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  • Writer's pictureSarah

Earth Science Unit Study

You can have fun learning about earth science with your kids! My kids and I recently completed a semester-long unit on Earth Science. Our unit study focused on read-alouds and simple projects/field trips. Our unit study was broken into two main segments:

  • Months 1 and 2 - Geology, Rocks, Crystals, and Gems

  • Months 3 and 4 - Ecosystems, Ecology, and Weather

In this post, I will detail all of the resources and books we used, to make it easy for you to have your own earth science unit study, too!




About the Resources

We read and enjoyed all of the books listed here. I have included age codes to make it clear for which ages each book will be best suited. The age codes are: C = Children 4-9; Y = Youth 9-12; YA = Young Adults 12-15; A = Adults and the Later Teen Years (16-18).


Whenever possible, I tried to include biographies of earth scientists or enthusiasts in our studies, as these really help science come alive within the context of real people's lives. I also find it highly valuable to read my own books about whatever we're studying in science; that gives me fresh inspiration to share with my kids, helps me pursue my own education, and shows my kids that education is a lifelong journey.


The field trip and project suggestions are intended to give you some hands-on ideas for making the Earth Science unit even more engaging. With Earth Science, it is fairly easy to incorporate simple projects and field trips, but don't feel like you have to do it all. We didn't do all of the projects and field trips I've listed here, but they are listed as a jumping off point for you to find what is possible given your location and situation.


Months 1 and 2 - Geology, Rocks, Crystals, and Gems



Books

Projects

Field Trip Ideas



Month 3 and 4 - Ecosystems, Ecology, and Weather


Books

NOTE: There are a LOT of books listed here, because I've included all the books relating to ecosystems and weather that I could remember that we've ever liked! Don't stress or feel the need to read them all!




Ecology, Rivers and Wetlands, Water Cycle

Seaside, Ocean



Deserts, Mountains

Forests, Rainforests



Prairies, Wind

Snow, Antarctic

Earthquakes, Volcanoes

Projects