+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forest Decomposition

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore decomposition. Students define and describe  components of the decomposition process. Students make a composter in a terrarium. Students record observations and changes weekly, drawing conclusions about the results of...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Forest Objects

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students explore the forest. In this ecosystems lesson, students rotate through sensory activity centers, brainstorm, and read about temperate forests.
+
Worksheet
Curated OER

The good microbes

For Students 3rd - 5th
The question posed for the class to consider; What would decay and what would not? They read the short passage on decomposition and microbes, then mark the items that would decay after a two-week period. A scientific investigation idea...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Microorganism Multiplication

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders complete two experiments to learn about harmful and helpful microorganisms. In this microorganisms lesson, 7th graders read background information about fungi, yeast, and club fungi. Students then complete two experiments...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Can Fun Gus Help Plants/Trees Grow?

For Teachers K - 5th
Students participate in an experiment in which they test the growth of different types of plants. They discover how growth rates vary using inoculum. They draw pictures and are read books about plants to end the lesson.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Molds (Oomycetes)

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore a group of fungus-like organisms; the Oomycetes, by baiting them from natural sources (water and soil) and observing them.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Your Body: A Bacteria Incubator!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars demonstrate their comprehension of PREDICTING AND HYPOTHESIZING by... ¿¿¿ Predicting a logical outcome to a situation, using prior knowledge, experience and/or evidence. AND ¿¿¿ Explaining reasons for that...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Odyssey of Life, Part II-The Unknown World

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students complete an experiment in which they observe different natural sample in which they uncover the microbial world. They complete a two part worksheet that accompanies the lesson.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

De"compost"ition Activity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the decomposition process and the parameters which influence the rate at which it occurs. They design a "controlled" experiment by comparing decomposition rates between two compost piles. Analysis questions include...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Optional Laboratory: Comparing Soil Temperatures In Sun and Shade

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students work together to test the temperatures of different soils in shade and sun. They make their own hypothesis before beginning the experiment. They record their data and discuss as a class.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plant Disease Identification and Classification by Using Sterile Techniques

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders identify how to use sterile techniques when identifying plant pathogens.  For this plant diseases lesson students complete a lab activity in which they see how plant diseases are identified and classified.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spud Smear

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners study various samples of microorganisms in petri dishes. In this microorganism lesson, students place various samples of items in petri dishes and observe them after several days of incubation.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Food Chains

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study food chains, producers, consumers, and decomposers. They play a food chain game and create food chain mobiles or posters. They take a nature hike around the school and observe various parts of a food chain.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Learning About Decay Demonstrations

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore decay in ecosystems by investigating a rotting log and/orcreating a decomposition chamber. They make predictions and answer questions about the changes involved.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to Algae

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students explore different types of algae found in both local regions of Salt Lake and different parts of the world. They discover different types of algae found in an ecosystem and the significance and function it serves.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mold

For Teachers K - 12th
Students explore mold, the different types and the health risks that they pose.  In this mycelium lesson students grow different molds and see which type of foods mold the fastest. 
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Factors Affecting Plant Growth

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students determine the physical and chemical factors that affect plant growth. In this biology lesson, students explain the role of hormones in plants. They investigate how competition with other plants affect their growth.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spore Drop

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students observe the pattern of the inside of a mushroom and write down what they see. For this mushroom lesson plan, students cut a mushroom at the top and draw what they see in the spore of the mushroom.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Your Body: A Bacteria Incubator!

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students use string, a petri dish, water, wipes, and other materials to collect bacteria from their body. In this bacteria lesson plan, students use ingredients to collect bacteria, observe it, predict what will happen over time, and...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plant Galls

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study what a plant gall is and the different types that there are.  In this plant lesson students examine what causes galls and how to prevent them.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Microorganism Multiplication

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore biology by viewing video clips in class. In this microorganism identification lesson, 6th graders identify the types of organisms that can feed small animals such as algae and protozoans. Students view video clips...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Necessary Nitrogen

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view a video that presents the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen. They compare types of soils and consider how different fertilizers affect soil composition.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

And the Bacteria Ran Away with the Petri Dish

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders complete a think, pair, share activity on an antibiotic overhead. In groups, they participate in an exercise in which they can see how germs behave and how they are treated. To end the lesson, they discuss how a...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Make Sense of Nature

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Learners participate in this program that heightens their awareness and curiosity of nature as well as their sense of adventure and exploring new surroundings. They identify and choose an object from nature after exploring it with other...