Purdue University
The Scientific Process of Conservation Biology: Analyze, Design, Debate
Scientists use data to learn about species survival—and your classes can too! A set of four lessons guides learners through a process to draw conclusions about the fluctuations in the population of the Hellbender species. They read...
Purdue University
Animal Diversity and Tracking
What exactly are those glowing eyes in the night? Learners run an experiment to attract local wildlife and then document the number of visitors by identifying their tracks. They then analyze the data to draw conclusions about the types...
Purdue University
Ashes to Ashes: We All Grow Up
Ecosystems are constantly changing whether people notice or not. An inquiry-based lesson examines types of ecosystem changes and how they relate to wildlife conservation. Learners classify changes as succession and disturbance using a...
Purdue University
Mammal Food Webs
You are what you eat—or at least a part of what you eat. Budding scientists examine owl pellets to develop their own food webs. They use tooth and skull identification techniques to classify what they find.
Curated OER
Design a Wildlife Habitat-Habitat Detective
Learners discuss ways people have changed landscapes and how this effects wildlife. They map the area around their school and keep a journal of wildlife they see. They predict how to preserve the wildlife they see for future generations.
Curated OER
Basics of Environmental Science
Ninth graders explore environmental concerns of the community and identify the basic needs of people, wildlife and domestic animals. Working both individually and in groups, they also define natural resources and compare and contrast...
Curated OER
March of the Polar Bears: Global Change, Sea Ice, and Wildlife Migration
Students study global change and how these changes impact wildlife. In this polar bears lesson plan students analyze maps and data to understand climate change.
Purdue University
The Great Clearcut Controversy
Urban development and habitat retention are often at odds. A three-part lesson examines the pros and cons of forest clearcutting. Learners review data and characteristics of a specific mammal to make conclusions about the effect...
Purdue University
Trees of the Midwest
All trees are not created equal. A set of three wildlife conservation lessons has learners examine the characteristics of individual trees. They look at the life cycle of the tree using a story and reference a field guide to identify...
Purdue University
Eco-llapse
A balanced ecosystem doesn't mean balanced populations. Budding scientists complete a series of activities to learn about the relationship between producers and consumers in an ecosystem. They complete the wildlife conservation...
Curated OER
Soils
Young scholars apply knowledge of soil, environmental impacts, economics, multiple human demands, and use given data for a proposed scenario in making land use decisions. They debate land use issues and/or scenarios and discuss a case...
Curated OER
Conservation in Small Places - Composting
A fabulous lesson introduces the art of composting to your gardeners. In it, youngsters learn about the composting process and how it actually works. They discuss the environmental benefits of composting, and use the "lasagna" method...
Curated OER
Wild Work
Students visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and explore the different careers offered by them. They ask questions and view the grounds.
Purdue University
Healthy Water, Happy Home
Clear water does not mean clean water. A collaborative lesson plan has groups play a board game to identify sources of water pollution and develop strategies for improving water quality. Their investigations include reference to the...
Purdue University
Discovering the Watershed
Human impact on watersheds can make or break an ecosystem. Learners use a game to learn about the impact human choices have on water quality and the organisms that depend on it. The activity includes a game board and game cards that tell...
Purdue University
Invasive Plants: Impact on Environment and People
It's the attack of the invasive species! Young scientists simulate the behavior of an invasive species with a game-like activity. They assume the roles of native plants, invasive plants, and resources and watch the invasive plant takes...
Curated OER
Mud in the Water
Students build a soil erosion model to study the importance of soil conservation. They investigate how land forms from both constructive and destructive forces.
Curated OER
Wild Dog Urine
Learners investigate biology by researching wild animals. In this animal extinction lesson, students research African wild dogs and discuss the impact of the environment on their survival. Learners read and analyze an article titled...
Curated OER
Postcards from the Edge: Endangered Species
Students use the internet to identify the endangered species in their state. Using this information, they create a postcard with a picture of the animal along with facts. They discuss the main reasons to protect the endangered species...
Curated OER
Backyard Habitats
Students identify habitat elements. They create a habitat in a backyard, on a balcony, at a workplace, or in a schoolyard and provide the four basic requirements of wildlife survival (food, water, cover, and places to raise young). They...
Curated OER
Biomes -- Part II
Students use the internet to gather information on the biomes of the world. They identify the climate and unique characteristics of each biome along with any threat to them. They create their own campaign to preserve wildlife.
Curated OER
Habitat
Young scholars are able to define habitat. They are able to identify the four things that living things need to survive. Students are able to describe how living things are adapted to their habitats.
Curated OER
Habitat for Sale
Students are able to define habitat, and identify the four things that living things need to survive. They are able to describe how living things are adapted to their habitats.
Curated OER
Food Web
Students are able to define food web, and identify the interdependence of organisms within a system. They are able to describe how natural events and human activities can impact a food web.