This activity (on page 2 of the PDF) is a full inquiry investigation into aerial imagery. Learners will use the internet to gather free aerial imagery of nearby points of interest (or use laminated images prepped by educator). Then, they will imagine they are traveling in a spaceship to visit Earth for the first time and explore how their view changes as they approach Earthäóťs surface. Relates to linked video, DragonflyTV GPS: Earthquakes.

In this activity (page 1 of PDF), learners will construct an air cannon by cutting a hole in the bottom of a bucket and stretching a garbage bag over the other end. Then, they aim the cannon at a paper target and try to knock it over by giving the plastic bag a good whack. Learners also experiment with hole size to make the cannon more effective. Relates to the linked video, DragonflyTV: Forecasting.

In this video segment adapted from KUAC, find out why the horizon in Alaska is sometimes shrouded in pollution and what it means for climate change in the Arctic. ***Access to Teacher's Domain content now requires free login to PBS Learning Media.

In this engineering activity, learners will get acquainted with the basics of wind energy and power production by fabricating and testing various blade designs for table-top windmills constructed from one-inch PVC pipe and balsa wood (or recycled materials). This lesson plan is divided into three parts. In Part I, learners explore outdoors and examine where wind comes from. In Part II, learners review the power equation and wind as an energy resource. Finally, in Part III, learners work in groups to construct and test their wind turbines. During each section, learners can view video segments that are linked to this resource.

In this activity, learners create a model using metric measuring tapes and atmosphere composition data. Learners will investigate the major components of the atmosphere (nitrogen and oxygen) as well as the minor components which raise questions about global warming and greenhouse gases.

This online simulation game explores the different consequences of water levels on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Learners play the role of dam operator, controlling how much water passes through the dam each season. First, learners choose whether it's a very dry or wet (or average) year and adjust the level of the reservoir in fall, winter, spring and summer. Learners see how their choices affect the migrating river salmon, power bills, recreation, agriculture, flooding, and fish that live in the reservoir. The results are compared to those of the real operators, and learners can print out a copy of your final report.

In this activity, learners test exhaled breath for carbon dioxide and learn how to use an indicator as a simple way to measure pH. Learners also explore what happens when an acid (lemon) is mixed with the indicator. This activity can be related to the topic of global climate change. This activity can also be used to discuss atmospheric warming, which is occurring due to increased amounts of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane in the atmosphere.

In this activity, learners take on the role of a carbon atom and record which reservoirs in the carbon cycle they visit. Learners will compare and contrast their trip with those of other learners to discover information about sources and sinks, and residence times of the different reservoirs. Ocean processes are highlighted to allow the educator to define the biological pump and explain its importance to climate. Helping learners understand the carbon cycle is essential to their understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change.

In this activity (on page 7), learners explore the meaning of a "carbon sink." Using simple props, learners and/or an educator demonstrate how plants act as carbon sinks and how greenhouse gases cause global warming. This activity is the second in a series of three activities that introduce learners to the carbon cycle (see related sources), although it is not mandatory that all three activities are completed as a set.

In this activity, learners explore the human influences on the carbon cycle and examine how fossil fuels release carbon. Learners role play as miners, power plant operators, car drivers, and home owners in a city. Learners will act out how each member of society contributes to the carbon cycle and then create a classroom mural depicting the path of carbon. Learners can reflect on this process as well as brainstorm ways to lower their carbon footprints. This activity is the third in a series of three activities that introduce learners to the carbon cycle (see related sources), although it is not mandatory that all three activities are completed as a set.

In this activity, learners explore the concept of density-driven currents (thermohaline circulation) and how these currents are affected by climate change. Learners use colored ice cubes, water, and salt to explore density as it relates to salinity. This activity helps learners to understand the impact of glacial melt on sea level rise.

In this weather activity which requires adult supervision, learners will get a chance to make a cloud right here on Earth! They learn about the different ingredients a cloud needs in order to form, and then duplicate the process that usually takes place thousands of feet above their heads.

In this outdoor activity/game, learners use thermometers to simulate how lizards survive in habitats with extreme temperatures. Learners are challenged to keep their thermometer-lizard "alive" by keeping its temperature within a five-degree safe range. While regulating their pretend lizards' temperatures, learners must move the lizards through a course of sun and shade, trying to reach the finish first. Through the game and followup discussion, learners come to understand different ways that exotherms, or "cold-blooded" animals, regulate their body temperatures and how they differ from endotherms, or "warm-blooded" animals, such as humans. Activity must be done on a warm, sunny day in a site with areas of deep shade, bright sun, and broken or partial shade.

In this activity, learners investigate how increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the burning of fossil fuels is changing the acidity (pH) of the ocean and affecting coral reefs and other marine animals. Learners conduct an experiment to see whether CO2 is making the oceans more basic or acidic.

In this activity, learners investigate soil conditions by creating a soil map. Learners record soil characteristics and compare the conditions of soil in different grid sections. Use this activity to discuss biodiversity and how habitats affect the growth of plants and animals. This activity is also available in Spanish.

Learners model the ocean currents that carry hot water from the tropics to northern latitudes. By placing small containers of hot and cold water inside a larger container of cold water, learners can see convection currents in action. When learners set up a free account at Kinetic City, they can answer bonus questions at the end of the activity as a quick assessment. As a larger assessment, learners can complete the Bug Blaster game after they've completed several activities.

This activity attempts to clear up the common misconception that deserts are always hot, totally dry, and uninhabitable. Learners listen to poetry and use picture books and other resources to discover that the desert is actually full of life! Learners develop group and individual poems. This activity is featured on pp.27-29 of the "One With the Earth: Native Americans and the Natural World" multidisciplinary unit of study for kindergarten through third grade.

In this activity, learners use rice grains to model the composition of the atmosphere of the Earth today and in 1880. Learners assemble the model while measuring percentages. This activity also introduces learners to greenhouse gases, infrared radiation, and global warming.

This interactive activity from the Adler Planetarium explains the reasons for the seasons. Featured is a game in which Earth must be properly placed in its orbit in order to send Max, the host, to different parts of the world during particular seasons.

In this online interactive, learners investigate fires, particularly the causes and behavior of forest fires, as well as how the National Park Service deals with fires. Learners modify conditions (density of forest or "fuel", weather, and terrain slope) to see how fast a simulated fire spreads.