Earth Sciences Activities

The Dangers of Youth Vaping and e-Cigarettes Reading | 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

Created by
TWFScience

This grade 6–8 reading introduces students to the growing problem of teen vaping and e-cigarette use. It explains what vaping is, why so many teens are drawn to it, and how companies use sweet flavors and discreet device designs to make vaping seem harmless. The article breaks down the science behin

6th - 8th Science, Biology, Earth Sciences

Also included in: Reading Comprehension Article & Question Mega Bundle | 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

The Water Cycle Diagram Activity | Cycling of Matter, Hydrologic Cycle

Created by
TWFScience

This activity allows your students to creatively demonstrate their understanding of the water cycle. Your students will use their varied learning styles to complete this assignment and get a better appreciation for the cycle through hands-on learning. ✅ Hands-On Water Cycle Model – Engage students

5th - Adult Education Science, Biology, Earth Sciences

NGSS MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-ESS2-1+1

Also included in: The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

Evaporation Race - A Water Cycle Lab Investigation | Hydrologic Cycle

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate evaporation in the water cycle by measuring how temperature and air flow affect evaporation rate. Using identical shallow dishes filled with equal volumes of water, students set up control, warm, and wind conditions and track changes in water volume over time. Through repea

7th - 10th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-4

Also included in: The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

Mini Water Cycle Lab - A Hydrologic Cycle Lab Investigation | TWO Versions

Created by
TWFScience

Students will model the water cycle in a closed system by creating a mini “water cycle” using a sealed clear bag. By adding energy from sunlight or a lamp, students observe evaporation, condensation, and water movement over time. Through structured observations, optional temperature tracking, and a

6th - 10th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-4

Also included in: The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

Salt & Evaporation: Mass, Volume, & Salinity Changes - A Water Cycle Lab

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate how evaporation changes water volume and salt concentration by comparing freshwater, ocean-like salinity, and high-salinity solutions over multiple days. Using shallow dishes, measured salt masses, and repeated mass or volume measurements, students track evaporation and cal

7th - 10th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-4, HS-PS1-3, HS-ESS2-5

Also included in: The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

Water Cycle & Evaporation Lab Bundle | Hydrologic Cycle Investigations

Created by
TWFScience

3 Lab Investigations on the Water Cycle - Evaporation • Energy Transfer • Salinity & Earth SystemsStudents will explore evaporation as a driving force in the water cycle through three connected, hands-on STEM investigations. Across short-term and multi-day labs, students measure evaporation rate

6th - 10th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-5

Water Cycle Case Study - Why Does Rainfall Change Near Mountains? | Reading

Created by
TWFScience

Ecology Case Study "Why Does Rainfall Change Near Mountains"This resource provides an engaging look at how mountains shape and determine rainfall and impact the water cycle. Students will explore how natural land formations help determine rainfall on both sides of a mountain.Through this real-world

7th - 10th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

Also included in: The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

Water Cycle Case Study - What Happens to Water During a Drought? | Reading

Created by
TWFScience

Ecology Case Study "What Happens to Water During a Drought?"This resource provides an engaging look at how droughts affect the movement and availability of water within the water cycle. Students will explore how long periods of low precipitation disrupt Earth’s systems and impact both natural enviro

7th - 10th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

Also included in: The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

Created by
TWFScience

The NO-PREP bundle includes a lesson, worksheets, labs, activities, a reading, and multiple case studies on the Water Cycle Students will build a deep, evidence-based understanding of the water cycle as a dynamic Earth system through a carefully sequenced combination of explicit instruction, hands-o

6th - 9th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-2, HS-ESS2-5

Water Cycle Case Study - How Do Cities Change the Water Cycle? | Reading

Created by
TWFScience

Ecology Case Study “How Do Cities Change the Water Cycle?”This resource provides an engaging look at how urbanization alters the movement and availability of water within the water cycle. Students explore how replacing natural landscapes with roads, buildings, and other impermeable surfaces changes

7th - 10th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

Also included in: The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

Microplastics Mystery – Human Impact Detective on Plastic Pollution | SUB PLAN

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on microplastics and plastic pollution. In this case file activity, students analyze evidence, track pollution pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of how micro

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

Supervolcanoes and Mega-Eruptions Reading | Grade 8 & Up Activity

Created by
TWFScience

Supervolcanoes and mega-eruptions are among the most powerful natural events on Earth, and this reading comprehension article and questions article helps students understand how these massive volcanic systems form and why they matter. It explains what supervolcanoes are, how they differ from regular

9th - 12th Science, Biology, Earth Sciences

Also included in: Science Reading Comprehension Article Mega Bundle | Grade 8 and Up

The Rock Cycle - Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Rocks Reading | Grade 8 & Up

Created by
TWFScience

The rock cycle is one of the most important concepts in Earth science, and this reading comprehension article helps students understand how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks form and change over time. It explains how rocks are created by melting and cooling, broken down by weathering and e

8th - 12th Science, Biology, Earth Sciences

Also included in: Science Reading Comprehension Article Mega Bundle | Grade 8 and Up

Plastics and their Environmental Impact Bundle - Microplastics | High School

Created by
TWFScience

This NO-PREP bundle includes lessons, readings, worksheets, and multiple case studies focused on plastics, microplastics, polymers, and plastic pollution.Students build a deep, evidence-based understanding of plastics as both a scientific innovation and an environmental challenge through a carefully

9th - 11th Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physical Science

The Air Pollution Mystery – Science Detective | Human Impact | SUB PLAN

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on air pollution. In this case file activity, students analyze evidence, track pollution pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of how air pollution is affecting

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Water Pollution Mystery – Human Impact Science Detective | SUB PLAN

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on water pollution. In this case file activity, students analyze evidence, track pollution pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of how water pollution is damagi

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

Deforestation & Habitat Destruction Mystery – Human Impact Detective | SUB PLAN

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on deforestation and habitat destruction. In this case file activity, students analyze evidence, track environmental pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of why

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

NGSS MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Biodiversity Loss Mystery – Human Impact Detective | SUB PLAN | Environment

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on biodiversity loss and species decline. In this case file activity, students analyze evidence, track ecological pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of why sp

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5+3

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Invasive Species Mystery – Human Impact Detective | SUB PLAN | Environment

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on invasive species and ecosystem disruption. In this case file activity, students analyze evidence, track ecological pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of ho

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5+3

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

Climate Change and Global Warming Mystery – Human Impact Detective | SUB PLAN

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on climate change and global warming. In this case file activity, students analyze evidence, track environmental pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of why Ear

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5+3

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

Overfishing & Ocean Ecosystem Collapse Mystery – Detective | SUB PLAN

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on overfishing and ocean ecosystem collapse. In this case file activity, students analyze evidence, track ecological pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of why

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5+3

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Resource Depletion & Mining Mystery – Human Impact Detective | SUB PLAN

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on resource depletion and mining damage. In this case file activity, students analyze evidence, track environmental pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of why

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5+3

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Urban Sprawl Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Human Impact on the Environment

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on urban sprawl and land use change. In this case file activity, students analyze evidence, track environmental pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientific case to solve the mystery of how citi

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5+3

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

Environmental Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Human Impact | SUB PLAN

Created by
TWFScience

Build a high-engagement, low-prep environmental science program that grows with you. This Bundle collects my complete Science Detective Mystery Case Files—each one built around real-world environmental problems, evidence analysis, pathway tracking, suspect ranking, and Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER)

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3+6