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Cutt-Off Genes
Students explore how gene sequence analysis can be used to examine phylogenetic similarities of different organisms. Students work in groups to simulate a gel electrophoresis separation of fragments using poster board to create their gel.
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This Old Tubeworm
Students plot data to construct and interpret a graph about vestimentiferans at cold-seep sites in the Gulf of Mexico. In this deep sea lesson, students plot data provided for the growth of tubeworms. They use the graphs to determine...
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Animal Adaptations
Students focus on the pelts of fur-bearing animals native to Iowa to discover their different adaptations. In this animal adaptation lesson, students work in groups and examine various pelts to find information about the animals habitat...
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Clay Ants: Insect Anatomy
Students examine anatomic structures in order to identify insects from other living organisms. They gain a level of comfort from anxiety when observing and handling live and pinned insects. They create clay models of an insect.
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What's Down There
Students write an essay about the coral reefs. In this oceanography lesson plan, students investigate the reef of Bonaire and compare it to reefs that are not thriving. Students then explore the differences that contribute to the...
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Deep Gardens
Students compare and contrast deep-sea coral reefs with shallow-water coral reefs. In this underwater ecology lesson, students describe three types of coral and explain why scientists are concerned about the future of deep-sea coral.
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Have to Have a Habitat
Learners create a zoological and botanical garden made up of a variety of species from around the world.
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Pond and Pond Organisms
Students explore pond ecosystems. In this pond organism activity, students will use pond water and a plastic bad in order to locate and identify freshwater organisms. The activity is designed for younger grades, but includes an...
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Biodiversity: El Imposible National Park, El Salvador
Fifth graders explore the concept of how the more diverse an ecosystem is, the more interdependence of species exists within that system. The complex relationships among diverse species are difficult to identify. As species disappear or...
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Native Plant Restoration Project
Students distinguish between exotic and native plant species. They work in groups in the field to restore a natural habitat. A class map is created to reflect their work in the field.
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Changing How Things Look
Third graders use a literature study in order to investigate how organisms effect an ecosystem. They are asked questions about change taken from the book. Students also take a nature walk to make field observations.
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Biological Diversity and Conservation
In this conservation biology worksheet, students will complete 9 short answer questions on the different strategies of conservation biology, including the Endangered Species Act and establishing protected areas for animals.
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Biomes
In this biomes learning exercise, students review the characteristics of aquatic biomes and terrestrial biomes. This learning exercise has 12 fill in the blank, 6 multiple choice, and 4 short answer questions.
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Biodiversity - Does It Really Matter?
Students examine biodiversity, ecosystems, and extinction. They are divided into groups to discuss why they think biodiversity is important.
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Nonvascular Plants
In this nonvascular plant worksheet, students compare the characteristics of bryophyta, hepatophyta, and anthocerophyta. This worksheet has 8 fill in the blank and 3 multiple choice questions.
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Saving the Wetlands
In this wetlands worksheet, students read 4 paragraphs about wetlands then complete 2 short answer questions regarding the reading.
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Wise Use of Our Resources
In this resource review worksheet, learners will review the definition of key vocabulary words and then fill in the blank with the correct term in 10 sentences.
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Dinosaurs 1: Where Are the Dinosaurs?
Learners study dinosaurs. In this dinosaur lesson, students watch a web based video about dinosaurs before discussing what they liked about the dinosaurs, telling about the sounds they heard, and explaining what the Earth looked like....
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Algae Part One: An Introduction
Students have the opportunity to view two types of algae under 400x magnification with a compound microscope. They make observations and record their observations through drawings and words. In addition, they identify different qualities...
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Natural Inquirer
Students interview wildlife experts to gain information needed to research and write a report about an aquatic plant or animal affected by climate change.
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"Sea" Me Race
Third graders explore the ocean habitat. They race each other while portraying a different creature of the sea. They research various types of creatures found in the sea and portray that creature while racing classmate.
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Habitat Is Home
Young scholars are introduced to the concept and components of a habitat. They discuss the key components of a habitat and describe how certain factors can cause disturbances in a habitat and change its population. Activities are leveled...
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How about a Little Give and Take?
Students design a closed system to test the relationships between plants and animals. They monitor abiotic fluctuations within this living system by using a chemical test kit. They observe how living organisms respond to fluctuations in...
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Designing an Underwater Habitat for Humans
Students consider the limitations of deep water oceanography and design an underwater habitat to support scientists while they complete long term studies under the ocean. In this engineering activity, students are introduced to the...