The concept of interdependence in an ecosystem and its effect on the evolution of populations is further explored through a model of a dam. Students build a dam in the middle of the field, dividing the ecosystem in half to illustrate the...

Take an online tour of the Smithsonian's "Exploring Marine Ecosystems" exhibit. Learn about coral reefs and look behind the scenes as scientists maintain the model ecosystems.

An Earth System Project shows the interaction between the Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, and Biosphere. This project provides a model of a pond ecosystem and can easily be woven into the hydrosphere unit.

Students build a model ecosystem to simulate the life and limiting factors of the Terrapin turtle.

Students investigate decomposers and the role of decomposers in maintaining the flow of nutrients in an environment. Students also learn how engineers use decomposers to help clean up wastes in a process known as bioremediation. This...

[Free Registration/Login Required] Designed to teach students to identify explicit information in nonfiction and fiction texts. Lessons are based on the books Deserts (A True Book-Ecosystems) by Darlene R. Stille and The Stories Huey...

Read about thermal vent communities. Then identify key characteristics of the giant tubeworm through reading and creating a three-dimensional model of this organism.

This lesson plan allows learners to study and learn the names and characteristics of Earth's six major biomes. The biomes are introduced with a slideshow presentation. A paper-folding poster activity gives students the opportunity to...

In this lesson, students will learn about rondo form and practice a chant. After learning about the structure of the chant, they will work in small groups to create a chant about a habitat. The chants will then be combined with the model...

Second graders learn how plants depend on animals to disperse their seeds. Students will learn about ways that animals can disperse seeds. They will design their own model and compare it to the real action of plants and animals. In the...

An interactive activity where students study how two species of producers are affected by a consumer. By completing several virtual experiments and collecting data, students will be able to summarize what plants can do to defend...

A website focusing on the research done by the Center for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture science that focuses on climate change, marine planning, fisheries management, and sustainability. Website includes information about...

A lesson on sustainability of urban farms in particular in New York City. Young scholars learn how to apply sustainability principles to environmental problems. Students will look at the need for sustainable farming practices that...

A lab experiment, in a series of experiments, that investigates fisheries. In this lab, students test the effects of fertilizers and other pollutants on a model ecosystem. Students also examine 2 years of ocean color (chlorophyll...

Compilation of reports on the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill includes information on the remaining impact of the spill, the ecosystem in transition, lessons learned and an oil spill trajectory model.

This ZOOMSci video segment shows how to create self-contained environments and explore how plants grow under different conditions. [3:24]

As learners learn about the creation of biodomes, they are introduced to the steps of the engineering design process, including guidelines for brainstorming. Students learn how engineers are involved in the design and construction of...

Students gain an understanding of the parts of a plant, plant types and how they produce their own food from sunlight through photosynthesis. They also learn about transpiration, the process by which plants release moisture to the...

Students are introduced to the classification of animals and animal interactions. Students also learn why engineers need to know about animals and how they use that knowledge to design technologies that help other animals and/or humans....

Kids learn about the food chain and food web. How energy cycles and transfers through living organisms.

Did you know that wetlands are frequently used as resting stops for migrating birds? This is just one of the many interesting facts found within this educational resource. This site features information on the characteristics, types,...

This site has a activity to use to start a unit on biomes and animal habitats. This plan incorporates grasslands, temperate forests, tropical rainforests, deserts, polar ice regions, and tidepools.

[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart contains an introduction page through which teachers can discuss what all living things need. On subsequent pages students will decide which animal does not belong in the habitat shown.

Doug Eldon performs this great song which tells about the different biomes and their characteristics. Great way to begin your unit on the biomes.