Curated OER
What Happens When Invasive Species Are Introduced
Helping students understand the dangers of nonnative species is an important part of ecology and environmental science lessons.
Curated OER
Evaluating the Strength of Scientific Evidence: The Rediscovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker
A happy discovery occurred in Arkansas in 2004: a woodpecker, believed to be extinct since the 1940s, reappeared! Or did it? Middle to high school ecologists examine scientific evidence and use critical-thinking skills to determine...
Curated OER
PASSENGER PIGEONS: NOMADS LOST
Students explore the concept and implications of extinction using the example of the Passenger Pigeon, once an extremely abundant species that was completely eliminated by humans.
Curated OER
Sea Turtle Math
Students consider the future of endangered species. In this conservation activity, students view a slide show and use mathematical data to construct a prediction for the survival of an endangered species. This activity includes, personal...
Curated OER
Missing Macroinvertebrates - Stream Side Science
Field study groups collect samples of stream water and identify the macroinvertebrates found. Using their data, they calculate a water quality index to rate the health of the stream. They graph their data and discuss the value of a water...
Curated OER
Species and Specimens: Exploring Local Biodiversity
Students practice skills essential to all scientific investigation: carefully observing and collecting data. They become field biologists in a series of hands-on activities to collect and identify specimens, and survey and calculate the...
Curated OER
Wild Where?
Students investigate why the urban environment is considered a hostile environment; define the concept of endangered species; describe and identify a Peregrine Falcon; describe and identify the eating habits of the Peregrine Falcon.
Curated OER
Extinction Is Forever
Students observe models of two kinds of forests with low and high biodiversity. They observe and record the effects of habitat destruction or extinction rates. They also conduct research about mass extinction like that of the ancient...
Curated OER
Turtle and Tortoise Preschool Lesson Plan
One of the best parts about teaching the littlest learners is that you can create thematic lessons that use one topic to address every subject. Here is a nice set of thematic teaching ideas that uses turtles and tortoises to teach...
Montana State University
Everest Extremes: Biodiversity
How many animals can live in a climate as cold as Mount Everest's? Find out with a science lesson all about biodiversity. Activities include research, presentations, group work, coloring maps, and a simulation of a food web.
Virginia Department of Education
Adaptation and Evolution
Um may be the atomic symbol for confusion, but it won't be needed in this lesson. Scholars rotate through seven stations completing experiments, hands-on activities, writing exercises, and analysis. Stations include material on...
Curated OER
Issues And Decisions 4
In this environment worksheet, students read a passage on why alien species should be introduced to ecosystems. Then they respond to four questions that refer to the passage read. Students also respond to two decision questions by giving...
Curated OER
Endangered Species of PA
Students research and publish information about an endangered species on the school's web site. For this endangered species lesson, students choose an at-risk species to research. They publish their research information on the school's...
Curated OER
Mammoth Extinction
Students explore various hypotheses concerning the extinction of the woolly mammoth.
Curated OER
Extinct Animals Of The Louisiana Purchase
Students investigate two extinct species of birds that existed during the time of the Louisiana Purchase in Arkansas. They conduct research to describe the characteristics of the bird and look for the causes for its eventual extinction.
Curated OER
Animal Species Richness in Tioga County, PA
Students compile an extensive list of animal species seen throughout Tioga County. In this data collecting lesson, students report daily any animal species seen during the course of their travels and adventures outdoors in Tioga County...
Desert Discoveries
Keepers of the Prairie
Young ecologists examine the case of the prairie dog, and their near extinction. They read a terrific student handout embedded in the plan, and engage in a class discussion that's based on what they read. Learners perform research on...
Curated OER
Endangered Species Animal Masks
Young scholars research endangered animals. For this animal science lesson, students visit suggested websites to learn more about endangered animals and create animal masks. Young scholars need glue, cardstock, string and feathers to...
Curated OER
ARE WE IN THE MIDDLE OF A MASS EXTINCTION?
Students identify and interpret the following: What is mass extinction, and what are some theories for why it happens? How often do species become extinct? What is the normal rate of extinction? Why are some species endangered? What...
Curated OER
Endangered Species
Students define the terms endangered and threatened. They identify the factors that can cause species to become endangered. They discover how animals are protected by the Endangered Species Act.
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...
American Museum of Natural History
Going, Going...Gone?
Young environmentalists consider how scientists are attempting to save endangered species. They read about what causes extinction and steps to take to minimize the threats.
Curated OER
Cardboard Tree and Endangered Animals Lesson
Students create an endangered animial figure and its home through artistic expression using paint and a variety of materials.
American Museum of Natural History
Around with World with DNA
A mammalogist, ornithologist, ichthyologist, and a conservation geneticist share their work and their hopes that their research will help protect and save endangered species and their habitats.