Earth and Space Sciences Academic Content Standards

Organizers addressed:
UNIV = The Universe
ES = Earth Systems
PSE = Processes that Shape the Earth

The Active Earth: ES (grades K-9) Take off on the Magic School Bus (video) and explore the active earth through earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics. Kit includes activity guides, books and teachers' guide. (please specify elementary or secondary kit).

Carbon Dioxide Kit: ES (grades 6-12) The students perform a series of experiments in which they compare the relative concentration of carbon dioxide in gas samples from four different sources: ambient air, human breath, car exhaust, and a chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda. As a homework assignment, the students find out how much of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is contributed by various nations. The sessions and materials utilized for this kit are derived from the Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect GEMS Kit®.

Cleveland Rock Column: ES (grades 5-12) Stratigraphic column from Cleveland shows local shales, sandstones and fossils.

Earth-Sun-Moon: UNIV (grades 4-8) Start a revolution for students with hands-on activities including globes, models of Moon phases, and eclipse models combined with books, videos, activities and a teachers' guide.

The Greenhouse Effect Kit: ES (grades 6-12) Students discuss what they have already heard about the greenhouse effect. This provides an opportunity for you to find out what your students already know, and what misconceptions they may have. The session ends with a discussion of two graphs that show global temperature records for the past 130 years, and the climate history of our planet for the past 450,000 years. Next, the students perform the classic "greenhouse" experiment in which they compare the heating of an open container with the heating of a closed container. Lastly, the students play a simulation game that approximates the greenhouse effect as it occurs in the Earth’s atmosphere. The sessions and materials utilized for this kit are derived from the Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect GEMS Kit®.

Make a Starry Sky: UNIV (grades 4-8) Create star clusters and nebulae using chalk, salt, and star boards.

The Moon: UNIV (grades 4-8) Sculpt the lunar surface using clay, photos, maps and posters.

Ohio Geology: ES (grades 5-9) Explore Ohio’s fascinating geologic history with rock, mineral and fossil samples from Ohio, a video and many activities.

Pangaea Puzzle Kit: ES (grades 5-12) Students will model the theory of Continental Drift with a set of magnetic continent puzzle pieces. Students will be presented with information such as continent shape, fossil evidence, glacial scarring, geological findings, and climatic indications.

The Real Reasons for Seasons: ES (grades 6-8) This great guide from GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) helps students understand what causes our planet's seasons. The Sun-Earth connection, latitude and longitude, hemispheres, and tilt of the Earth are just a few of the concepts covered in this kit.

Rock & Mineral Identification: ES (grades 3-9) Student kits with rock and mineral samples, streak plates, hardness testers and identification charts.

Soil Studies: ES (grades 5-9) Dig deeper into the subject of soil with this kit which includes microscopes, soil samples, test tubes and more. Books and teachers' guides are also included.

Solar System: UNIV (grades 4-8) Integrate math with science and blast into outer space! Kit includes a model of the solar system, lithograms for student use, books and a variety of teachers' guides.

Stories in Stone: ES (grades 3-9) Everyone has a story! Learn more about the story of gems, minerals and rocks with student specimen kits and magnifying lenses, as well as activities and videos.

Water: PSE (grades 3-5) So much of the Earth is covered by water, so why not learn more about it? This kit includes a model of the water cycle, thermometers, measuring spoons, graduated cylinders and more. Kit also includes a video about the water cycle and a variety of National Geographic magazines on the subject.

Weather: PSE (grades 3-7) This kit forecasts a successful lesson about weather. Hands-on instruments include an anemometer, barometer, hygrometer and thermometers. Kit includes a variety of activities and teachers' guides.