Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Urban Biology: Can Fish Detect Odors

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Learners investigate how fish use their sense of smell. In this scientific method lesson, students design and perform an experiment to investigate how fish use their sense of smell. This lesson includes statistical analysis and...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Integrating Biology-Serendipity and Science

For Students 8th - 9th
In this science and serendipity worksheet, students read about how Fleming discovered Penicillin by accident when observing bacteria that didn't grow where mold existed. Students answer questions about scientific discoveries.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Digestion & Nutrition: a Case Study

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore digestion/nutrition and utilize scientific investigation skills. They complete meal logs for several days and graph their results. After analyzing their data, they write formal lab reports.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Organ Systems

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students examine organisms that are composed of tissues, organs, and systems. They dissect a fetal pig and explore the assigned organs systems such as the skeletal, muscular, and circulatory organs. Students identify and explain their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Animals and Engineering

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study animal classification and their interactions.  In this animals and engineering lesson students study animal communities and how engineers use this knowledge to create new technologies. 
Lesson Plan
NASA

The Importance of Food

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
Pupils make observations while eating food. They act out the process of food breaking down in the body and the roles of various chemical components, such as sugar and protein. It concludes with an activity illustrating the process and a...
Lesson Plan
NASA

Producers Make Their Own Food

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
During an inquiry-based lesson plan, scholars decide which variable to test and then design an experiment to determine the needs of producers. After two weeks, they complete a full analysis and research paper.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Overpopulation vs. Overuse of Resources

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders identify the consequences of human population growth. For this biology lesson, 10th graders debate on whether overpopulation or overuse of resources is more harmful to humans. They write a reflection at the end of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Science of HIV

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research about the characteristics of HIV. In this biology lesson, students cite ways to prevent AIDS especially among uninformed teens. They plan a community awareness campaign targeting teens.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Blueprint for Life

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students isolate DNA from different food sources. In this biology lesson, students research DNA extraction. They analyze DNA stands collected from the lab, and compare the differences between each.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Holidays: Stress on the Body

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars read an article on stress and holiday weight gain. In this biology instructional activity, students research about the body's response to excess sugar in the diet. They create a pamphlet, billboard, newscast or journal...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Alcohol, Nicotine or Caffeine Rap

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Pupils create a rap/skit showing the effect of alcohol, nicotine or caffeine. In this biology lesson, students identify the important points of their chosen drug. They present their rap/skit in class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Dynamics of Populations

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders analyze the growth rate of different population. In this biology experiment, 10th graders identify the biotic and abiotic factors that limit population size. They create a poster to show their findings in class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetic Pamphlet with a Purpose

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students design a human genetic condition pamphlet which they present to the class and then take to a doctor's or pediatrician's office.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Quality Sampling

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the water qualities in Texas. They evaluate the water quality of six different samples by observing and smelling them. They present a list of the cups that contained good water quality based on their observations. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Whales

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners compare and contrast the two types of whales. In this biology lesson plan, students research the characteristics of their assigned whale. They compile their findings in a folder.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Building a Model DNA

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explain the function of DNA in the body. In this biology lesson, students build a DNA model using simple materials. They demonstrate how bases pair up in the helix.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Welcome to Populations!

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students define what population is in their own words. In this biology instructional activity, students explain different ways to measure population density. They interpret population graphs.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Columbian Exchange

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders examine the consequences of Spanish exploration of the New World on animals, humans, and plants. They read and discuss an informational handout, define key vocabulary terms, and complete a Venn Diagram with Old World and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Columbian Exchange

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders examine the significant consequences of Spanish exploration and settlement of the New World on animals, humans, and plants. They read and discuss an informational handout, define key vocabulary terms, and complete a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Empirical Challenges of Racial Classification

For Teachers All
This instructional activity will help students examine their preconceptions and assumptions about racial categories and understand the impossibility of constructing a consistent system of human racial classification.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Insects Are Helpful!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students see that insects do lots good and are very valuable to humans and nature. This is part of an ongoing effort to dispel fears of insects. They rotate through a series of centers that have examples of how insects contribute to our...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Talking 'Bout Regeneration

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the regenerative capabilities of certain organisms. They present their findings at a student regeneration symposium aimed at exploring the possibilities of human regeneration.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Effects of Water Pollution on Aquatic Organisms

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students investigate water pollution. They develop an understanding of the behavior of organisms, of the structure and properties of matter, and of natural and human induced hazards by conducting lab tests. They present their data...