Students draw a picture of animal tracks a scientist might find after they read a story about a fox chasing a rabbit. They make up a key to represent the foxes' tracks and the rabbit's tracks.

Students produce a "Fossil Guide" that covers twelve fossils and includes a drawing and written description for each fossil. The written description should include such things as size, shape, and general appearance.

Students discover the world of owls as predators. After watching a video of owls hunting and eating, are introduced to owl pellets. Students dissect their own pellet and match the prey's bones to a bone diagram.

Pupils observe properties of items, determine time it takes for organic/inorganic items to decompose, identify differences/similarities between decomposition, identify practical uses in litter/garbage control, & establish reasons for...

Fourth graders explore forest species' adaptations to fire by participating in a scavenger hunt and mapping a burned forest. Students create maps and explore how indigenous species adapted to living with fire.

Fourth graders study food processing and distribution. In this food processing lesson, 4th graders investigate various methods of food preservation. Students study methods of food distribution.

Young scholars explore data on some of the landforms in Nebraska to distinguish between porous and nonpremeable soils. The state's groundwater is investigated.

Young scholars explore the Ogallala Aquifer in the state of Nebraska. The signs of pollution found are examined and the data classified.

Students examine data about the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in the state of Nebraska. An understanding of the political implications of boundaries is developed.

Learners examine and research the annual rainfall in Nebraska. They create a map of the annual rainfall in Nebraska and use the map to develop explanations of settlement.

Pupils analyze the parts of the water cycle through research and experimentation. Particular attention is paid to the processes of evaporation and condensation.

Students construct a model of a well to identify how water is brought to the surface. Signs of pollution are investigated.

Students examine how Chinese and Japanese artists used different kinds of birds as representations of ideas that were important in both cultures and create their own birds using the technique of origami.

Fourth graders are introduced to how electricity is produced. In groups, they compare and contrast the linear production of energy with other forms of mechanical energy production. They try to make a turbine work acting like it is part...

Students understand the use of the wetlands by migrating birds and identify causes for disappearance of the wetlands.

Students, in groups, examine leaf slides in order to explore the detail in leaves.

Students describe the importance of having a balance ecosystem. After a brief lecture, students give an explanation of the properties of an ecosystem. They create a web, using yarn which shows how the various members of the ecosystem are...

Students receive a bag of common gemstones. Without knowing gem names or value, students trade with each other as they desire. They choose one gem from their bags to keep. They discuss the name, value and characteristics of each gem.

Fourth graders identify and classify birds found in Illinois. Using the internet, they discover how birds have adapted over time and how the adaptations have increased their life span. They compare and contrast the various adaptations...

Learners examine the life of bats in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the history of the bat in Illinois and describe the way they find prey by using echolocation. They report their findings to the class and answer any...

Discuss the suffix "cide." Have students name words having this suffix (homicide, suicide, genocide). Ask students what all these words have in common. Then ask students to define the word "pesticide." (Pesticides control organisms that...

Students answer short answer questions about the water cycle and other cycles. In this water cycle lesson plan, students explore clouds, rain, evaporation, and more.

Students experiment to determine the value and importance of wetlands in Arkansas. They develop an environmental appreciation for wetlands.

Students determine how water holding capacity influences plant growth by observing different types of soils and their ability to hold water. They record their results on a soil permeability worksheet.