American Museum of Natural History
Saving Species
Some scientists dedicate their lives to researching and protecting endangered species. An online lesson teaches about three scientists around the world who do just that. They learn about spiders, mollusks, and reptiles from North...
Curated OER
Turning the Tide on Trash: Marine Debris Curriculum
Six different lessons comprise this unit on marine debris. Science, language arts, social studies, and art projects make this an ideal interdisciplinary unit. The result will be well-informed future citizens who can help make a...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Great Elephant Census Modeling Activity
They say elephants never forget—and your class won't forget an insightful modeling activity either! Junior zoologists take part in a mock elephant census using the sample count and total count methods. The included materials provide...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Lesson 7: Observations Across Habitats
How are animals in separate but nearby habitats related? Ecology scholars compare the animal inhabitants of the Gorongosa National Park in part seven of an eight-part series. Learners study photos from two different habitats, then...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Lesson 3: Scientific Inquiry with WildCam Gorongosa
When biologists installed cameras in Gorongosa National Park, they ended up viewing a lot more than the lions they were trying to help! Young ecologists observe one of Africa's most beautiful savanna regions with interactive trail camera...
Curated OER
From Polliwog to Frog
Students examine how frogs change. In this life cycle lesson, students create a model to show how a frog changes throughout its life. Students will show the process of frog metamorphosis, from polliwog to adult frog.
Curated OER
Zoos and Captive Breeding
After reading pages 470-472 of an unspecified textbook, students compare statements about zoos and captive breeding to information presented in text for statements of truth. Students change statements that are false so that the...
Curated OER
Products from the Rainforest
Second graders write a story about the journey a food has from the rainforest to your table. In this food lesson plan, 2nd graders research different foods and products that come from the rainforest and discover how it ended up in their...
Curated OER
Beaver, or not?
Students study the role of the beaver in Illinois during the 1800's and how overtrapping cause the near extinction of the beaver colonies in Illinois by 1900. Students role play various people in 1945 who have an opinion about the...
Curated OER
Exploring the Temperate Forest: Biodiversity and Interdependence
Students examine the consequences of cutting down large amounts of forests throughout the world. In groups, they use the internet to complete a module taking them on a tour through different temperate forests. To end the lesson, they...
Curated OER
Hunting for the Controversy
You can help students deepen their understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of hunting animals with these lessons and activities.
Curated OER
Bat Ecology
Students, through hands on games and activities, discover how bats live and how bats benefit ecosystems. They play a game designed to show them how echolocation works and another to show how mother bats locate their young through their...
Curated OER
"Web of Life" Game
Students relate members of an ecosystem by their interactions. In this ecosystem lesson, students toss a ball to other members of their group (each representing a member of an ecosystem) and tell how they are related to that member....
Curated OER
The Giant Pandas
Students recognize that pandas are endangered. In this panda instructional activity, students research and create a pamphlet about pandas. Students create a 30 second advertisement. Students participate in problem solving for solutions...
Curated OER
Environmental Law
Students analyze the environmental impact of pollution. They demonstrate an understanding of law, punishment and enforcement. Applying their knowledge, they create their own anti-pollution laws.
Curated OER
Game of Life
By playing this game, students discover what happens to a fish stock when large amounts disappear.
Curated OER
Stream Ecology In Wisconsin and Puerto Rico
Students identify the different types of water and explain in what proportions they exist on Earth. They identify and correctly label the parts of the water cycle and how these parts interact with each other. Students identify the...
Curated OER
Making Recycled Paper
Learners explore the advantages of recycling paper. In this environmental instructional activity, students produce recycled paper by ripping up paper and putting it into a blender with water to create a mixture. Learners use their...
Curated OER
Forest Management Techniques
Students work as a group to determine a management plan for an imaginary forest. In this forestry lesson, students discuss timber management techniques and develop a list of pros and cons for the techniques. They develop a management...
Curated OER
Creating a Pond Habitat
Students create a pond habitat inside and outside their classroom. In this pond lesson plan, students create a habitat with animals, water, and plants in order to create a proper pond habitat.
Curated OER
Water, Water Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink
Students identify the different stages in the water cycle. In this environmental science lesson, students research about different water pollutants in watershed. They describe ways to purify water.
Curated OER
New Mammal Species Found
Students brainstorm ideas about rodents, mammals and new discoveries. They describe rodents and participate in pre-reading activities. They read, discuss, and complete role play activities based on an article on the discovery of a new...
Curated OER
String of Fish
Fourth graders research a Florida fish to determine its length. They display this information on two index cards, which are cut to the shape of the head and the tail and attached to a string that they measure and cut to the correct...
Curated OER
Science: Vocabulary Memory Game
Fourth graders increase their comprehension of science terms by playing a vocabulary matching game. In small groups, they take turns trying to match vocabulary terms with the correct definitions. Missed words are added to the students'...