Fourth graders study the components of a habitat. In this animal habitat lesson, 4th graders define the elements of a habitat. Students discuss intertidal habitats and make a habitat for a crab.

Students identify animals in ecosystem depicted on 16th Century ceramic basin and classify them as herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores based on physical characteristics and prior knowledge, determine which life forms in ecosystem are...

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

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

Student use the scientific method to experiment with worms. In this characteristics of living things lesson, students predict and examine the reactions of worms to dry and wet soil. Students share their findings.

Students examine fossils to understand how they are formed and how they give information about geological history. In this fossil lesson, students research and write about fossils and make models of different fossil types.The PDF...

Students examine human anatomy by creating a prosthetic limb.  In this medical engineering lesson, students view numerous images of prosthetics used in science today and define several medical terms associated with prosthetics....

Students explore the research process. In this scientific method lesson, students analyze data from an article, write their own informational article and express what they have learned. Students create their own article using the given...

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

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

Students explore hydrology concepts. In this environment and biology lesson, students identify and describe macroinvertebrates using a variety of pictures and resources. Students 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...

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

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

Students examine spiders. In these spider lessons, students will view spider images and live spiders to determine physical characteristics, habits, and habitats. Students will examine fantasy and folklore about spiders to create and...

Students choose an organism and create an experiment with that organism. For this observation lesson, students expose a living thing to something from its environment and record their observations. Students must have some prior knowledge...

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

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

Students explore the concept of soil and decomposition. In this soil and decomposition instructional activity, students investigate bags of soil. Students then learn how  animals and other organisms help in the decomposition...

Students participate in multiple hands-on activities to explore reproduction and pollination. In groups, using a cotton swab and powder, students simulate being pollinators and plants. They name the parts of the flowers and the function...

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

Students research various types of owls.  In this owls lesson, 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 and...

Students explore a variety of guidelines that involve collecting plants in a responsible manner and participate in a plant pressing activity. In this teacher's plant collection guide lesson, students collect data regarding plants,...

Students explore the parts of plants and discover that plants need to grow. In this plant instructional activity, students discuss the parts of the plant and plant petunias. Students can share their plants with friends or families.