Lesson 1–Rock Cycle
- Sedimentary rock forming
- Metamorphic rock forming
- Observe one place at many scales
- Eight ways to view Mt. Shasta in California
Engineering Connections
- Engineering for the Three Little Pigs – build three sand castles and test their strength and resistance to weathering
- Design a Recycling Game – design a game that challenges players to come up with alternative uses for used products
- Earth Rocks! – students categroize rocks, soils, and minerals and how engineers use these materials
4.1L.1 COMPARE AND CONTRAST CHARACTERISTICS OF FOSSILS AND LIVING ORGANISMS.
Lesson 2–Fossils
- Identify and Compare Fossils
- Fossil Formation Fun
- A: How Fossils Form
- What is a Fossil? – The Learning Zone, Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Engineering Connection
- Fossil Fondue – use plastic toys and melted chocolate to model one way fossil form
4.2E.1 COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE CHANGES IN THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH THAT ARE DUE TO SLOW AND RAPID PROCESSES.
Lesson 3–Layers of the Earth
Engineering Connection
Lesson 4–Plate Tectonics
Engineering Connection
- Faulty Movement – build cardboard models of the three different types of faults
Lesson 6–Earthquakes
Engineering Connection
- Bridge to Classroom – create and test a bridge that can survive an earthquake
- Earthquake in the Classroom – shake buildings made from toothpicks and marshmallows on a pan of Jell-O®
- Seismology in the Classroom – create a simple seismograph
- Survive That Tsunami! – use a table-top-sized tsunami generator to observe the formation and devastation of a tsunami
- Construct an Earthquake-proof Building
Earthquake Information from How Stuff Works
Lesson 8–Volcanoes
- A Nicholas recommendation Volcano Facts for Kids
- TB, SB: MAP AND INFORMATION ABOUT THIS WEEK’S ERUPTIONS
- ENCHANTED LEARNING: VOLCANO
- A: Cascade Range Volcanoes
- L: Volcano Web Sites
- D, SB: Mt Mazama and Crater Lake
- D, SB: FAQ’s about Volcanoes
- SB: More FAQ’s about Volcanoes
- D, TB: Types of volcanos
- D, TB: Volcano Maps and Graphics
- D, SB: Cascade Range Volcano Links
- D, SB: The “Why Files” on volcanoes
Engineering Connection
- Ready to Erupt! – Create a volcano model using sand, hoses, and a water balloon
Lesson 9–Weathering and Erosion
- A: Wind Erosion
- TB: Arches National Monument
- TB: Wind Erosion Control
- A: Dig This! Erosion Investigation
- TB: Introduction to Water Erosion Control
- TB: Flood Basics
- Observe how sediments are deposited
- Images of Erosion from NASA
- Observe the effects of mechanical weathering
- Examine a landscape formed by erosion.
Engineering Connection
- Acid Attack – use chalk to observe the effects of chemical erosion
- Carve that Mountain – create three dimensional models of several different landforms
- Glaciers, Water, and Wind, Oh My! students rotate through five stations and model different forms of erosion
- Mini-Landslide – explore how different materials on different slopes results in landslides
A: Activities  TB: Teacher Background  SB: Student Background
V: Video  D: Diagram  L: Lots of Links
Ask an Expert
Linking to Literature
Topographic Maps
Real Life Connection
Very Capable Students