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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Natural Disasters – Printable Puzzles for 3rd Grade
Match pictures and facts of various natural disasters with this set of printable science puzzles.
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Water Cycle Vocabulary Cards With Definitions
Learn the vocabulary and definitions associated with the water cycle.
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Weather vs. Climate – Google Slides Interactive Activity
Strengthen student understanding of weather and climate with this interactive activity designed for 5th-grade students.
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Water Cycle Interactive Clip Cards
Recognize different aspects of the water cycle and show your understanding with this water cycle interactive activity.
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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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The Water Cycle Everyday Examples Mini Book
Learn everyday examples of evaporation, condensation and precipitation with this activity mini-book.
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Four Seasons Picture Sorting – Cut and Paste Worksheets
Sort pictures according to the season they represent with this cut-and-paste worksheet.
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Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition – Sorting Activity
Categorize examples of deposition, weathering, and erosion with this 24-card sorting activity.
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Informative Text Writing Task – How Does the Water Cycle Work?
A scaffolded writing task for students to complete when learning about the informative text type.
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Making a Mini Water Cycle - Experiment
Investigate the water cycle with this hands-on experiment.
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Set of Water Cycle Everyday Examples Posters
Learn everyday examples of evaporation, condensation and precipitation with this poster set for the classroom.
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Cut and Sort - Everyday Examples of the Water Cycle
Explore everyday examples of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation with this cut and paste activity.
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Types of Weathering – Cut and Paste Worksheet
Use this cut-and-paste worksheet when classifying examples that show mechanical, chemical, or biological weathering.
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Weather vs. Climate – Task Cards
Differentiate between weather and climate by answering questions and responding to writing prompts and with this set of 24 task cards.
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Water Cycle Bingo
Learn water cycle vocabulary with this fun game of Bingo!
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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 Mini-Book (Simple)
Explore the different elements of the water cycle with this activity mini book.
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What Am I? Water Cycle Task Cards
Test knowledge about the water cycle with these fun and engaging task cards.
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Water Cycle Worksheet Pack
Discover everything there is to know and learn about the water cycle with this collection of worksheets suitable for elementary school students.
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Water Cycle Poster Set
Display this set of simple, vibrant water cycle posters when learning about each water cycle step.
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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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Carbon Footprint Draw and Write
Help your students be more eco-conscious by having them complete a carbon footprint worksheet.
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How Do People Use Natural Resources? Teaching Slides
Teach about natural resources and how humans interact with them with this 17-slide teaching deck.
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Renewable or Nonrenewable? Earth's Resources Game
Investigate the differences between renewable and nonrenewable resources with a self-checking interactive science game.
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Renewable or Nonrenewable? Earth's Resources Task Cards
Identify natural resources and Earth’s energy sources with a set of 24 renewable and nonrenewable resource task cards.
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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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Helping the Earth Flipbook - Primary
Use this printable recycling flipbook with your students to teach them about ways to help Earth.
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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.