Curated OER
Seed Dispersion of Strawberries and Dandelions
Students investigate how seeds are dispersed on land.  In this plant biology activity, students use a dissecting microscope to study strawberry seeds and dandelion seeds, they draw what they see, then create a hypothesis on the...
Curated OER
Growing bacteria
Students investigate the growth of bacteria under the right condition. In this biology lesson, students observe the growth of bacteria and fungi given the perfect condition to grow. They graph the result and investigate where else...
Curated OER
Function of a Stem
Fourth graders perform an experiment to test the function of a stem. In this science lesson, 4th graders write a description of their investigations. Students also explain how the stem interacts with the rest of the plant. Students use...
Curated OER
Classification of Cerealites
Middle schoolers create a dichotomous key. For this categorizing lesson, students create a dichotomous key for different types of cereal. Middle schoolers classify the cereal into groups such as flakes and cereal with holes. Students...
Curated OER
Fishing
Students explore the techniques and basic needs of the fisherman.  For this fishing lesson, students view a demonstration of the use of fishing equipment. Students research Iowa farm ponds and design a class mural from their...
Curated OER
The Miracle Fish: Learning to Design an Experiment
Students develop procedures to explore the behavior of fish.  In this scientific experiment instructional activity students from a hypothesis, write a question, identify different variables and controls in their experiment. 
Curated OER
Forest Friends Forever
Students investigate how to use the senses to gather information about objects such as size, shape, color, texture, sound, position, and change (qualitative observations are utilized throughout this lesson). They investigate and explain...
Curated OER
Biotechnology: An Agricultural Dilemma
High schoolers investigate the types of genetically modified crop plants there are and the benefits and risks of such plants. The agricultural needs in developing nations for this biological knowledge to resolve societal issues is also...
Curated OER
What is Wrong with My Pond?
Students examine various pond water samples to identify water quality. In this water quality lesson, students will identify levels of nitrates, ammonia, pH, hardness,and alkalinity in pond water. They will explain importance of water...
Curated OER
Reading the River - Biological Classification
Youngsters create a list of grocery store items and then work together to categorize them as if they were setting up the shelves of the market. Then they are given a box of miscellaneous objects to practice categorizing. With these two...
Curated OER
Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads
Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them.  In this investigative activity students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings. 
Curated OER
What's Dancing in the Water?
Students learn about watershed,  as well as the different forms and uses of water. For this water forms lesson, students brainstorm water sources and uses. Students read the book Water Dance and discuss water examples. Students complete...
Curated OER
Pollination of Flowers by Moths
Turn your classroom into a pollination station as your kids transform into moths or predators trying to survive and aiding in plant reproduction along the way. Using silent party blowers as proboscises, the moths will have two minutes to...
Cornell University
Metamorphosis
Looking for an insect unit that addresses multiple skill strategies? Young entomologists explore multiple life cycles of insects that go through metamorphosis. The brainteasers and mobile activity spark learner interest before guiding...
Curated OER
Plant and Animal Cells
Young scholars investigate the difference between plant and animal cells. They observe a variety o plant and animals cells by looking at a piece of cork, an onion, elodea, prepared slides of paramecium, human bone, frog blood, and human...
Curated OER
What Foods Contain Products from the Ocean
Fifth graders learn about foods from the ocean.  In this ocean products instructional activity, 5th graders brainstorm what foods come from the ocean, fill in a Venn Diagram comparing alginates, carrageenans and beta...
Curated OER
All Sorts of Seeds!
First graders compare seeds and explore how they are carried through the environment.
Curated OER
How Do Green Plants Grow?
Students explore how seeds grow. They design an experiment and predict its outcome.
Curated OER
Photosynthesis and Biomass Growth
Sixth graders examine renewable energy sources such as ethanol.  In this photosynthesis and biomes lesson students complete a project on farming techniques. 
Curated OER
The Bulbs: Camas and Daffodil
Fourth graders become aware of the importance of the camas bulb to the Nez Perce people, they learn the parts of plants, and gain understanding of the interdependence of Nature. They study about the possible causes and outcomes of global...
Curated OER
What's In The Forest?
Students examine forest food chains and create a forest habitat in the classroom. They are introduced to the concept of interdependence in Nature. They define a simple forest food chain and develop inquiry process skills.
Curated OER
Mercury in the Environment
Young scholars develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry. They develop an understanding of chemical reactions, structures and properties of matter. They develop decision-making skills in natural and human-induced hazards.
Curated OER
Botanical Discoveries
Sixth graders study the chronology of major events of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They use primary and secondary resources to obtain information about the plants which were identified by Lewis and Clark.
Curated OER
Cotton Seed Planting
Students using scientific inquiry will observe and record in daily journals their findings on cotton seeds. They measure, graph, and then communicate their discoveries about plants to each other.