World Wildlife Fund
Arctic Food Chain
Explore the food chains that support Arctic ecosystems. A class discussion on interdependence and the different roles plants and animals play in ecosystems provides young scholars with the knowledge to complete a worksheet asking them to...
Curated OER
Photographical Ecology
Students study organisms and the roles they play in nature. In this ecology lesson plan, students photograph several examples of organisms during a nature walk. Students print out their photos and classify the organisms as plants or...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Gorongosa: Making Observations Activity
Do you have young scientists wanting to make new discoveries rather than just completing the same experiments? Young scientists use their observational skills to identify animals and patterns in animal behavior. Through tracking...
Curated OER
Pollution in the Air and the Water Pollution Solution
Students explore air pollution. For this ecology and air pollution lesson, students perform an experiment in which a Vaseline coated lid is placed inside and outside the classroom. Students make predictions and then record what they see...
Intel
Insects: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
What would the world be like with no insects? Ponder this question using a research-based STEM unit that encourages scholars to investigate insects from both a beneficial and hazardous perspective. They learn about insect behaviors,...
Curated OER
Ecological Impact of Wood Extraction
Students explore their local environment by conducting a class experiment. For this deforestation lesson, students discuss the effects of wood harvesting on forests around the world and research environment related vocabulary terms....
Curated OER
Pond Ecology
Fifth graders examine pond ecology, testing how temperature affects the respiration rate of fish. They collect various living things found at a pond, and identify the animal and plant life discovered. They observe a pond community in an...
Curated OER
Species Diversity in Ecosystems with Different Techniques of Land Management
Learners visit numerous places to help in their understanding of Ecology. In this biology lesson plan, students will learn about characteristics and how to identify numerous plants and animals. This lesson allows for many field trip...
University of Southern California
How do Organisms Interact?
Examine how organisms interact through a hands-on experience. Learners study population dynamics and distribution during an informative five-lesson unit. The focus is on the ocean environment and the organisms within it.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Winogradsky Columns: Microbial Ecology in the Classroom
Winogradsky columns are ideal for observing the role of bacteria and other microorganisms in an ecosystem. This student activity guide is complete with data tables for observations and analysis questions for processing what was observed....
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Measuring Biodiversity in Gorongosa
Take your biology class' understanding of biodiversity to a whole new level! Ecology scholars use data to calculate three different diversity indices based on the organisms in the Gorongosa National Park. The four-part activity uses an...
Channel Islands Film
Santa Cruz Island Restoration Narrative
What would you be willing to do to save an animal from extinction? After re-viewing a video about the restoration of the Island Fox on Santa Cruz Island, individuals adopt the point of view of one of the key players in the debate and...
Curated OER
Compost and Composting Experiments
Students investigate the composting process through a variety of experiments. In this ecology lesson, students discuss the benefits of composting. They examine how compost affect plant growth.
Curated OER
Raising an Animal
Students observe reproduction and behavior in several types of animals and nurture a sense of responsibility and cooperation. They then examine external features of several different types of animal groups.
Curated OER
Eco-enrichers
Learners discover the importance of plant and animal components within soil. In this soil lesson, students test the quality of soil. Learners then conduct an experiment adding different components to bags of soil to see what will...
Curated OER
Population Densities
Young scholars explore biological impact by completing a worksheet in class. In this animal population lesson, students utilize river rocks and jars to conduct a coqui frog population role play activity. Young scholars define a list of...
Curated OER
Learning About Animal Shelters for Earth Day
Students explore habitats. in this ecology and animal habitat lesson, students listen to the book A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman. Students discuss the basic needs of animals and go on a nature walk to observe animal...
Curated OER
Biomes
Students collect information about different biomes, and locate the biomes on a world map. They read a climograph and match them to the appropriate biomes.
Curated OER
Field Guide to Schoolyard Insects and Their Relatives
Sometimes all you need to complete your perfect lesson plan is an awesome hands-on learning experience. Here is an extension activity that is sure to excite your learners. They'll head outside to observe the local insect community. When...
Curated OER
Organisms – Their Needs
Students compare and contrast different organisms characteristics. In this life science lesson, students design an experiment about plants and animals needs. They collect data and write their conclusion about the experiment.
Curated OER
Earthworm Movement and Landscape Structure
Students describe differences in animal usage of habitats depending upon successional status of site. They also design other experiments to test movement patterns of animals through habitats of differing structure.
Curated OER
Are You Thirsty: The Effects of Pollution on Drinking Water
Students discuss the different causes of water pollution. In this ecology instructional activity, students brainstorm ways to purify polluted water. They formulate their conclusion based on the results of the experiments.
Curated OER
Native Species Restoration: Is Saving One Species Hurting Another?
Students investigate the effect of human activities upon the environment. The studying experience encourages students to think about the issues involved in native species restoration.
Curated OER
WET Science Lesson #11: How Light Affects Water
Scientists listen to the story of Wadja Egnankou who works to save African mangrove forests. They experiment with refraction and the introduction of particulate matter to water. They conclude with creative writing about the need for a...