Earth and Climate Systems
Albedo Lesson - This experiment from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) allows students to observe the effects of Albedo on the earth's surface temperature. Students are then asked to predict the effect of melting ice on the surface albedo, and how this effects global climate change.
Climate Around the World - This activity allows students to gather climate data from different regions across the globe and present their findings to the class. This will allow the students to learn about the different climate regions that are found across the Earth.
Color and Understand the Global Climate System - A fun way to learn the basics of the global climate system, targeted to grades 3-5. Each part of the climate system is presented as a black-and-white illustration to color, along with a brief explanation. This downloadable pdf file also contains a preface for teachers containing objectives, materials, and glossary.
Earth Systems Story Book - A children's story book from The Globe Program that joins a classroom of students as they gain an understanding of how the Earth works as a system while preparing their end of the school year play.
El Niño / La Niña Education Resources - This webpage from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides links to various educational websites from various programs for El Niño and La Niña, including websites focused on kids.
Exploring the Water Cycle - A lesson plan for grade 6-8 teachers and students where students will learn about the water cycle and how energy from the sun and the force of gravity drive this cycle.
Ocean Currents from NOAA - This educational webpage from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlights Earth's ocean currents and their effect on the earth's climate by providing background information, links to multimedia resources, lessons and activities, real world data, and career profiles.
Seasons and Ecliptic Simulator - An interactive simulation of Earth's seasonal dynamics from University of Nebraska at Lincoln that includes the axial tilt and other aspects of the Earth's annual cycle.
The Reason for the Seasons - This National Geographic educational activity uses demonstrations, hands-on learning, and multimedia instruction to explain the relationship between the Sun and Earth, describe how the tilt and position of the Earth affects the seasons, and explain differences in direct and indirect sunlight.
The Water Cycle from CoCoRaHS - An animated video from CoCoRaHS that explains the water cycle in a fun, easy to understand way for students.
The Water Cycle from NOAA - This educational webpage from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlights the Earth's water cycle by providing background information, links to multimedia resources, lessons and activities, real world data, and career profiles.