Survey Mark Hunting Activity Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Adapted with permission. Geodesy is the science that measures and represents the size and shape of Earth. In the United States, survey reference points are developed and maintained by NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS). In this activity, you will find data on the location and description of survey marks in your area and—if you like—search for them through a variation of geocaching. [Read More]

Traveling Nitrogen Activity Source: Windows to the Universe. Adapted with permission. Nitrogen is an element that is found both in living things and the nonliving parts of the Earth system. In this classroom activity, students play the role of nitrogen atoms traveling through the nitrogen cycle to gain understanding of the varied pathways through the cycle and how nitrogen is relevant to living things. For the teacher: To prepare, set up nitrogen reservoir stations around the classroom (or outside). [Read More]

Using Energy Resources Wisely Activity Source: American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Adapted with permission. People depend on their energy resources, so they need to know how to use them wisely. How do you think people can use the energy they rely on to heat their homes more efficiently? Materials Plastic cup, foam cup, and metal soup can, all around the same size Plastic wrap and sheets of paper Masking tape Supply of warm water 3 alcohol thermometers Measuring cup Calculator and notebook Graph paper Watch or clock Procedure Predict which item - plastic cup, metal soup can, or foam cup - will keep water warm the longest. [Read More]

Wash This Way! Activity Source: American Chemical Society. Adapted with permission. People interact with Earth’s water (hydrosphere) in a variety of ways. We depend upon water for survival, but we also need it to keep clean and help avoid spreading disease. On our ever-changing Earth, the supply of fresh water can be limited for some humans. We need good techniques to make the best use of the fresh water we do have. [Read More]

Where Growth Meets Growth Activity Source: DiscoverySchool.com Credit: Susan Hurstcalderone, science and resource teacher, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C. Objective To identify fire risk factors for a property located near a wildland area. Materials copy of Where Growth Meets Growth student handout colored pencils Procedure One of the issues surrounding wildland fires involves areas where uncontrolled urban growth meets uncontrolled vegetative growth. People who live in these areas should take extra precautions to limit the effects of any nearby wildland fire that might occur. [Read More]