Earth Science Teaching Resources
Browse printable Earth science worksheets, digital activities and a whole lot more to bring the wonders of our planet to life in your elementary classroom!
This collection of NGSS curriculum-aligned teaching resources has been created by our expert teacher team to save your valuable lesson planning time with differentiated and editable science printables and Google slides.
Looking to learn more about the Earth science curriculum for elementary school, or just need some fresh ideas to engage your students? Read on for a primer from our teacher team!
What Is Earth Science?
We know this one may seem obvious — after all, it's right there in the name! But how do you explain this one to your students? Here's a kid-friendly definition you can use!
Earth Science is the study of our planet Earth and it's a chance to learn about the different layers of the Earth, rocks and minerals, weather patterns and climate, water and oceans and natural resources.
Earth scientists use different tools to study the Earth, including looking at rocks, studying the weather, and even using satellites to take pictures from space. By learning about Earth science, we can better understand the world around us and how we can protect and take care of our planet.
What Does Earth Science Look Like in Elementary School?
When we talk about Earth science (or geology) in elementary school, we aren't pulling out reference tables or digging deep into climatology.
On an elementary level, Earth science covers everything from the layers of the Earth to plate tectonics to erosion and weathering. The goal is to provide students with a basic understanding of the Earth and its processes and to develop kids' scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills, laying the groundwork for the more focused Earth science courses available on a high school level.
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Rock It Out With Weathering, Erosion and Deposition – Interactive Task Cards
Dive into the fascinating world of Earth’s transformations! Download this set of interactive task cards to review weathering, erosion and deposition concepts with your students.
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Weathering, Erosion and Deposition Doodle Notes
Engage your students with a set of science doodle notes when learning about erosion, weathering and deposition.
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Seasons, Weather and Our Choices Interactive Activity
Complete this whole-class interactive activity to teach students the connection between the seasonal conditions and their daily choices.
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Order of Seasons Task Cards
Use these task cards to allow students to practice ordering images of seasonal changes across the year.
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Weathering vs. Erosion Worksheet Pack
Support student understanding of weathering and erosion with this reading comprehension passage, worksheet and accompanying vocabulary activities.
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Types of Soils – Comprehension Worksheets
Explore the properties of sand, silt, loam and clay with a set of 4 reading passages with accompanying comprehension questions.
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Water Sources Cut and Paste Sorting Worksheet
Explore the different water sources using this cut and paste worksheet pack.
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Set of Graphic Organizers for the Water Cycle - Everyday Examples
Explore the different everyday examples of precipitation, evaporation and condensation with these water cycle graphic organizers.
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Water Cycle Flipbook
Learn about the steps in the water cycle with a printable flipbook.
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Water Cycle Mini Workbook
Explore the different elements of the water cycle with this activity mini book.
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Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition Flipbook
Learn about the causes and effects of weathering, erosion, and deposition with a printable flipbook.
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Water Cycle Cube Project
Learn about the water cycle with this fun cube activity project and template.
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Water Cycle Printable Game
Review stages of the water cycle with a printable dice game.
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Water Cycle Task Cards
Determine which stage of the water cycle is represented with this set of task cards.
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Water Cycle Diagram Classroom Bulletin Board Display
Learn about the stages of the water cycle with this interactive classroom water cycle display.
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The Water Cycle - Cut and Paste Worksheet
Sequence the steps of the water cycle with a cut and paste worksheet.
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Weathering and Erosion Poster
Learn how weathering and erosion can cause slow changes to Earth’s surface with this printable poster.
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Earth Day Foldables
Display different ways to conserve resources with a set of fun recycling–based foldable interactive notebook templates.
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Types of Weather – Cut and Paste Worksheet
Use this cut-and-paste science worksheet to match a picture and description with each weather condition.
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All About Clouds – Instructional Slide Deck
Teach your students about the different types of clouds with this 19-slide instructional slide deck.
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Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Energy Sources Worksheets
Discover the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources with a comprehension passage and worksheet.
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Earth Watch: Drowning in Plastic - Comprehension Worksheet
Practice reading comprehension skills and learn about microplastic pollution in our oceans with a reading comprehension activity.
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Classroom Practices to Promote a Green Future - A Teacher's Guide
Create a more sustainably-friendly classroom with this 18-page teacher's guide.
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Natural Disasters – Vocabulary Cards
Reinforce science vocabulary in your classroom with this set of free word wall cards that focus on natural disasters.
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Why Should We Compost? Poster
Use this poster set to explain why it is important to compost food scraps.
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Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources – Cut and Paste Worksheet
Sort renewable and nonrenewable resources with this cut-and-paste science worksheet.
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Trash, Recycle, and Compost Posters
Remind your students where to put their waste with these trash, recycling, and compost posters.
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Water Cycle Crossword Puzzle
Review water cycle vocabulary with a crossword puzzle.
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Water Cycle Sort – Sorting Activity
Use knowledge of the steps in the water cycle to categorize examples with this sorting activity.
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Weather Vocabulary Puzzles
Make your weather lessons more fun with a set of 14 weather vocabulary puzzles.
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Looking at Landforms Worksheet
Identify the major landforms of the world with a labeling worksheet.
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Landforms of the World - Brochure Template
Add to your bank of landform project ideas with a free Landform Research Brochure.
- Earth Science Worksheets
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