Activity
Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Seed Dispersal in Tropical Forests

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
How do seeds get around? It's not like plants can control seed dispersal—or can they? Dig deeper into the amazing mechanisms of seed dispersal observed in tropical plants through interactives, a video, and plenty of hands-on data...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Life Cycle of the Plant - The Pumpkin

For Teachers 1st
First graders access prior knowledge about pumpkins and read the story Pumpkin, Pumpkin. They will sequence the life cycle of the pumpkin through the use of picture cards and then sing a song about the life cycle of the pumpkin and plant...
Lesson Plan
W.K. Kellogg Biological Station

Succession: Patterns in the Field and in Seeds

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Have you been wondering how to use that natural trail at or near your school? This activity gets kids outside with a purpose: learn about ecological succession through field observations and collecting seed and soil samples. The resource...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nature Walk

For Teachers K
Students participate in a mini field trip around the neighborhood to observe nature and changes that are occurring during fall. They collect leaves of various colors, shapes and sizes on their trip. Upon return to the classroom, they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Life Cycle of Trees

For Teachers 2nd - 8th Standards
Turn your students into young tree-tectives with this fun science investigation into the life of trees. To begin, a class volunteer gets dressed up in a tree costume as the different parts of trees are introduced. Then, the class...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pumpkins-Life Cycle of a Plant

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
For this lesson, Pumpkins-Life Cycle of a Plant, students study the life cycle of a pumpkin. Students will analyze the pumpkin and how it goes from seed to pumpkin over a three days of activities. Students sing a song teaching them...
Activity
Curated OER

Comparing Seeds

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Students explore the process of growing plants from seeds. In this hands-on science experiment, students observe different seeds (store bought vs. those directly from food items) and predict growing patterns.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seed Bugs; Stage 2

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students examine nature by participating in an environmental art activity. In this imaginary creature lesson plan, students discuss the importance of a habitat when pertaining to wild animals or bugs. Students utilize tree parts which...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Flying Wing

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders create a flying wing from a pastry tray. In this flying wing lesson, 5th graders understand how the shape of the wind affects flight. Students compare the flying wing to the zanonia seed in nature. Students make changes in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Evolution Lab

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the pattern of natural variation in a society. They examine Darwin's theory of evolution and analyze data. They use computer programs to graphically display the variation in organisms.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Effects of Seed Soaking on Germination

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain the standard growth pattern of a monocot seedling and word process a finished essay.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Graphing the Population Explosion of Weeds

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students are introduced to the seed cycle and draw the specific steps. In groups, they identify the human barriers to the spreading of weeds. After calculating the rate of spreading of the Yellowstar Thistle, they create graphs to see a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Weather-Tracking Tools

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students build tools to help track the weather. In this weather lesson, students follow directions to build a rain gauge, barometer and hair hygrometer.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

We’ve Bean Growing: Anatomy of Germination

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Young scholars identify the main parts of a seed. In this biology lesson, students explain the factors needed for the seed to grow. They record observations everyday and report findings to class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

John Muir: Long Ago and Now

For Teachers K - 1st
Students explore nature objects brought indoors such as rocks, seeds, leaves and shells to identify where the objects came from. They hear stories about John Muir's life and make booklets about nature areas they enjoy.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Flower Power

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Students explore the parts of flowers and how they reproduce. They dissect flowers and observe the reproductive organs. Students observe anthers and ovaries of Tiger Lilies under a microscope. They investigate how insects and other...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the MapleCopter

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Study explore the motion of maple seeds and design experiments to explain their spinning flight patterns. They make observations, explain ideas of motion, use models, analyze previous reports and experiments, identify relevant factors...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plants

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders examine the characteristics of plants. As a class, they brainstorm a list of items plants need in order to survive. In groups, they complete various experiments in which they discover the functions of the parts of the plant.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Body and Mindscapes

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders view artwork by Robert Harris of landscapes and mountains. Using a map, they locate and identify the physical features of the Canadian province they live in. In groups, they use one of his paintings and add music to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Garden Springs Gardeners"

For Teachers 1st
First graders ponder the question of how plants help their lives. They observe and compare properties of several different plants. Differentiate between living organisms and nonliving objects.