High School Earth Science

Students observe fossil samples to compare anatomical similarities and understand how life has changed over time.  The kit includes 11 sets of fossil kits and one kit demonstrating the different types of ways that fossils form.  

Suggested timing - 1+ class periods. 

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.9-12.S

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Synthesize your students rock knowledge in this lab that uncovers the geologic history of the Gettysburg area. Students should have a basic understanding of the rock cycle and plate tectonics before completing this lab. 

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.9-12.J     

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Students use Vernier Magnetic Field Sensors to study one of the major pieces of evidence supporting the Theory of Plate Tectonics. Magnetic Field Sensors are used to observe the changing polarity of simulated bedrock on both sides of a seafloor.  *Computer not included.  Vernier probe connects via Bluetooth to a student device.  Data is visualized using the free  Graphical Analysis web app. 

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.9-12.F and 3.3.9-12.I    

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Students visualize landforms using the 3D American Educational Landform Discovery models. Cross sections allow for the study of geographic and geologic features. Also included are US and World Relief Maps. This kit is only available as a loan. 

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.9-12.J  

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In this investigation, students will get an introduction to microplastics, survey their schoolyard for macroplastics, and then sample local waterways for the presence of microplastics.   

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.9-12.R, 3.4.9-12.H

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Students act as community water volunteers in this game as they learn about water quality issues in small watersheds and the decision-making processes to improve those water quality issues.  The kit includes 3 full game sets and was developed by Penn State Extension.

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.9-12.N, 3.3.9-12.H, 3.3.9-12.R

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Students use infrared thermometers to investigate thermal energy and heat islands in their schoolyard.  The kit includes a class set of infrared thermometers.  

Suggested timing 1+ class periods.  

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.2.9-12.W, 3.4.9-12.E

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Make it rain in your classroom! This kit includes a 3D water cycle demonstration model and a class set of What-a-Cycle (NOAA water cycle activity) game materials. This kit is only available as a loan. 

Suggested timing - 30-45 minutes.  

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.9-12.K, 3.4.9-12.C 

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Students use a variety of maps to learn about the major watersheds of PA, stream order, and how land use and population may affect water quality.  The kit includes laminated maps. 

Suggested timing - 1+ class periods.   

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.9-12.M, 3.4.9-12.C

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Student groups use a LAB-AIDS® Mini Stream Table to model the dynamics of stream erosion and deposition. Students create, observe, describe, and interpret the erosional and depositional patterns created when "rainwater" flows over an area. Some of the features commonly formed include canyons, braided streams, and deltas. The kit includes 6 mini stream tables. 

Support STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.9-12.K 

Suggested timing - 1 class period.  

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Measure the transparency (water clarity) of your local streams to measure the impact of soil erosion on water clarity.  Use water samples from your local stream or the prepared samples included in the kit. 

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.9-12.K 

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Use the Watershed model to demonstrate how our daily activities, as well as industry and agriculture affect wetlands through runoff. Student volunteers can be engaged to assist throughout the demonstration process.  

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.9-12.M, 3.1.9-12.N, 3.3.9-12.Q, 3.3.9-12.R

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Teacher uses the Drinking and Wastewater Model to demonstrate the source and preparation of drinking water water sources for urban and rural areas. Additionally, the model demonstrates the process of wastewater treatment. Student volunteers can be engaged to assist throughout the demonstration process. 

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.9-12.M, 3.1.9-12.N, 3.3.9-12.Q, 3.3.9-12.R

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This simple kit from Penn State Extension compares the impact of different land covers on water runoff. This kit is a good introduction to best management practices.   

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.9-12.M, 3.1.9-12.N, 3.3.9-12.Q, 3.3.9-12.R

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This model system helps students understand the critical role that floodplains play in the life of a watershed and the impact of unplanned development and human activity.    

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.9-12.M, 3.1.9-12.N, 3.3.9-12.Q, 3.3.9-12.R

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Students use Vernier temperature probes to measure how salt depresses the freezing point of water. Combine this lab with #532 Do Salty Roads Lead to Salty Streams to investigate the impacts of winter road treatments on the salinity of streams in your community. *Computer not included. Vernier probe connects via Bluetooth to a student’s device. Data is visualized using the free Graphical Analysis  web app.  

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.1.9-12.C     

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Students use Vernier surface temperature probes attached to a globe to study how the tilt of the Earth causes seasonal changes. Advancing Science does not provide globes for this lab, the classroom teacher must provide one globe for each student group. 

Supports STEELS Standard(s): 3.3.9-12.E 

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