on observation, documentation, and appreciation of the local environment for K-6 students.

A 3-day exploration of the ecological impacts and ethical complexities of reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone National Park. Students analyze trophic cascades, evaluate stakeholder perspectives, and engage in a structured debate about conservation.

A comprehensive 3-week unit exploring the unique physical properties of water, its role in life and geological processes, and the dynamics of watershed systems. Students investigate polarity, cohesion, and universal solubility through hands-on labs while connecting these traits to climate moderation and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

A comprehensive 3-week unit exploring the unique physical properties of water, its role in life and geological processes, and the dynamics of watershed systems. Students investigate polarity, cohesion, and universal solubility through hands-on labs while connecting these traits to climate moderation and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

A comprehensive 5-week sequence exploring the physical properties of water, the engineering of water filtration, and the complex systems of Virginia's watersheds. Students move from hands-on engineering to chemical properties and finally to large-scale environmental systems.

A comprehensive 5-week sequence exploring the physical properties of water, the engineering of water filtration, and the complex systems of Virginia's watersheds. Students move from hands-on engineering to chemical properties and finally to large-scale environmental systems.

A series of lessons exploring the intersection of technology, geology, and environmental science, focusing on how the products we use every day are connected to the Earth's resources and the global environment.

A lesson sequence focusing on the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, culminating in a town council role-play debate. Students explore energy transformations and evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of different power sources.

A series of lessons focused on human-induced climate change, exploring the causes, effects, and potential solutions through data analysis and scientific inquiry.

This middle school science sequence focuses on the intersection of scientific data, environmental policy, and local air quality. Students will explore the historical context of the Clean Air Act, analyze modern Air Quality Index (AQI) data, and investigate pollution sources in their own communities to understand how science informs law and public health.

A series focused on local environmental action and urban air quality solutions, guiding students from observation to advocacy.

A two-part interdisciplinary unit for middle school students exploring the science and art of the Three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Students analyze the environmental impact of waste through scientific data and then apply creative design thinking to upcycle materials into functional art.

A three-day sub plan sequence for middle school students exploring wind and solar energy. Students learn about energy transformations, advantages and disadvantages, and analyze energy output data to prepare for upcoming engineering design challenges.

A series of lessons exploring Earth's major systems, starting with the hydrosphere and its impact on the planet's processes.

A week-long independent study unit based on 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind', guiding students through literary analysis, scientific research, and engineering design.

A multi-day project where students trace the lineage of household technology, culminating in a prototype design and a presentation on societal impact.

A unit exploring the science and conservation of global carbon sinks, their roles in climate regulation, and the threats they face from human activity and climate change.

A 3-day exploration of the ecological impacts and ethical complexities of reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone National Park. Students analyze trophic cascades, evaluate stakeholder perspectives, and engage in a structured debate about conservation.

A comprehensive 3-week unit exploring the unique physical properties of water, its role in life and geological processes, and the dynamics of watershed systems. Students investigate polarity, cohesion, and universal solubility through hands-on labs while connecting these traits to climate moderation and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

A comprehensive 3-week unit exploring the unique physical properties of water, its role in life and geological processes, and the dynamics of watershed systems. Students investigate polarity, cohesion, and universal solubility through hands-on labs while connecting these traits to climate moderation and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

A comprehensive 5-week sequence exploring the physical properties of water, the engineering of water filtration, and the complex systems of Virginia's watersheds. Students move from hands-on engineering to chemical properties and finally to large-scale environmental systems.

A comprehensive 5-week sequence exploring the physical properties of water, the engineering of water filtration, and the complex systems of Virginia's watersheds. Students move from hands-on engineering to chemical properties and finally to large-scale environmental systems.

A series of lessons exploring the intersection of technology, geology, and environmental science, focusing on how the products we use every day are connected to the Earth's resources and the global environment.

A lesson sequence focusing on the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, culminating in a town council role-play debate. Students explore energy transformations and evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of different power sources.

A series of lessons focused on human-induced climate change, exploring the causes, effects, and potential solutions through data analysis and scientific inquiry.

This middle school science sequence focuses on the intersection of scientific data, environmental policy, and local air quality. Students will explore the historical context of the Clean Air Act, analyze modern Air Quality Index (AQI) data, and investigate pollution sources in their own communities to understand how science informs law and public health.

A comprehensive lesson sequence on ocean literacy, focusing on why oceans matter, their role in global systems, and conservation efforts. Students will engage with a video, take structured notes, and participate in a live quiz.

Students act as environmental engineers designing a multi-stage water filtration system. They explore sedimentation, decanting, and various filtration media to solve a real-world water contamination challenge.

A 5-lesson unit for 7th-grade science exploring industrial separation techniques through simulations, engineering challenges, and systems thinking. Students act as process engineers to solve real-world problems like recycling, oil spills, mining, and water scarcity.

This inquiry-driven sequence focuses on the finite nature of Earth's freshwater and the systems required to manage it. Students explore water distribution, groundwater, engineering filtration, and conservation strategies.

A two-day unit exploring the carbon cycle's movement through diverse ecosystems, focusing on how carbon storage and release impact global stability. Students examine oceans, rainforests, tundra, and local environments to understand ecological balance.

A comprehensive Hi-Lo unit for 6th graders exploring the scale of the universe, our place in the Milky Way, the technology used to explore space, and the history of human spaceflight.

A series of lessons exploring Earth's major systems, starting with the hydrosphere and its impact on the planet's processes.