Michigan State University
Create an Animal
Think beyond the animals and habitats we've already discovered and allow scholars to dream up their very own habitat and an animal that lives there. Class members present the new habitat and animal on a poster alongside an...
Curated OER
Animal Groups
Learners explore animal groups. In this animal science lesson plan, students use pictures from magazines and classify the animals into five categories. Learners share why they categorized the animals the way they did.
Curated OER
The Chesapeake Bay in Captain John Smith's Time
When Captain John Smith visited the Chesapeake Bay in the summer of 1608, what types of animals and habitats did he encounter? Your young historians will analyze primary source documents to answer this question, as well as compare...
Curated OER
Plankton in the Air
Here is a lab activity adequate for use with any full lesson on environmental factors that shape animal adaptations or marine animal characteristics. Pupils will discuss the role plankton plays in the environment and filter-feeding...
National Wildlife Federation
Massive Migrations
Turn your students into flocks of migratory birds for this fun lesson on animal migration. Prior to the activity, the teacher creates four different migration routes in the classroom or any available open space, labeling nesting...
Curated OER
What's Dancing in the Water?
Students learn about watershed, as well as the different forms and uses of water. In this water forms activity, students brainstorm water sources and uses. Students read the book Water Dance and discuss water examples. Students complete...
Umaine Museum of Art
Bony Fish Anatomy Worksheet
Take time to appreciate the beauty in the anatomy of animals with this cross-curricular art and science activity. After viewing examples of fish-themed artwork, children complete the included worksheet by labeling the...
PBS
Reading Adventure Pack: Oceans
Flotsam by David Wiesner and The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen, begin a reading adventure pack focusing on oceans. With story listening and thoughtful discussion, scholars complete several...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Ocean Acidification
Human impacts on the environment can sometimes be difficult to measure, especially under water! An activity centered on ocean acidification gives science scholars the opportunity to examine the effects of carbon dioxide on marine life....
Curated OER
The Living Environment
Students investigate animals and their environments. In this animal similarities and differences instructional activity, students explore animal adaptations and features and their habitats. Students get into groups to discuss the...
NOAA
A Matter of Density
Larvae transportation on the New England seamounts is based on the density of the water. Scholars calculate density and graph salinity versus temperature to better understand the distribution of organisms in a water column....
WolfQuest
The Return of Gray Wolves to Yellowstone National Park: Right or Wrong?
Should gray wolves be removed from Yellowstone National Park? After researching the complex relationships between the various habitats and species at Yellowstone National Park, including humans, class members take a position...
Science 4 Inquiry
The Ups and Downs of Populations
Life has its ups and downs ... especially if you're an animal! Biology scholars engage in a population study through an inquiry-based lesson. Pupils work together to explore the factors that affect deer populations, then examine the...
National Wildlife Federation
Habitat Web
Young scientists weave together an understanding of ecosystems with this fun collaborative activity. Taking on the roles of different living and non-living elements of specific habitats, learners use a ball of yarn to create...
Curated OER
Animal Movements
Students discuss the behavior of different animals and how they move. They explore the ways that this helps them live and find food in their environment. They participate in a game that requires them to mimic the ways in which animals move.
Curated OER
Water Quality Monitoring
Learners comprehend the four parameters of water quality. They perform tests for salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and clarity or turbidity. Students comprehend why scientists and environmental managers monitor water uality and aquatic...
Curated OER
World Geography: Water: The Indispensable Resource
Learners are able to explain why water is an indispensable resource in a written essay and class discussion. They identify at least three examples of where water has been a source of conflict between societies from a reading and...
Curated OER
Habitat
Fourth graders study the components of a habitat. In this animal habitat lesson, 4th graders define the elements of a habitat. Students discuss intertidal habitats and make a habitat for a crab.
Curated OER
Habitat
Pupils 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
River Otter Adaptations
Students study the body of the River Otter to understand animal adaptations to their habitats. In this animal adaptations lesson, students study the photo of the River Otter and discuss its body. Students then play a game of...
Curated OER
What Animals Need to Live
Fourth graders read "Habitat: What Animals Need to Live" then create a Venn diagram for herbivore, omnivore, and carnivore. In this animal survival lesson, 4th graders determine where different animals need to live depending on what they...
Curated OER
Salmon in the Classroom
Students list the salmon life cycle stages in order. They draw a stream with the vegetation, animals, and water quality parameters that are necessary for salmon survival. Students explain the connection between animal morphology and...
NOAA
Deep-Sea Ecosystems – Cool Corals
Young oceanographers research deep sea corals that thrive on chemosynthesis. The lesson plan focuses on the biology of the animal, preferred habitat, associations, and interactions.
Curated OER
Forest Habitat Fragmentation
Seventh graders discuss the loss of animal habitats and the importance of refuge areas for them. They collect small pictures of animals found in their state and glue them to an outline of their state according to their range. Finally,...