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Curated OER
Venus Flytrap
Learners study the Venus Flytrap including its habitat and how it eats. In this ecology instructional activity students complete several experiments using a Venus Flytrap to see how it reacts to various conditions.
Project Noah
Writing Goes Wild
Young scientists develop their observation and writing skills as they craft and then post a detailed description of a plant or animal they have spotted and photographed.
Curated OER
Investigation 6 - Soil Profile
Fourth graders study the components of soil. They observe the basic components of soil and relate the components to plant growth. They record color, texture, and kinds of materials on their profile log (light color, denser, grittier -...
Curated OER
Cell Biology
Identify the different cell organelles in prokaryotes. Modelling the cells using Jell-o and candies will be a fun way to experience the cell in a hands-on way (different to using play-doh!). They observe cells under a microscope and draw...
Curated OER
Major Functions
Seventh graders investigate the basic characteristics and needs of living things. They identify the major parts of plants and animals by making lists. Students focus upon one living thing and speculate how if one part is changed how it...
Virginia Department of Education
Classification of Organisms
Searching for the perfect indoor/outdoor activity that allows class members the opportunity to learn about organism classification? Here, pupils research organisms and categorize them according to domain and kingdom over the course...
Curated OER
The Living Environment
Sixth graders show what they know about plant and animal cells. In this cell project lesson, 6th graders get to choose a project based on their learning style. They can create a visual representation of cells, auditory forms, or build a...
Virginia Department of Education
A Salt Marsh Ecosystem
What a web we weave. Pupils use yarn as the primary resource to create a web depicting the intricacies of a salt marsh ecosystem. They participate in a question and answer session, which leads to an in-depth facilitated discussion...
Virginia Department of Education
The Cycles of Nature
Encourage peer collaboration and assist with the creation of visual aids to identify carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles as your class learns more about nature. They discuss relative information, create a visual aid...
Virginia Department of Education
Go with the Flow
How does nature's hierarchy relate to our local human environment? Answer this question, along with others, as the class visually depicts the natural hierarchy provided by nature. Pupils discuss each piece of the pyramid and its energy...
Virginia Department of Education
Organisms in Symbiosis
Searching for an activity that allows emerging biologists to explore symbiosis up close and personal? Pupils collect samples and view lichens through a microscope and conclude with a discussion about the relationship they have...
Curated OER
1st Grade - Act. 17: Observing Plants Through a Journal
First graders observe plants and write and illustrate what they have learned in their discovery journal.
Curated OER
The Virtual Electron Microscope
Students explore the world of the very small using a Flash plug-in Virtual Electron Microscope. They complete and discuss an activity in which unknown samples are placed under the computer simulated microscope to determine where the...
Curated OER
Researching Plant Life
Fourth graders examine the process of photosynthesis. Given websites about plant life, 4th graders retrieve and record accurate information about the parts of the plant and photosynthesis. Students solve a "Plant Life Mystery" from...
Curated OER
Cell Transformation in Tobacco Leaf Disks
Students review the basic principles of plant cell structure, tissue culture, sterile technique, and cell transformation. Next students complete a plant transformation experiment using whole plant material in order to view evidence of...
Curated OER
Ecology
Sixth graders are introduced to online research and beginning PowerPoint presentations that are integrated. They pass a plant and photosynthesis. Students locate information on a self selected animal online. They give a PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Prairie Field Trip
Students study prairie conservation and the plant and animal life within. In this prairie life instructional activity students divide into groups and complete a lab activity.
Curated OER
Aquaculture Production in the Classroom
Students study the basics of aquaculture and how to successfully raise aquatic plants and animals. In this water lesson students perform water quality tests on fish tanks, record and graph their results.
Curated OER
Fossil Kit I - Lesson Plan
Here is a 14-page lesson plan that deftly outlines a wonderful educational experience for your youngsters. In it, students learn about a variety of animals that have left behind clues of their existence in fossil form. Many excellent...
Curated OER
Edible GMOs?
The debate over genetically modified organisms is on! Young biologists imagine that they have been asked to choose which corn chips will be sold for a fundraiser, one made with GMOs or one without. This four-day lesson plan requires...
Curated OER
A First Look at the Garden
For any teacher who is planning a field trip to Missouri's Botanical Garden, this lesson plan packet is a must-have! In it, young learners engage in pre-visit activities so they will be prepared to get the most out of their trip. There...
NASA
Biology Training Module
Are you a koalafied biologist? The lesson begins with research about human survival and our ecosystem. Then, an online training module simulates the effects of changes to the plants and animals in an ecosystem. Finally, scholars research...
National Park Service
Fire Ecology on the Rim
An engaging unit on wildfires includes three sections, including a background section with eight lessons and five activities, a field experience section with 13 lessons and five activities, and a conclusion section featuring an...