Environmental Science Lesson Plans
Grades / Years K, 1, , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and High School
Free PDF Environmental Science Lesson Plans
Environmental science is a academic field that integrates physical and biological sciences, including ecology, physics, chemistry, zoology, mineralogy, oceanology, freshwater science, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, and geography. The study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems are an important part of the modern classroom. Environmental science provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems that most students find fascinating.
Comprehensive Science Glossary with some Illustrations
Grades / Years K, 1, , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and High School
Free PDF Environmental Science Lesson Plans
Comprehensive Science Glossary with some Illustrations
Rustle the Leaf Teaching Resources
Feb 2010 - Renewable Is Do-Able
May 2007 - Global 'Warnings'
April 2007 - Goin' 'Wild'
March 2007 - Everyday Air Pollution
February 2007 - Everyday Water Pollution
January 2007 - Cleaner, Greener Laundry
December 2006 - Holiday Fun Pages
November 2006 - Talkin' Trash
October 2006 - How Big Is Your Footprint?
September 2006 - The Case Against Chlorine
August 2006 - Rustle's Neighborhood Clean-Up!
July 2006 - Safe Summer Fun, Part 2
June 2006 - Safe Summer Fun, Part 1
May 2006 - Clean, Green Power
April 2006 - Tell Someone About Earth Day
March 2006 - Get Ready For Earth Day II
February 2006 - Toxic Transmissions
January 2006 - Plastic Poisons
December 2005 - Fun Holiday Projects
November 2005 - The Global Warming Cover-Up
October 2005 - Peak Oil
September 2005 - Frightening Factory Farms
August 2005 - Genetically Modified Food
ALSO: '5 Things To Know About GMO' Poster
July 2005 - Clean, Green Summer Fun Part 2
June 2005 - Clean, Green Summer Fun Part 1
May 2005 - Oceans Of Trouble!
April 2005 - Earth Day Pledge Poster/Coloring Pg.
March 2005 - Get Ready For Earth Day
February 2005 - Petroleum Poisons
January 2005 - Chlorine-Bleached Paper
December 2004 - How To Have A Green Holiday
November 2004 - Acid Rain
Grades 6 - 12 Lesson Plans
Insects
Insect Jeopardy (PDF)
Mammals
Biology of Bats || PDF Version
Blind as a Bat || PDF Version
Marvelous Mammals Crossword Puzzle (PDF)
Wildlife
Animal Class Fact Sheet and Records || PDF Version
Five Classes of Vertebrates || PDF Version
New York State Endangered and Threatened Species Fact Sheet (PDF)
Wildlife Conservation III (PDF)
Wildlife Forensics (PDF)
Nature Study
Sharp Eyes || PDF Version
Recycling and Conservation Lessons
Aluminum Can Challenge Worksheet (PDF)
Recycle Every Day Word Search (PDF)
Where is Away? (PDF)
Soils
Erosion (PDF)
Water Lessons
Aquatic Science (PDF)
DEC Collect and Possess Regulations (PDF)
Fish Language Puzzle (PDF)
Maintaining Live Organisms Indoors Instructions || PDF Version
Macroinvertebrate Report Worksheet (PDF)
Pond Dichotomous Key (PDF)
Pond Ecology || PDF Version
Pond Life Word Search Puzzle (PDF)
World of the Pond (PDF)
World of the Pond Data Sheet (PDF)
More Resources
Learning About Acid Rain: A teacher's guide for grades 6 through 8" (56 pp, 4.6 MB, about PDF) Lesson plans and activities for teachers on acid rain. Grades: 6-8
Save Our Species: Endangered Species Coloring Book
Endangered Species Coloring Book Grades: k-5
Fuel Economy and Environment Labels: High School (7 pp, 428K, about PDF) This activity lets students learn about fuel economy and environment labels and calculate the cost and emissions associated with cars. Students will understand the concept of fuel economy and compare and contrast various fuel types.
Grades: 9-12 Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Fuel Economy and Environment Labels: Middle School (7 pp, 381K, about PDF) This activity lets students learn about fuel economy and environment labels and calculate the cost and emissions associated with cars. Students will understand the concept of fuel economy and compare and contrast various fuel types. Grades: 5-8 Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Chemical Safety Resource for Middle School Teachers
(5 pp, 220K, about PDF) In this lesson students will participate in a chemical survey activity regarding the household chemicals and cleaners used in and around their house. They will conduct a simple survey with parental supervision and answer questions about how many and what kind of chemicals they found. Students will also brainstorm on how chemical safety can prevent pollution at home.
Grades: 5-8 Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Hold the Mold
(6 pp, 306K, about PDF) In this lesson, students will learn about the different kinds of mold and how it grows. They will conduct an experiment to grow and observe the growth of different kinds of food molds and understand the health effects of mold and how to recognize and prevent mold growth. Grades: 5-8
Type of Resource: Lesson Plan
Lead Blockers
(6 pp, 272K, about PDF) In this lesson students will learn about the health effects of lead and through a game of tag. Students will model the process of certain nutrients that can block lead absorption. As part of the activity, students will brainstorm on ways to prevent lead exposure at home. Grades: K-8
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Mercury Bioaccumulation Tag
(4 pp, 317K, about PDF) This activity lets students model the processes of bioaccumulation and biomagnification of mercury in an aquatic food chain. Students will understand the health effects of mercury and demonstrate an understanding of how mercury can be present in fish. Grades: 5-8
Type of resource: Lesson PlanGrades: 6-8
Science Fair Fun: Designing Environmental Science Projects (PDF) (16 pp, 245K About PDF ) (EPA 530-K-00-008) Resource booklet designed to generate ideas for students and teachers interested in solid waste science fair projects
Grades: 6-8
Science Fair Fun: Designing Environmental Science Projects en Español (PDF) (16 pp, 223K About PDF ) Resource booklet designed to generate ideas for students and teachers interested in solid waste science fair projects.
Grades: 6-8
Build Your Own Aquifer To illustrate how water is stored in an aquifer and how groundwater can become contaminated.
Grades: 4-5 Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
How People Get Their Water - Reservoirs: "Holding Tanks" for Drinking Water Let your students "Ride the Water Cycle" with the following activity. It will help them understand the role of reservoirs in maintaining a reliable supply of drinking water.
Grades: 4-8 Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
On Your Mark, Set, Evaporate Explain the hydrologic cycle.
Grades: 6-8 Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Thirstin Builds an Aquifer in a Cup (Aquifer on the Go)
To illustrate how water is stored in an aquifer, how ground water can become contaminated, and how this contamination ends up in a drinking water well. Ultimately, students should get a clear understanding of how careless use and disposal of harmful contaminants above the ground can potentially end up in the drinking water below the ground. This particular experiment can be done by each student at their work station. Grades: k-3
Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Thirstin's Groundwater Movement Activity
This class activity demonstrates that ground water must be able to move through underground materials. The students will act as molecules of water and the underground materials.
Grades: k-5
Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Tracking Pollution - A Hazardous Whodunit
You will make a topographic map, use it to predict ground water flow and investigate the most likely source of ground water contamination.
Grades: 9-12
Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
CLEAN AIR DETECTIVE: Investigating Air Pollution
In this lesson students will participate in a scientific inquiry activity regarding the air they breathe inside and around their house. They will plan and conduct a simple investigation to gather information on air quality. Students will also help to reduce air pollution by shutting off lights, toys, machines and appliances and by reducing their travel in cars. Grades: k-5
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
In the Air curriculum
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funded the Missouri Botanical Garden's EarthWays Center to design and develop a full spectrum of environmental education materials ao airborne toxics issues in their communities. The goal is to increase knowledge about air pollution and to make connections between behaviors and air quality. Five modules are available (K-3, 3-6, 6-8, 9-12 and adult). Grades: k-12, adult
Type of resource: Lesson Plans/Activities
Global Warming Kids Creative cartoons about global warming. Geared towards K-4th grades. Grades: k-5
Adopt A Tree
Discover different kinds of trees through the senses.
Grades: k-5 Subtopic: ecosystems
Type of resource: Lesson Plans
Bird Populations Students learn how scientists discern patterns and changes in bird populations though the study of bird migratory patterns. Grades: 6-8
Subtopic: atmosphere
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Invasive Species: Coming to an Environment Near You
This lesson plan introduces students to invasive species and their effects on ecosystems by examining local examples. It also explores the problems associated with invasive species and possible solutions to the problem. Grades: 6-8
Type of resource: Activities
National Geographic: Niger River Delta Lesson Plan
This National Geographic lesson plan for middle school students explores the Niger River Delta ecosystem and how human actions impact the physical environment.
Grades: 6-12 Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Pollinator Live
While pollinators may come in small sizes, they play a large and often undervalued role in the production of the food we eat, the health of flowering plants, and the future of wildlife. This site provides a series of live interactive webcasts, web seminar.
Grades: all
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Chemicals, The Environment, and You - What is the Risk?
Students apply their understanding of the concepts of toxicology to their discussion of the 1950s tragedy in Minamata, Japan. They learn how to assess the risk of people to specific chemical hazards and make decisions about how to manage that risk.
Grades: 6-8
Type of resource: Lesson PlanEarth 911 (Recycling)
Type in your ZIP code or find your State on a map to locate recycling centers in your community "for all types of recyclables." This site contains information you can use to teach middle school and high school students about waste prevention, recycling and other environmental issues.
Grades: 6-12
Carrying Water
In this lesson, students will audit their personal daily water usage, and will participate in a class discussion about water use and conservation. Through an introduction to the Kenyan village of Kapsasian, group mathematical problem solving, and class discussions, they will have a better understanding of the problems faced by those with lack of access to water.
Grades: 6-8
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Conserving Water through Art!
In this lesson, students will learn about the scarcity of water and begin to think of ways that they can conserve water in their own homes. They will make a pledge to personally use less water, and will use their creativity to make items that will remind them to conserve in their home.
Grades: k-5
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Drinking Water, Protecting the Source
The Drinking Water: Protecting the Source instructional materials were developed to assist teachers who seek to enhance the consciousness of their students about where their drinking water comes from, and how sources of drinking water can be protected.
Grades: 9-12
Type of Resource: Lesson Plan
No Water Off a Duck’s Back
This sample activity, No Water Off a Ducks Back, from Project WILD, is about connecting people and wildlife. The activity helps students identify ways oil spills can adversely affect birds and describe possible negative consequences to wildlife, people and the environment.
Grades: 6-8
Rain Garden Lesson Plan
This lesson introduces students to the concept of rain gardens and why they are beneficial in cleaning up polluted waterways. Students will learn how and why rain gardens are created and build a model rain garden. Grades: 6-12 Type of Resource: Lesson Plan
Water: An Amazing and Precious Resource
In this lesson, students will begin with a water audit pre-lesson to determine their own personal water usage. They will then participate in a class activity to learn how water's physical properties and chemical composition are essential to life on Earth. Once they understand water's importance, they will debate water distribution issues, have an understanding of the consequences of water scarcity, and come up with ways to conserve water in their own lives. Grades: 9-12
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Feb 2010 - Renewable Is Do-Able
May 2007 - Global 'Warnings'
April 2007 - Goin' 'Wild'
March 2007 - Everyday Air Pollution
February 2007 - Everyday Water Pollution
January 2007 - Cleaner, Greener Laundry
December 2006 - Holiday Fun Pages
November 2006 - Talkin' Trash
October 2006 - How Big Is Your Footprint?
September 2006 - The Case Against Chlorine
August 2006 - Rustle's Neighborhood Clean-Up!
July 2006 - Safe Summer Fun, Part 2
June 2006 - Safe Summer Fun, Part 1
May 2006 - Clean, Green Power
April 2006 - Tell Someone About Earth Day
March 2006 - Get Ready For Earth Day II
February 2006 - Toxic Transmissions
January 2006 - Plastic Poisons
December 2005 - Fun Holiday Projects
November 2005 - The Global Warming Cover-Up
October 2005 - Peak Oil
September 2005 - Frightening Factory Farms
August 2005 - Genetically Modified Food
ALSO: '5 Things To Know About GMO' Poster
July 2005 - Clean, Green Summer Fun Part 2
June 2005 - Clean, Green Summer Fun Part 1
May 2005 - Oceans Of Trouble!
April 2005 - Earth Day Pledge Poster/Coloring Pg.
March 2005 - Get Ready For Earth Day
February 2005 - Petroleum Poisons
January 2005 - Chlorine-Bleached Paper
December 2004 - How To Have A Green Holiday
November 2004 - Acid Rain
Printable Word Wall Ideas of Illustrated Environmental Science Concepts from the website
http://reviewearthscience.com/pages/100ways.php1-10
51 - 60
11 - 20
61 - 70
21 - 30
71 - 80
31- 40
81 - 90
41 - 50
91 - 100
51 - 60
11 - 20
61 - 70
21 - 30
71 - 80
31- 40
81 - 90
41 - 50
91 - 100
Insects
Insect Jeopardy (PDF)
Mammals
Biology of Bats || PDF Version
Blind as a Bat || PDF Version
Marvelous Mammals Crossword Puzzle (PDF)
Wildlife
Animal Class Fact Sheet and Records || PDF Version
Five Classes of Vertebrates || PDF Version
New York State Endangered and Threatened Species Fact Sheet (PDF)
Wildlife Conservation III (PDF)
Wildlife Forensics (PDF)
Nature Study
Sharp Eyes || PDF Version
Recycling and Conservation Lessons
Aluminum Can Challenge Worksheet (PDF)
Recycle Every Day Word Search (PDF)
Where is Away? (PDF)
Soils
Erosion (PDF)
Water Lessons
Aquatic Science (PDF)
DEC Collect and Possess Regulations (PDF)
Fish Language Puzzle (PDF)
Maintaining Live Organisms Indoors Instructions || PDF Version
Macroinvertebrate Report Worksheet (PDF)
Pond Dichotomous Key (PDF)
Pond Ecology || PDF Version
Pond Life Word Search Puzzle (PDF)
World of the Pond (PDF)
World of the Pond Data Sheet (PDF)
More Resources
Learning About Acid Rain: A teacher's guide for grades 6 through 8" (56 pp, 4.6 MB, about PDF) Lesson plans and activities for teachers on acid rain. Grades: 6-8
Save Our Species: Endangered Species Coloring Book
Endangered Species Coloring Book Grades: k-5
Fuel Economy and Environment Labels: High School (7 pp, 428K, about PDF) This activity lets students learn about fuel economy and environment labels and calculate the cost and emissions associated with cars. Students will understand the concept of fuel economy and compare and contrast various fuel types.
Grades: 9-12 Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Fuel Economy and Environment Labels: Middle School (7 pp, 381K, about PDF) This activity lets students learn about fuel economy and environment labels and calculate the cost and emissions associated with cars. Students will understand the concept of fuel economy and compare and contrast various fuel types. Grades: 5-8 Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Chemical Safety Resource for Middle School Teachers
(5 pp, 220K, about PDF) In this lesson students will participate in a chemical survey activity regarding the household chemicals and cleaners used in and around their house. They will conduct a simple survey with parental supervision and answer questions about how many and what kind of chemicals they found. Students will also brainstorm on how chemical safety can prevent pollution at home.
Grades: 5-8 Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Hold the Mold
(6 pp, 306K, about PDF) In this lesson, students will learn about the different kinds of mold and how it grows. They will conduct an experiment to grow and observe the growth of different kinds of food molds and understand the health effects of mold and how to recognize and prevent mold growth. Grades: 5-8
Type of Resource: Lesson Plan
Lead Blockers
(6 pp, 272K, about PDF) In this lesson students will learn about the health effects of lead and through a game of tag. Students will model the process of certain nutrients that can block lead absorption. As part of the activity, students will brainstorm on ways to prevent lead exposure at home. Grades: K-8
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Mercury Bioaccumulation Tag
(4 pp, 317K, about PDF) This activity lets students model the processes of bioaccumulation and biomagnification of mercury in an aquatic food chain. Students will understand the health effects of mercury and demonstrate an understanding of how mercury can be present in fish. Grades: 5-8
Type of resource: Lesson PlanGrades: 6-8
Science Fair Fun: Designing Environmental Science Projects (PDF) (16 pp, 245K About PDF ) (EPA 530-K-00-008) Resource booklet designed to generate ideas for students and teachers interested in solid waste science fair projects
Grades: 6-8
Science Fair Fun: Designing Environmental Science Projects en Español (PDF) (16 pp, 223K About PDF ) Resource booklet designed to generate ideas for students and teachers interested in solid waste science fair projects.
Grades: 6-8
Build Your Own Aquifer To illustrate how water is stored in an aquifer and how groundwater can become contaminated.
Grades: 4-5 Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
How People Get Their Water - Reservoirs: "Holding Tanks" for Drinking Water Let your students "Ride the Water Cycle" with the following activity. It will help them understand the role of reservoirs in maintaining a reliable supply of drinking water.
Grades: 4-8 Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
On Your Mark, Set, Evaporate Explain the hydrologic cycle.
Grades: 6-8 Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Thirstin Builds an Aquifer in a Cup (Aquifer on the Go)
To illustrate how water is stored in an aquifer, how ground water can become contaminated, and how this contamination ends up in a drinking water well. Ultimately, students should get a clear understanding of how careless use and disposal of harmful contaminants above the ground can potentially end up in the drinking water below the ground. This particular experiment can be done by each student at their work station. Grades: k-3
Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Thirstin's Groundwater Movement Activity
This class activity demonstrates that ground water must be able to move through underground materials. The students will act as molecules of water and the underground materials.
Grades: k-5
Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Tracking Pollution - A Hazardous Whodunit
You will make a topographic map, use it to predict ground water flow and investigate the most likely source of ground water contamination.
Grades: 9-12
Subtopic: water
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
CLEAN AIR DETECTIVE: Investigating Air Pollution
In this lesson students will participate in a scientific inquiry activity regarding the air they breathe inside and around their house. They will plan and conduct a simple investigation to gather information on air quality. Students will also help to reduce air pollution by shutting off lights, toys, machines and appliances and by reducing their travel in cars. Grades: k-5
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
In the Air curriculum
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funded the Missouri Botanical Garden's EarthWays Center to design and develop a full spectrum of environmental education materials ao airborne toxics issues in their communities. The goal is to increase knowledge about air pollution and to make connections between behaviors and air quality. Five modules are available (K-3, 3-6, 6-8, 9-12 and adult). Grades: k-12, adult
Type of resource: Lesson Plans/Activities
Global Warming Kids Creative cartoons about global warming. Geared towards K-4th grades. Grades: k-5
Adopt A Tree
Discover different kinds of trees through the senses.
Grades: k-5 Subtopic: ecosystems
Type of resource: Lesson Plans
Bird Populations Students learn how scientists discern patterns and changes in bird populations though the study of bird migratory patterns. Grades: 6-8
Subtopic: atmosphere
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Invasive Species: Coming to an Environment Near You
This lesson plan introduces students to invasive species and their effects on ecosystems by examining local examples. It also explores the problems associated with invasive species and possible solutions to the problem. Grades: 6-8
Type of resource: Activities
National Geographic: Niger River Delta Lesson Plan
This National Geographic lesson plan for middle school students explores the Niger River Delta ecosystem and how human actions impact the physical environment.
Grades: 6-12 Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Pollinator Live
While pollinators may come in small sizes, they play a large and often undervalued role in the production of the food we eat, the health of flowering plants, and the future of wildlife. This site provides a series of live interactive webcasts, web seminar.
Grades: all
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Chemicals, The Environment, and You - What is the Risk?
Students apply their understanding of the concepts of toxicology to their discussion of the 1950s tragedy in Minamata, Japan. They learn how to assess the risk of people to specific chemical hazards and make decisions about how to manage that risk.
Grades: 6-8
Type of resource: Lesson PlanEarth 911 (Recycling)
Type in your ZIP code or find your State on a map to locate recycling centers in your community "for all types of recyclables." This site contains information you can use to teach middle school and high school students about waste prevention, recycling and other environmental issues.
Grades: 6-12
Carrying Water
In this lesson, students will audit their personal daily water usage, and will participate in a class discussion about water use and conservation. Through an introduction to the Kenyan village of Kapsasian, group mathematical problem solving, and class discussions, they will have a better understanding of the problems faced by those with lack of access to water.
Grades: 6-8
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Conserving Water through Art!
In this lesson, students will learn about the scarcity of water and begin to think of ways that they can conserve water in their own homes. They will make a pledge to personally use less water, and will use their creativity to make items that will remind them to conserve in their home.
Grades: k-5
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
Drinking Water, Protecting the Source
The Drinking Water: Protecting the Source instructional materials were developed to assist teachers who seek to enhance the consciousness of their students about where their drinking water comes from, and how sources of drinking water can be protected.
Grades: 9-12
Type of Resource: Lesson Plan
No Water Off a Duck’s Back
This sample activity, No Water Off a Ducks Back, from Project WILD, is about connecting people and wildlife. The activity helps students identify ways oil spills can adversely affect birds and describe possible negative consequences to wildlife, people and the environment.
Grades: 6-8
Rain Garden Lesson Plan
This lesson introduces students to the concept of rain gardens and why they are beneficial in cleaning up polluted waterways. Students will learn how and why rain gardens are created and build a model rain garden. Grades: 6-12 Type of Resource: Lesson Plan
Water: An Amazing and Precious Resource
In this lesson, students will begin with a water audit pre-lesson to determine their own personal water usage. They will then participate in a class activity to learn how water's physical properties and chemical composition are essential to life on Earth. Once they understand water's importance, they will debate water distribution issues, have an understanding of the consequences of water scarcity, and come up with ways to conserve water in their own lives. Grades: 9-12
Type of resource: Lesson Plan
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