Our Classroom Lessons
We offer a wide variety of lessons that include demonstrations and hands-on experiments. Explore the topics below to learn more about our lessons for that individual topic!
GLACIERS AND CLIMATE
Glaciology is the study of glaciers. Interactions of glaciers and climate are an important topic of study in today’s changing world.
How Glaciers Move
Grades: 6-12
Length 45 to 60 minutes
Topics: Glacier deformation, basal sliding, friction
Documents: Word | PDF
Evaluating Glacier Change and Landscape Change
Grades: 6-12
Lengths: 2-3 lessons, 45 minutes each
Topics: climate change, repeat photography, qualitative vs. quantitative data, glacier recession, aerial photography, evaluating graphic data
References: United States Geological Survey
Documents: PDF | PDF
ROCKS AND MINERALS
Geology is the scientific study of rocks and the processes by which they change over time.
How Can You Tell Rocks Apart?
Grades: 4-7
Length: 1 to 1.5 hours
Topics: rocks, observation, sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks
Documents: Word | PPT
How Are Rocks the Same and How Are They Different?
Grades: K-4
Length: 1 to 1.5 hours
Topics: rocks, observation, sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks
Documents: Word | PPT
GEOMORPHOLOGY
Geomorphology is the study of the origin and evolution of topographic and bathymetric features created by physical, chemical, or biological processes near the Earth’s surface.
The Stream Table
Grades: K-12
Length: 1 to 1.5 hours
Topics: rivers, erosion, energy, discharge, dams, hypotheses, variables
Documents: Word | PDF
NATURAL HAZARDS
Earthquakes and volcanoes are key Earth Science processes that arise from the movement of tectonic plates across the globe.
Discovering Earthquakes
Grades: K-6
Length: 1 hour
Topics: earthquakes, how energy travels, and where earthquakes occur
Documents: PDF Lesson
Pore-Pressure Experiment
Grades: K-12, details can be adjusted accordingly
Length: 20 – 30 minutes
Topics: Seattle geology, landslides, cohesion, capillary forces, pores
Documents: Word
MARS
The most Earth-like planet in our solar system.
How Can You Tell Rocks On Another Planet Apart?
Grades: K-6
Length: 1 hour
Topics: hypotheses, mars, rovers, identification of substances, rocks
Documents: Word | Word