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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wildlife

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
The centerpiece of this lesson plan is a predator-prey simulation in which colored paperclips represent different species of animals camouflaged against a colored background. Relevant follow-up questions are provided. The activity is...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Deep Sea Vents

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students study the vent and non vent deep sea and see the differences in habitats.  In this investigative lesson students complete a worksheet and work in groups.
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Lesson Plan
National Park Service

Living & Non-Living Interactions

For Teachers 2nd - 6th Standards
What better way to learn about ecosystems than by getting outside and observing them first hand? Accompanying a field trip to a local park or outdoor space, this series of collaborative activities engages children in learning about the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Deep Blue Sea

For Teachers K - 2nd
Young scholars explore animals, plants, and their habitats.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Caterpillar Camouflage

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students list animals, plant parts, and reasons for caterpillars to camouflage themselves. In this animal and plant adaptations lesson plan, students also play a game where they use colors as camouflage.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

For Creative Minds: Mountain Ecosystems

For Students 5th - 6th
In this mountain ecosystems worksheet, learners read information about mountain ecosystems and study various diagrams about the environment. Students match animals in the ecosystem to their descriptions.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Animal Adaptations

For Teachers 1st - Higher Ed
Students use items from boxes to dress up classmates as animals adapted to a given environment.
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Lesson Plan
Aquarium of the Pacific

Ecosystem Comparison

For Teachers 4th
Fifth graders examine plants and animals in two ecosystems and compare them. In this ecosystem survival lesson, 5th graders compare and contrast a coral reef and kelp forest ecosystem. Students investigate the abiotic and biotic factors...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making a Terrarium

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Young scholars construct and maintain model of natural habitat, suggest improvements to the model of the natural habitat to make it more realistic and habitable, and demonstrate careful observation and recording of how animals survive in...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Habitat Unit - Day 2

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students explore abiotic factors that affect habitats. After a class lecture, students work in groups to answer questions about plant tissue, production and growth. They share answers, complete a crossword puzzle, and create a habitat...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Animal Habitat Dioramas

For Teachers K - 5th
What a better way to have learners show what they know than with a diorama? Kids research an animal, its habitat, ecosystem, and environment in order to create a three-dimensional diorama. Have older children write a short paper on their...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

The right place to live

For Students 2nd - 5th
How do various plants survive in different environments? They adapt! Kids determine which plant traits make them perfect for their specific environment. They consider three plants and can even complete a plant experiment. Note: Intended...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Extreme Environments

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students examine extreme environments and the characteristics that make them.  In this adaptation lesson students see how animals have adapted to these environments. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecology - Ecosystem

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders research ecosystems, the work of ecologists, John Muir's contribution to the environment and an endangered species of their choice. They read books, participate in discussions, and write reports.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nature, Red in Tooth and Claw

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners explore the science and art of taxidermy, and research various biomes that could be depicted in museum displays. They synthesize their knowledge by creating dioramas that depict the diverse life forms typical of these biomes.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Animal Life Histories Derived From Morphology

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students learn the mechanisms of natural selection by deducing information from the physical appearance of the animal.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forests, Deserts, & Grasslands

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders complete activities to become familiar with the content and vocabulary related to biomes and ecosystems in order to mainstream into the classroom.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

It's not just pretty - it's a survival method!

For Teachers 1st
First graders write explanations for why certain animals can only live in certain environments. In this animal survival lesson plan, 1st graders take pictures of animals and place them into the right environment after a lesson on the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Critters & Complementary Colors

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students discover how specific colors compliment each other. Students use paints and pictures of animals to create a picture with analogous color harmony. They explain the characteristics of analogous colors.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spiders Live Everywhere

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the different habitats of spiders.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You Can Depend on Me

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students identify how they depend on others, and examine and discuss the images on the California Quarter Reverse. They view and discuss images of various habitats, complete a Habitat Research worksheet, and create a habitat diorama.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Conservation and Environmental Protection

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students brainstorm a list of environments and animals from around the world that need protection. They then design and create a slogan about an animal or environment and an environmental protection poster.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Your Favorite Wild Animal

For Students 2nd - 4th
In this research skills learning exercise, learners select a wild animal and then respond to 5 short answer questions regarding it. In addition, students draw a picture of it and define 6 habitat terms.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Grounded for Life

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders become familiar with the lives of penguins including their life cycles, habitats and basic needs. Students will experience the lives of penguins through stories and video.