Students are divided into 2 groups: "snakes" and "lizards." Lizards move about the room in a way designated by the teacher, while snakes remain on their "rock" holding a given object and perform a balancing movement. Lizards guess what...

Learners investigate various aspects of the planet Mars. They examine a core sample that is simulated to make observations. Then compare the known sample with one that is unknown and differentiate between the two. Students hypothesize...

Students evaluate/distinguish scientific fact from fiction. They discuss similarities and differences in the life cycles of various birds. Student use the Internet as a research tool.

Students compare the life cycle of an animal hatched from an egg with one born from its mother's womb. The activity focuses on dinosaur eggs. They create dinosaur eggs from balloons and papier mache.

Third graders research and write about Cyrus Dillan. They explain one of Dillan's sculptures. Students locate six constellations and two planets. They research and write about the daily life of the Pawnee.

For this unit of lessons, students examine the role of compost columns and recycling. They create a KWL chart about garbage in Chicago. They also examine life cycles and packaging of everyday products.

Students explore rain forests.  In this rain forest lesson plan, students participate in a "BioBlitz" of their schoolyard, observing and recording every living thing in a designated area.  Students visit websites about rain...

Students view animals that camouflage at the Shedd aquarium website. For this camouflage lesson, students recognize that there are different types of camouflage, cryptic coloring, counter-shading, warning coloration and mimicry. Students...

Learners identify animals within a species by using their observation skills to record information, such as behavioral characteristics.

Students examine the characteristics of snakes and turtles and compare/contrast reptiles with mammals. They watch a video, answer discussion questions, complete information charts, conduct Internet research, and create a habitat diorama.

Students investigate the diversity of temperate forests and tropical rainforests. They catch and observe local insects, sort leaves and insects on a chart, listen to the book "A Walk in the Rainforest," and create a class bar graph that...

Young scholars investigate how third world countries get their water. In this water lesson, students research how countries like Kenya and Ethiopia get their water supply. Young scholars participate in an experiment to role play how...

Students describe factors negatively affecting population of sea turtles, and identify and discuss action that can be undertaken to reduce or eliminate threats to sea turtles and other endangered species.

Students use real life experiences for writing. In this identifying details lesson, students use information such as colors, numbers, sizes, shapes and locations to write sentences about the zoo. Students position the words from...

Students study 'stereotype' in literature and life and give examples. they provide examples from life or literature on the origins and impact of stereotypes. they 3. Cite 3 - 5 individual African Americans from literature or life who...

Students explore hydrology concepts. In this environment and biology lesson, students identify and describe macroinvertebrates using a variety of pictures and resources. Students observe and write about a classroom aquarium in which...

Students conduct an experiment to evaluate whether plants need light to survive and grow. They observe and gather data about plant responses to different growth regimes, analyze the data, and make conclusions about basic plant needs.

Students redesign a human, using data in research, so that s/he can fly. In this flying lesson, students examine the characteristics and adaptations of groups of animals that can fly.  Using this research, students work...

Students apply cause and effect relationships to water pollution in a stream. In this pollution lesson students recognize the importance of clean water in their daily lives. Students accompany "Fred the Fish" as he travels down stream....

First graders investigate composting. In this biology lesson plan, 1st graders identify ways to use garbage as fertilizer. Students examine soil and compost matter as well as the role of worms in the dirt.

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.

Students explore the concept of soil and decomposition. In this soil and decomposition instructional activity, students investigate bags of soil. Students then learn how  animals and other organisms help in the decomposition...

Learners see that insects do lots good and are very valuable to humans and nature. This is part of an ongoing effort to dispel fears of insects. They rotate through a series of centers that have examples of how insects contribute to our...

Students learn and research the life of George Washington Carver.  In this historical figures instructional activity, students read a book on George Washington Carver, discuss his character and the challenges he faced in becoming a...