Curated OER
Plant Diversity and Distribution
Students construct a defined plot on school grounds and observed patterns in plant life. They count trees, shrubs, cacti and record on a data sheet. They compare data and generate a plant diversity overlook for their school.
Curated OER
The Sugar Snap Pea Experiment
Young scholars examine types of plant structure. In this plant biology instructional activity, students observe various types of plants, such as ivy and grapes, and discuss the differences in structure. Additionally, young scholars plant...
Curated OER
Report on Desert Plant or Animal
Students are introduced to desert plants and animals. They demonstrate that the name of an organism does not always match the object. Students perform a guided internet search in order to complete a report.
Curated OER
Our Desert Backyard
Students make observations of their own backyard. For this environment lesson, students keep records of the plants and animals they see in their home or school yard. Students make notes of how the weather and environment changes over...
Curated OER
Deserts
Students do various activities to explain where the United States' desert region lies in relationship to the state in which they live, become familiar with plants and animals in the Sonoran desert, and make a story map of Roadrunner...
Desert Discoveries
The Sonoran Desert
Elementary schoolers study the geographic location of the Sonoran Desert. They pay close attention to the characteristics of the plants and animals found in this desert environment. The student handouts embedded in this plan are...
Curated OER
The Sonoran Desert
Little learners examine a map of the southwestern United States and identify the Sonoran Desert. They locate different cities and rivers, determining whether or not each is found within this special ecosystem. A student handout is...
Curated OER
Desert Habitat
Students examine how desert plants and animals are adapted to life in the desert. They listen to the book, "Seasons of Saguaro," conduct experiments to demonstrate plant succulence, and create and draw an animal or plant that...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Are All Plants Created Equal?
Photosynthesis requires energy and produces food, and cellular respiration produces energy and requires food. An interesting lesson analyzes the factors that affect the rates of photosynthesis and respiration. Classes spend one day...
Curated OER
Desert Adaptations
In this desert adaptations worksheet, students are given a water filled sponge which represents an animal. Students observe their "animal" for a 24 hour period and conserve the water in the sponge as best they can. They measure and...
Curated OER
Research: Habitats in the Chihuahuan Desert
In this desert habitat activity, students follow the links to research information about the Chihuahua desert. Students fill out the graphic organizer with facts about the habitat, animals and plants of this region.
Curated OER
What Plants Need in Order to Survive and Grow: Air
Students conduct an experiment to determine whether plants need air in order to survive and grow. They discuss natural resources, analyze slides, and observe and record data from the experiment.
Curated OER
Desert Adaptations: Water
Students experiment with methods of water conservation. In this water conservation instructional activity, students explore the importance of water for plants and animals in a desert biome.
Curated OER
Desert Views - First Impressions: Travelers on the Gila Trail
Young scholars draw animals and plants that are described to them as they read passages of people who traveled across the Gila Trail in the Southwest. In this Gila Trail lesson plan, students also write a letter describing a plant or...
Curated OER
Cactus Wheel
Students explore plant biology by conducting field experiments outside of class. In this desert plant lesson plan, students discuss how cacti thrive in such dry climates and how dense their populations are. Students utilize action cards,...
Curated OER
Desert Water Keepers
Young scholars experiment with models to find how plants survive in the desert environment. In this plant mechanisms activity, students make leaf models to understand how leaves conserve water. Young scholars collect cactus in bags and...
Curated OER
Survival of the Spiniest
In this earth science worksheet, students identify and discover the amazing ways that desert plants adapt to harsh habitats. They use discussion and drawing to explore their existing knowledge about deserts. Then, students respond to 15...
Curated OER
Mountain Barriers
Students examine geographical change. In this mountain barriers instructional activity, students conduct an experiment to discover how mountains affect surrounding land. Students draw conclusions on how change in land affects plant and...
Curated OER
Desert Xeriscaping
Seventh graders identify native species of desert vegetation, plan a xeriscape landscape, and recognize the importance of water conservation.
Curated OER
Learning From Leaves: A Look at Leaf Color
Students cover thermometers with different colored fabric swatches and place them in a sunny location. They record the temperature of each and apply their results to leaf color in plants from different environments.
Curated OER
Design-A-Weed
Students create a "super weed" that prospers in teh harsh conditions on plant Weediv. They comprehend how weed adaptations give the plants an advantage over native plants. Students define the term adaptation. They give three examples...
Curated OER
Water and Plants...How Dry I Am
First graders observe two similar plants as one gets water and the other does not. They make predictions and chart the growth of each. They draw pictures of the plants after one week.
Curated OER
Desert Xeriscaping
Students recognize native species of desert vegetation while examining the need for water conservation. They design and create a xeriscape landscape using a variety of materials.
American Museum of Natural History
Finding Fossils
How does one go about finding fossils? Find out with an informative webpage that looks at the digging process, showcases rocks and common fossils, helpful tips, and a list of archeological do's and don'ts.