Curated OER
Reconstructing a Fossil Pterosaur
Learners reconstruct the skeleton of the fossil Scaphognathus crassirostis. In this fossil lesson plan, students discuss the Kingdoms of life, geologic history and the history of the skeletons of species. Learners are given 20 minutes to...
Curated OER
Learning Activities: What Color Am I?
Students identify various species of anurans by their skin coloration. They describe how coloration contributes to survival.
Curated OER
Ribbit! Ribbit!
Students research a frog's life cycle and habitat using books, the Internet and lecture. Students make origami frogs, write letters to Toad from Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" and participate in a simulated camouflage activity.
Curated OER
Change by Chance?
Sixth graders are able to see the role of chance in evolution. The activity is similar to the party game "gossip" or "telephone." Students start off with a drawing of an animal which changes as they pass their copies of the animal to...
Curated OER
The Animal Kingdom of Vertebrates
Seventh graders classify fish according to their characteristics. In this classification lesson students learn how to group animals including birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Curated OER
Pond Ecology
A lab activity is a great way to incite thoughtful questioning and scientific processes. Pupils will collect organisms with a Petri dish, make observations, sketch the organism, ask questions, then attempt to identify the specimen...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Animal Classes and Their Ecosystems
Students explore animal characteristics by participating in an environment identification activity. In this animal habitat instructional activity, students discuss a range of different wild life and the ecosystems that they are a part...
Curated OER
Marine & Aquatic Habitats Activities - Habitats of Birds, Fish, and Mammals on the Island and the Pacific Region
Young scholars create habitats in jars to understand integral aspects of plants' and animals' habitats.
Curated OER
Comparing Two Turtles
Students compare and contrast the various observable features of two different turtles. in groups, they complete a visual analysis of the sea turtle and tortoise. Using their observations, they complete Venn Diagram of the observable...
Curated OER
What Stages Do Insects Go Through?
Fourth graders observe mealworms over a period of time and record any changes they observe. They record any changes in color, length, behavior, and any other noticeable changes, identify the stages of the mealworms, and create a chart...
Curated OER
Classification of Animals
Third graders practice classiyfying items and identify three major characteristics scientists use to classify animals. They describe the differences between ectothermic and endothermic animals.
Curated OER
Venom!
Students examine the nature of venom. They conduct an experiment to demonstrate how proteins such as venoms can be denatured using raw eggs, beakers, heated water, and compresses.
Curated OER
The Lepidoptera Project
Students are introduced to Scientific Inquiry and discover how to design an experiment that answers critical questions using butterflies as the topic. They design experiments that compare the number of species of butterflies in a vacant,...