Rain Erosion-Does the Rate of Water Effect Erosion? part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a guided inquiry investigation where students gather data on rate of water falling on erosion. Student will interpret their data, and develop a conclusion from the data. The data will lead to further questions, which can be developed by the students.

Investigating Earth materials: Collecting and Classifying part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field collection investigation where students gather earth materials and make observations about their collection that leads them to discuss the nature of Earth surface and how it is changing.

Investigating Lava Flows and Their Imapct on Shoreline Features part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
Short Description This activity is a field investigation where students construct a diagram of a lava flow from top to bottom based on observations made in the field and then attempting to make connections between the lava flow features and the resulting shape of the shoreline of Lake Superior.

Mineral Density: Teaching accuracy, slope, and percent error in the Earth science classroom part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a lab investigation in which students make mass/volume measurements of several samples of the same mineral to determine the mineral's density. Students graph their data and make the connection between their qualitative understanding of what density is and the mathematical/graphical representation of density.

Middle School Stream Investigation: observing stream erosion, calculating stream discharge, and determining stream chemistry and turbidity part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This stream field investigation will allow students to look at stream erosional patterns, take measurements to determine discharge, and conduct a chemical and turbidity analysis of Garvin Brook in Stockton, MN. Based on this investigation students will create a presentation that includes a new testable question that may be carried out the following year along with a stream ecology study.

Investigating how terrain and watersheds are connected part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
In this activity students will gain an understanding of how terrain affects a watershed. Students will use maps and Google Earth to "get a picture" of the terrain within their watershed. They will use this knowledge to create an investigation of their stream which will help answer student generated questions about the connection of terrain and water systems.

Investigating Soil Composition - Soil Soaks Up Water part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a classroom quick lab where students explore sand, soil, and water in relation to absorption and permeability.

Seeds to Plants: How to Grow a Plant part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a lab investigation where students gather data on a seed or seeds that have been planted per their own design.

Our Big Backyard part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation where students venture out into their own backyard to observe and record data on living things and see how these things change throughout the seasons.

Disasters to Nature: Sensitivity of Ground-Water Systems to Pollution part of MnSTEP Activity Mini-collection
This activity is a field investigation where students will observe three areas with high sensitivity to pollution, and test water quality in two of the locations.