Chicago Botanic Garden
Ecological Mismatches
Modeling is a powerful teaching tool. The final installment in a six-part series has pupils complete an activity to model a food web and discover the interconnected relationships in an ecosystem. They then read about changes in migratory...
Curated OER
Science in the Past
Young scholars research the science of ancient Native American people. They compare native science to the present time. They create a project that they can present to their classmates. The project could be a report, poster, Power Point...
Curated OER
It's A Jungle in Here!
Fifth graders research rainforest destruction. For this geography and ecology lesson, 5th graders work as a group to research the effects of logging, farming, and mining on the rainforest. Students gather and display data and information...
Curated OER
Ecology and Ecosystem "Circus"
Students examine different ecosystems and how they are maintained. In this biology lesson students work in groups are given a targeted area and identify the most important principles and concepts for that area.
Curated OER
Zoo Poo
Students use Internet research to determine the amount of carbon dioxide produced per unit energy for biomass and coal. In this alternative energy lesson, students research to find out how much energy and carbon dioxide several coal and...
California Academy of Science
Ocean Acidification Mock Conference
In a comprehensive role playing activity, teens play the parts of different stakeholders in the realm of acidic oceans. They research, debate, and create a presentation from the perspective of either ocean organisms, the fishing...
Curated OER
Rain Forests
Learners investigate claims of medicinal plants found in the rain forest. In this research skills lesson, students examine the validity of Internet sources as they visit websites in search of information about rain forest plants that are...
Curated OER
Design a Reef!
Using a miniature coral reef aquarium kit, young ecologists model this unique ecosystem. They research various coral reef organisms and their niches, and they culminate the project by working together to write a report. Use this activity...
Curated OER
Paper, Microorganisms, and Biocides
Young scholars study the paper making process and discuss the implications of recycling paper. Students conduct a lab to determine if microorganisms are present in different solutions used in the papermaking process today.
Curated OER
Particulate Matter: The Lorax
Learners explore air pollution. For this ecology lesson, students participate in an experiment in which 5 numbered jar lids are placed outside. Learners bring one lid a day in until all jars are inside. Dirt specks are counted, observed,...
Curated OER
Lentic Ecosystem or Lotic Ecosystem
Students explore the differences between lentic and lotic ecosystems. For this ecology lesson students study the water systems in Pennsylvania.
Curated OER
Standard 4 Review-Human Impact
For this human impact on the environment worksheet, students fill in the blanks to complete sentences about how humans have negatively affected the environment. They complete sentences about the actions taken to reduce and repair the...
Curated OER
Economic Use of Public Natural Areas
Students examine the public controversy between the use of public natural areas for economic activities by viewing video clips, researching on the Internet, and calculating sustainable land.