Young entomologists discover insect anatomy in a very detailed unit plan. Offering background information for teachers about various insects, class members explore the differences between bugs and insects—and yes, there are many...

Students redesign a human, using data in research, so that s/he can fly. In this flying activity, students examine the characteristics and adaptations of groups of animals that can fly.  Using this research, students work...

Fourth graders experiment to find the effects of exercise on the heart rate.  In this exercise and heart rate lesson, 4th graders create questions about exercise and heart rate. Students use the scientific method to test and analyze...

Students apply cause and effect relationships to water pollution in a stream. In this pollution lesson plan students recognize the importance of clean water in their daily lives. Students accompany "Fred the Fish" as he travels down...

Learners explore hydrology concepts. In this environment and biology lesson, students identify and describe macroinvertebrates using a variety of pictures and resources. Learners observe and write about a classroom aquarium in which...

Students identify the elements of natural disasters and gain an understanding on how the media influences people's responses to disasters. In this natural disaster lesson plan, students study the impact of natural disasters, and the...

Students observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson plan, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal...

Young scholars explore the concept of soil and decomposition. In this soil and decomposition lesson, students investigate bags of soil. Young scholars then learn how  animals and other organisms help in the decomposition process. 

Students view animals that camouflage at the Shedd aquarium website. In this camouflage lesson, students recognize that there are different types of camouflage, cryptic coloring, counter-shading, warning coloration and mimicry. Students...

Students investigate the cycle of life by observing tadpoles.  For this biology lesson, students utilize the Internet to read stories, observe pictures, and listen to sounds of frogs.  Students create a poster board collage...

Students explore channelization, riparian habitats and soil erosion to find out about  the aquatic habitats in Iowa. In this aquatic habitats lesson, students define important terms and read an article about pollution. ...

Fourth graders explore biology by viewing animal videos in class. In this amphibian and reptile instructional activity, 4th graders identify the key differences between reptiles, amphibians and other animal classifications. Students view...

Young scholars inspect the anatomy of earthworms. In this earthworm lesson, students participate in a hands-on experiment as they analyze the structure of earthworms. Young scholars demonstrate mastery through differentiated products....

Students navigate the Internet to learn to identify Earthworms. For this taxonomy lesson, students explore species of earthworms finding their characteristics and using photographs to identify the species. Students research information...

Students explore the techniques and basic needs of the fisherman.  In this fishing lesson, students view a demonstration of the use of fishing equipment. Students research Iowa farm ponds and design a class mural from their...

Students research various types of owls.  In this owls lesson plan, students observe owls and discuss their characteristics.  Students go to an owl habitat and listen for the call of an owl. Students read The Owl in the Shower...

Students make fish models.  In this fish behavior lesson, students create lanternfish fishsticks, learn how a school of fish live, eat and swim together, examine the predator-prey relationship, and read the book Swimmy to facilitate...

For this seashore life worksheet, students identify the animals that live on the seashore. Students then color the animals that live on the seashore. Students also draw and color any additional animals they would see.

Fourth graders explore, examine and study ceramics, a medium of historical importance to China. They review the advanced technology of the early Chinese civilization and are introduced to the scientific method of inquiry and make...

Students examine the use of bronze and porcelain in Chinese art and commerce through in-class activities, role play events, and small-group discussions in this exciting Social Studies/Arts lesson.

Students create replicas of Chinese hanging scrolls in an attempt to understand the technology behind the creation and use of paper in Ancient China. This three-day lesson plan includes enrichment ideas.

Students explore biology by creating a poster with classmates. In this oceanography lesson, students identify the importance of coral reefs to the ocean's ecology and examine a food web of ocean animals. Students define a list of...

Young scholars explore biology by participating in a field trip. In this oceanography lesson plan, students define the survival characteristics of bottom dwelling creatures also known as ocean grazers. Young scholars attend a class field...

Students practice analyzing skeletal remains for clues by using the Internet.  In this scientific investigation activity, students research the La Belle shipwreck using the Internet and written materials, later completing a Skeletal...