Earth Science & Astronomy

A comprehensive 4th-grade earth science unit aligned with the TERC Earth Materials investigation, focusing on the properties of minerals, types of rocks, the rock cycle, and soil composition through a "Geology Field Lab" lens.

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 concept of stratigraphy and geologic time through the lens of 'layers,' using concrete analogies to understand that lower rock layers are generally older. The sequence moves from simple ordering tasks to interpreting environmental changes and constructing a vertical timeline of Earth's history.

A 2nd-grade science sequence exploring physical changes, solubility, and evaporation. Students investigate if dissolved solids can be recovered through evaporation, connecting classroom experiments to real-world salt harvesting.

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.

A comprehensive 4th-grade unit exploring the biological and geological mechanics of fossilization. Students move from identifying biological remains to simulating petrification, creating molds and casts, and understanding the rare conditions required for preservation.

A 4th-grade sequence where students act as paleontological detectives, using fossil evidence to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand Earth's dramatic geological shifts over millions of years.

A project-based sequence for 4th graders exploring the intersection of geological science, engineering, and economics. Students investigate the properties of rocks and minerals, simulate mining operations, and apply material science to civil engineering proposals.

A 4th-grade sequence exploring the dynamic transformations of the rock cycle through hands-on modeling, interactive simulations, and creative synthesis. Students progress from physical modeling with crayons to understanding weathering agents and mapping the entire Earth system.

A hands-on workshop sequence where 4th-grade students explore the three main rock types—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—through modeling and comparative analysis to understand how formation processes shape physical characteristics.

A project-based unit where 2nd-grade students explore the properties of rocks, their uses in human engineering, and famous geological landmarks, culminating in a structural design project.

An inquiry-based exploration of mineral properties for 4th graders. Students transition from casual observers to junior geologists, learning to use objective tests like hardness, streak, and luster to identify unknown mineral specimens.

A 2nd-grade science sequence exploring the continuous journey of the rock cycle. Students learn about weathering, erosion, and the three main rock types through hands-on simulations, a movement-based game, and creative writing.

A comprehensive 2nd Grade earth science unit focused on the physical properties of rocks. Students learn to observe, classify, and organize rocks using scientific tools and vocabulary through hands-on exploration.

In this hands-on sequence, students explore how the three major rock types—sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous—are formed. Using food items and modeling clay as analogs for geological materials, students simulate the processes of pressure, heat, and cooling. This tactile approach helps concrete learners visualize abstract geological timescales and deep-earth processes. By the end of the sequence, students will be able to identify key visual characteristics that signal how a specific rock was made.

A 2nd-grade science unit focused on identifying minerals through physical properties like hardness, luster, streak, and crystal shape. Students act as mineral detectives, using scientific tools and tests to distinguish minerals from rocks and identify unknown specimens.

This sequence guides 2nd-grade students through the step-by-step process of fossilization, from rapid burial and sedimentation to mineral replacement and erosion. Students engage in tactile simulations and inquiry-based activities to understand how living things become rocks.

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.

A comprehensive 5-lesson sequence on stratigraphy and geochronology, moving from qualitative relative dating to quantitative radiometric analysis. Students act as geological detectives to reconstruct Earth's history using Steno's laws, index fossils, and radioactive decay.

A comprehensive 2nd Grade science unit exploring the origins of materials, the impact of resource extraction through simulations, and the importance of conservation. Students trace common objects back to their natural sources in the Earth.

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 comprehensive 4th-grade earth science unit aligned with the TERC Earth Materials investigation, focusing on the properties of minerals, types of rocks, the rock cycle, and soil composition through a "Geology Field Lab" lens.

A comprehensive sequence on how Earth's surface is transformed through the processes of weathering and erosion, focusing on the specific agents that shape our landscapes.

A comprehensive earth science sequence exploring the forces that shape our planet, specifically focusing on the formation and classification of volcanoes.

An exploration of the dynamic processes that shape our planet's surface, focusing on tectonic activity, volcanic formations, and the movement of the Earth's crust.

A comprehensive science lesson for 4th-6th graders exploring the six types of volcanoes and the relationship between lava viscosity and volcano shape. The sequence includes a hands-on 'Ketchup Race' demonstration, video analysis, and a sculpting activity.

A lesson sequence exploring how volcanoes grow through the accumulation and cooling of lava layers, featuring hands-on modeling and visual analysis.

A 4th-grade science sequence focused on how planetary surfaces change over time, specifically comparing impact craters on the Moon and Earth. Students explore the roles of atmosphere and erosion in shaping planetary landscapes.

A 4th-grade Earth Science sequence focused on Earth's surface processes. This lesson specifically explores wind erosion and how it shapes landforms over time.

A unit exploring different habitats through sensory observation and descriptive language, starting with the wide-open grasslands.

A 2nd-grade science sequence exploring physical changes, solubility, and evaporation. Students investigate if dissolved solids can be recovered through evaporation, connecting classroom experiments to real-world salt harvesting.

A 4th-grade sequence exploring the dynamic transformations of the rock cycle through hands-on modeling, interactive simulations, and creative synthesis. Students progress from physical modeling with crayons to understanding weathering agents and mapping the entire Earth system.

A project-based unit where 2nd-grade students explore the properties of rocks, their uses in human engineering, and famous geological landmarks, culminating in a structural design project.

A comprehensive 5-lesson sequence on stratigraphy and geochronology, moving from qualitative relative dating to quantitative radiometric analysis. Students act as geological detectives to reconstruct Earth's history using Steno's laws, index fossils, and radioactive decay.

This 4th-grade sequence explores the economic and environmental complexities of mineral extraction. Through simulation and case studies, students learn how natural resources are turned into products, the physical impact of mining on the landscape, and strategies for land restoration and conservation.

An inquiry-driven sequence for 4th graders exploring water scarcity, watersheds, engineering solutions, and conservation through hands-on modeling and audits.

This rigorous 10th-grade Earth Science sequence explores the chemical and physical foundations of geology. Students move from identifying mineral properties based on atomic structure to analyzing the processes of the rock cycle (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) as snapshots of dynamic planetary systems.

A 1st Grade sequence exploring rapid Earth changes like mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes, concluding with engineering challenges and a comparison of fast vs. slow geological processes.

A hands-on exploration of Earth materials (rocks, soil, sand) and the forces of erosion. Students investigate properties of materials and simulate how wind and water change the landscape through observation and engineering.

Cette séquence pédagogique de 6 heures explore les mécanismes scientifiques de l'effet de serre, l'impact des activités humaines sur le climat et les enjeux futurs liés au réchauffement climatique. Elle est conçue pour les élèves de Première et Terminale dans le cadre de l'Enseignement Scientifique.

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 short sequence exploring the natural world, starting with the water cycle for young learners.

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.

A project-based physics sequence where 10th-grade students act as environmental engineers to design, build, and test a multi-stage water filtration system. Students explore physical properties of mixtures, separation techniques, and engineering design constraints.

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.

This sequence explores the thermodynamic principles governing the separation of mixtures through phase changes. Students analyze intermolecular forces, vapor pressure (Raoult's Law), fractional distillation, crystallization kinetics, and membrane-based desalination, bridging the gap between molecular physics and industrial applications.

A project-based sequence where 5th-grade students act as environmental engineers to design, build, and test water filtration systems, applying concepts of mixtures and particle size to solve a real-world problem.

A 2nd-grade science sequence exploring physical changes, solubility, and evaporation. Students investigate if dissolved solids can be recovered through evaporation, connecting classroom experiments to real-world salt harvesting.

This sequence guides 2nd-grade students through an exploration of Earth's water resources, focusing on the scarcity of fresh water, the natural water cycle, engineering solutions for clean water, and the importance of conservation and pollution prevention. Students will transition from observers of the natural world to active stewards of their local water systems.

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.

An inquiry-driven sequence for 4th graders exploring water scarcity, watersheds, engineering solutions, and conservation through hands-on modeling and audits.

This project-based sequence focuses on the continuous nature of the water cycle and the vital role of the sun as an energy source. Students engage in narrative and diagramming activities to track the journey of a single water drop, transition to building 3D dioramas, and conclude with peer presentations.

A 2nd-grade inquiry-based sequence exploring the four stages of the water cycle through hands-on experiments, modeling, and scientific observation. Students move from investigating individual physical changes (evaporation, condensation) to synthesizing these processes into a complete, closed-system model.

An inquiry-driven exploration of particle theory and phase changes for 4th-grade students. Learners investigate how heat energy influences particle movement across solids, liquids, and gases through hands-on simulations and data-driven experiments.

Students investigate specific heat capacity and thermal properties, moving from qualitative observations to semi-quantitative analysis. The sequence explores how materials respond to heat and the environmental implications like land and sea breezes.

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.

Students explore thermodynamics by investigating phase changes and the law of conservation of mass. They track temperature and mass as matter transitions between solid, liquid, and gas, connecting classroom experiments to the global water cycle.

A 5-lesson 11th-grade chemistry sequence exploring the chemical mechanisms of ocean acidification and acid rain, from source tracing to engineering remediation solutions.

A comprehensive 4th-grade earth science unit aligned with the TERC Earth Materials investigation, focusing on the properties of minerals, types of rocks, the rock cycle, and soil composition through a "Geology Field Lab" lens.

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.

A 2nd-grade science sequence where students act as paleontologists to reconstruct prehistoric environments using fossil evidence, adaptations, and climate clues.

A hands-on exploration of the paleontological process, from field excavation and grid mapping to lab preparation and museum curation, designed for 2nd-grade students.

A comprehensive 2nd-grade sequence exploring the mechanics of fossilization, from body fossils to trace fossils and the million-year journey of preservation. Students use modeling, observation, and sequencing to understand how life from the past is recorded in rock.

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.

A comprehensive 4th-grade unit exploring the biological and geological mechanics of fossilization. Students move from identifying biological remains to simulating petrification, creating molds and casts, and understanding the rare conditions required for preservation.

A 4th-grade sequence where students act as paleontological detectives, using fossil evidence to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand Earth's dramatic geological shifts over millions of years.

A project-based sequence for 2nd-grade students exploring the professional practices of paleontology, from field excavation and mapping to museum curation and display. Students learn the importance of patience, precision, and scientific documentation through simulations and hands-on activities.

This workshop-style sequence for 2nd grade focuses on categorization and identification of fossils, teaching students to distinguish between body fossils and trace fossils through hands-on crafting and observation.

This sequence guides 2nd-grade students through the step-by-step process of fossilization, from rapid burial and sedimentation to mineral replacement and erosion. Students engage in tactile simulations and inquiry-based activities to understand how living things become rocks.

A comprehensive 3rd-grade unit on stratigraphy and geologic history, teaching students how to read rock layers like pages in a book to understand Earth's past environments and the Law of Superposition.

A comprehensive 3rd-grade unit exploring the 4.6 billion-year history of Earth. Students journey from the vast stretches of geologic time through the eras of ancient sea creatures and dinosaurs, investigating the causes of mass extinctions and the eventual rise of mammals and modern adaptations.

Students become fossil detectives to reconstruct ancient environments, using fossil evidence to understand how Earth's surface and climate have changed over millions of years.

This 3rd-grade sequence explores the biological and geological processes of fossilization. Students move from identifying fossil types (body vs. trace) to simulating mold and cast formation, analyzing animal behavior through trace fossils, and investigating rare preservation in amber and ice, culminating in a synthesis of the fossilization cycle.

This sequence guides 5th-grade students through the biochemical and physical processes of fossilization, from distinguishing types to simulating mineral replacement and environmental preservation.

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.

This sequence explores Earth's history through the lens of biological and geological intersections, focusing on how plate tectonics, climate shifts, and bolide impacts have driven evolution and mass extinctions. Students evaluate evidence for past global changes and compare them to current anthropogenic impacts.

A comprehensive 5-lesson sequence on stratigraphy and geochronology, moving from qualitative relative dating to quantitative radiometric analysis. Students act as geological detectives to reconstruct Earth's history using Steno's laws, index fossils, and radioactive decay.

This 3rd-grade sequence explores how fossils serve as environmental data points to reconstruct Earth's past climate and geography. Students will investigate marine fossils on mountains, tropical plants in icy regions, the law of superposition, and index fossils to piece together the story of a changing planet.

A Kindergarten sequence focused on understanding the cyclical nature of months and their connection to seasonal weather patterns and personal experiences.

A lesson sequence exploring how weather patterns, specifically monsoons, impact animal behavior and ecosystems. Students learn about the contrast between wet and dry seasons and express their understanding through creative writing and role-play.

This sequence introduces 1st-grade students to the fundamentals of measurement, focusing on temperature and selecting appropriate tools for scientific data collection. Students will transition from subjective observations to using objective tools like thermometers, rulers, and scales through a field-scientist simulation.

A project-based sequence for Kindergarten where students explore the sun's heat and use engineering design to build shade structures that protect ice cubes from melting. Students progress from sensory observations to data collection and finally to a hands-on construction challenge.

This Pre-K ELA sequence uses read-along informational texts to explore weather patterns and seasonal changes. Students develop observation skills and functional comprehension by connecting atmospheric conditions to daily life, clothing choices, and activities.

A 3rd-grade sequence focused on critical thinking skills to distinguish between correlation and causation. Students move from silly coincidences to historical myths and experimental testing to understand how to prove one event caused another.

This Kindergarten sequence introduces the concepts of cause and effect through physical exploration, logical reasoning, social-emotional awareness, and narrative construction. Students learn to identify why things happen and the consequences of actions across physical, environmental, and social contexts.

Students investigate specific heat capacity and thermal properties, moving from qualitative observations to semi-quantitative analysis. The sequence explores how materials respond to heat and the environmental implications like land and sea breezes.

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.

A 5th-grade chemistry sequence exploring the environmental impacts of pH. Students take on the role of environmental scientists to investigate acid rain, soil health, ocean acidification, and water treatment solutions.

A Pre-K sequence focused on ordering events through the lens of nature, moving from linear growth to cyclical patterns in plants, animals, and seasons. Students develop foundational social studies and science skills through observation and hands-on sequencing activities.

A comprehensive sequence for 7th-grade students exploring predictive modeling through real-world data analysis, from hypothesis formulation to actionable insight reporting.

A comprehensive high school chemistry sequence exploring the properties of gas mixtures, partial pressures, and their real-world applications in diving, safety engineering, and atmospheric science. Students investigate Dalton's Law, gas collection techniques, and the physiological impacts of gas behavior in extreme environments.

This project-based sequence explores the engineering applications of gas properties, focusing on pneumatic systems, atmospheric pressure, and an iterative design challenge where students build a functional pneumatic lift.

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.

A chemistry sequence for 10th-grade students exploring the real-world applications of gas laws in diving physiology, engineering, meteorology, and environmental science. Students transition from theoretical laws to practical problem-solving in extreme environments.

This sequence explores the mechanics of global atmospheric circulation, the dynamics of Rossby waves and the jet stream, and the influential teleconnections like ENSO, NAO, and PNA. It concludes with an analysis of how anthropogenic climate change is altering these large-scale systems and the attribution of extreme weather events.

A comprehensive earth science sequence exploring the forces that shape our planet, specifically focusing on the formation and classification of volcanoes.

A 4th-grade sequence where students act as paleontological detectives, using fossil evidence to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand Earth's dramatic geological shifts over millions of years.

A 4th-grade sequence exploring the dynamic transformations of the rock cycle through hands-on modeling, interactive simulations, and creative synthesis. Students progress from physical modeling with crayons to understanding weathering agents and mapping the entire Earth system.

A comprehensive 10th-grade earth science unit where students act as geologists to reconstruct Earth's history. Students master relative and absolute dating, correlate strata using index fossils, and analyze mass extinctions to interpret the narrative of the Geologic Time Scale.

A comprehensive 3rd Grade unit exploring the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, culminating in a systems-thinking approach to the rock cycle. Students use models, simulations, and hands-on classification to understand Earth's recycling processes.

A 1st Grade sequence exploring rapid Earth changes like mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes, concluding with engineering challenges and a comparison of fast vs. slow geological processes.

A comprehensive 5th-grade unit exploring the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, concluding with a deep dive into the interconnected rock cycle. Students use simulations, modeling, and classification skills to understand how Earth's materials are recycled over geological time.

A 2nd-grade engineering-focused sequence where students explore magnetic principles through real-world applications, planetary navigation, and design challenges. The unit culminates in an 'Invention Convention' where students showcase engineered magnetic solutions.

An inquiry-driven 5th-grade physics sequence exploring magnetism through hands-on labs, field mapping, and planetary science. Students move from identifying materials to predicting invisible forces.

This sequence explores the practical applications of magnetism in transportation and navigation. Students investigate Earth's magnetic field, the mechanics of magnetic levitation (Maglev), the function of magnetic motors, and the trade-offs of implementing high-tech magnetic infrastructure.

A comprehensive 5th-grade unit on plate tectonics, guiding students from the evidence of continental drift to modeling plate boundaries and predicting future geological changes. Students use hands-on simulations, data mapping, and evidence-based reasoning to understand Earth's dynamic geosphere.

A high-level physics and engineering sequence where 12th-grade students design, model, and test seismic isolation systems. Students apply Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) principles to solve real-world structural engineering challenges.

A 5-lesson sequence exploring the fundamental connection between electricity and magnetism, from permanent magnets and planetary physics to the construction and optimization of electromagnets.

A comprehensive 5-lesson sequence for 8th-grade students to master the physics of mechanical waves, covering mediums, types of motion, measurable properties, mathematical relationships, and real-world applications in seismology.

Students explore conduction, convection, and radiation through hands-on labs and scenario analysis, culminating in a home energy efficiency audit. This 7th-grade sequence emphasizes the movement of thermal energy and its practical applications in everyday life.

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.

An interdisciplinary chemistry sequence exploring the thermodynamics, kinetics, and environmental impact of atmospheric gases. Students apply advanced gas laws to model altitude gradients, ozone depletion, greenhouse effects, and urban pollutant diffusion.