This site contains lesson plans created by teachers in the Boulder Vallery School Distict, Boulder, CO over the 2003/2004 school year. The plans were developed as part of a workshop sponsored by the National Science Foundation to expose teachers to current developments in Earth system science and to have them create teaching materials that integrate ethics and values with science, and explore the difference between field and lab science.
| Unit | Earth Builders : An Integrated Study of the Uses of Earth Materials Teacher prep time for the unit: 2 to 3 hours |
|
Activity |
Expore the school building/area to discover the variety of Earth materials used | 30 to 45 minutes |
Activity |
Investigate the uses of Earth materials throughout human history | 30 to 45 minutes |
Activity |
Build mini dwellings out of Earth materials | 30 to 45 minutes |
Activity |
Observe and record what happens to the structures over time and as a result of the weather | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Unit | Dinosaurs and Fossils | |
Activity |
Excavation Dig | Teacher prep: 1 hour; student time: 2 hours |
| Unit | Every drop of water counts! | |
Activity |
What is life without water? | 45 minutes for class activity |
Activity |
Wetland Safari! | Field trip to wetlands will vary - at least one hour is recommended |
| Unit | Rocks and Minerals | |
Activity |
Investigating erosion | Teacher prep: 2 hours, student time: 4 hours |
| Unit | Earth Materials | |
Activity |
Three Main Rock Groups | Preparation: 1 - 2 hours; student activity: 30 - 45 minutes for each rock activity |
| Unit | Sources and Properties of Water and Water Conservation | |
Activity |
Types of Mining and Effects on Environment | Day 1: 60 - 75 minutes. Day 2: 45 - 60 mintues |
| Unit | Rocks and Mining | |
Activity |
Mining Simulation | Preparation time: About 4 hours |
| Unit | Ecology of the Front Range of Colorado | |
Activity |
Water Cycle Column | Preparation: 45 mintues, student time: 75 minutes |
| Unit | Endangered Species Furniture Painting Project | |
Activity |
Endangered Species Furniture Painting Project | 6 weeks |
| Unit | Soil, Water, and Erosion Using a Stream Table | |
Activities |
Preparation: 1 hour to set up an existing stream table and gather supplies. Student time: 10 to 15 minutes for each activity |
|
| Unit | Colorado Water, Water Rights and Ditches | |
Activity |
Using a Ditch Map to Understand Water Use and History | 1 week for preparation and class time |
| Unit | Local History and the Environment Depicted Through Art | |
Activity |
Creating Artwork to Explain Environmental Change | 1 week for preparation and class time |
| Unit | How We Use Our Environment - What This Indicates About Our Values | |
Activity |
Defining Values | Preparation time: 60 minutes, student time : 45 minutes |
Activity |
The Power of Words - How They Reflect Our Attitudes and Values | 45 minutes |
Activity |
Science and Values: Using Science to Shape Our Future | Preparation: 60 minutes |
Activity |
Life out of Balance - Viewing the film “Koyaanisqatsi" | Preparation: 30 minutes plus previewing film (87 minutes). Student time: 87 minutes to view film, homework, and 45 minutes to discuss film |
