Lesson Plan
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Special Place

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Learners observe and describe a "special place" chosen along a nature trail. In this habitat observational skills and writing lesson, students take a walk on a nature trail and choose a spot to sit and meditate. Learners complete a...
Lesson Plan
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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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Predator, Predator, Don't East Me!

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
To prep for a lesson on predator/prey relationships, get kids up and moving. This game is based on the game 'Red Light, Green Light' but employs the concept of predator vs. prey. This is not a full lesson but could be useful as an...
Lesson Plan
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Chewin' in the Chesapeake

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine a web page on food webs and select a habitat to research.  In this research lesson students identify the organisms found in the food web and present their findings to the class.
Lesson Plan
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Rx Rainforest:

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers identify plant diversity in the rainforest and the role that animals and habitats play in scientific research. They differentiate between natural habitat and laboratory research and work collaboratively to produce a...
Lesson Plan
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Eyes on the Estuaries

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study estuaries and compare several ones in the U.S. In this estuary instructional activity students interpret data and compare the distribution of different species. 
Lesson Plan
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Too Many Otters

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders investigate the habitat of otters. In this animal science lesson plan, 2nd graders role play the job of wildlife biologists and try to manage the otter population. Students use a map to track their specific otter population.
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Animal: Unique Creatures With Great Features

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students present models, oral reports, and presentations on animal's characteristics. They research various animals and the characteristics that link them to specific animal groups. They answer specific questions relating to animals in...
Lesson Plan
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Plant And Animal Adaptations

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine plant and animal life while looking at the environments the organismisms live in. They determine how form follows function by looking an aquatic turtle and noticing its feature of adaptation features. They work in groups...
Lesson Plan
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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.
Lesson Plan
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In the Wild

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine the concept of ecology and how animals are suited to their habitats. In this animal adaptation instructional activity, 3rd graders identify a variety of plants and animal species that live in a Beech forest.Students...
Lesson Plan
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Mini-Ecosystems

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders identify the living and non living things in a book read aloud and discuss the interactions represented in the book. Then, they research and include a list of food that each animal needs in an ecosystem. Finally, 3rd...
Lesson Plan
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Florida Panther Fun Facts

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students study facts about Florida panthers. In this Florida panther lesson, students read a page of fun facts about the panther's life cycle, habitats, predators, and families. They complete three worksheets with information from the...
Worksheet
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Using Metric Measurement at the Zoo

For Students 6th
In this using metric measurement at the zoo worksheet, student solve twenty multiple choice problems about the weight and length of zoo animals using the metric system.
Lesson Plan
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Cooperative Learning, Sci., Tech., Lang

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students research, write, edit, revise and present a paragraph, using word processor, about animal of their choice, including description, where animal lives, what it eats, its habits, e.g. is it endangered, migration, hibernation,...
Lesson Plan
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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.
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Bringing Illinois into the Curriculum

For Teachers K - 12th
Students of all ages are introduced to the geography of Illinois. Depending on the grade level, they participate in different activities which allow them to discover Illinois in the past and present. They examine the animals and...
Lesson Plan
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Catch Me if You Can

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders investigate behavioral and physical adaptations, such as camouflage, that allow animals to respond to life needs.
Lesson Plan
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Stranded along the Coast

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students plot stranding sites onto a map using latitude and longitude as well as compass directions with respect to coastal features. They identify several species of marine animals that might become stranded; distinguish their...
Lesson Plan
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The Good, the Bad and the Nasty Tasting

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils examine the effect of chemicals from marine plants or animals on predator's preferences. In this ecology lesson, students conduct taste tests and collect necessary data. They write their conclusion after analyzing...
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Understanding Life System: Growth and Changes in Plants

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders research ways in which plants are essential to humans. In this Global Peace lesson, 3rd graders participate in tasks, such as creating a propaganda poster. Students may watch the film, The Lorax, as a closing activity.
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Have to Have a Habitat

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Students create a zoological and botanical garden made up of a variety of species from around the world.
Lesson Plan
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My Habitat Address

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders draw a habitat and write about what they would need to survive in the habitat. They define the input of items such as materials, energy, and information, and what goes out of the habitat. They play a "Habitat Address" game,...
Lesson Plan
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Forest Food Web

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students explore the elements of a forest ecosystem. They examine the elements needed to form a forest food web. Students construct and describe food webs that include nonliving elements of the ecosystem.