Students are able to recognize that scientists use different definitions of species. They are able to assess the strengths and limitations of species definitions depending on their context. Students are able to use definitions of...

Students investigate the system of classification for living things through the sixteen lessons of this unit. The five kingdoms of monerans, protists, fungi, plants, and animals form the basis of several experiments as the similarities...

Learners explore a specific method of identifying fungi, using a written key and an illustrated key. Powdery mildew fungi can be identified to genus by the morphology (appearance) of the sexual stage (cleistothecia).

Young scholars make detailed observations and identify an unknown using descriptions.  In this observation lesson students are given a creature and must be able to identify it by species and genus.

Students use a written key or illustrated key to identify fungi on plant leaves into its genus based on sexual or asexual reproduction, host range diversity, and host-parasite relationships.

Sixth graders classify candy according to observable characteristics. They use a dichotomous key to identify their bag of "treats." Thus, describe how dichotomous keys help to the identifying of organisms. Design a self-generated...

Students study binomial nomenclature and museum-based research. They create a curiosity box, label the objects in their curiosity box , develop a classification scheme for the objects, and create a database of all objects collected by...

Students are introduced to the five kingdoms and discover why there is a need for a classification system. Using the internet, they examine how scientific names are created and practice putting animals into their correct classification....

Students make scientific observations. In this stimulus response lesson, students make observations and collect data to determine if cockroaches can learn. A secondary purpose of this lesson is to provide students with the opportunity to...

Students transfer examples (names) of primates from their location in an outline hierarchy of primate groups into a set of nested boxes reflecting that same hierarchy. A cladogram can then be drawn illustrating how these groups are...

Students are introduced to classification and some of the difficulties surrounding classification and how classification systems need to be able to adapt and how they may need to be changed when new information is discovered. They...

Seventh graders investigate the life cycle of the mosquito. In this life cycle lesson, 7th graders gain knowledge about the diseases mosquitos carry. Students breed mosquitos and investigate their eggs. Students collect and record...

Students explore the concept of the binomial system of nomenclature for classifying organisms. Students travel on a field trip to observe organisms displayed and their common names. Students complete several classroom activities and...

Students explore the classification system in this seven lessons unit. The diversity of life forms and their characteristics are examined using a microscope. Kingdoms, classes, and families are investigated.

Tenth graders study the diversity of life in the world. They classify and sketch organisms into the 6 kingdoms.

High schoolers explore the behavior of crickets during courtship. They measure the number and types of interactions between household crickets. Students discriminate between quantitative and qualitative observations. They collect data...

Eighth graders create a plant study guide using their outdoor classroom environment. In this ecology lesson plan, 8th graders take photographs of plants they collect from the outdoor classroom and create plant field...

First graders practice identifying plants by singing a song.  In this plant life lesson, 1st graders sing the song "Parts of a Plant" which is based on the anatomy of sunflowers.  Students discover agriculture techniques while...

Students explore the concept of biodiversity. In this environmental science lesson, students use field methods to examine the trophic relationship that allows for species diversity.

Students determine a watering schedule that promotes healthy grass growth. For this plants and natural resource conservation lesson, students plant grass seed in liter bottles and follow two different schedules that include "more...

Students explore prehistoric times by completing web activities in class. In this human ancestry lesson, students identify the archaeological discovery of the "Lucy" skeleton and what it meant for science. Students investigate the Leakey...

Students examine how carnivorous plants get their nutrients from animals.  In this food web lesson students examine how the plants attract their prey and are given many onilne sources to research.