Curated OER
Branches of Science Lesson Plans
Teachers can use branches of science lesson plans to get students excited about science careers.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Natural Selection and the Evolution of Darwin's Finches
Darwin explained the connection between species of finches 150 years before scientists understood DNA. Technology and progressing science proved he was right, yet many struggle to understand how natural selection happens. Scholars use...
Teach Engineering
Aerogels in Action
Model an oil spill cleanup. An engaging engineering lesson has groups using aerogels to simulate an oil spill cleanup (vegetable oil in water). Along the way, they learn about nanotechnology and hydrophilia/hydrophobia.
McGraw Hill
Arthropods
Are spiders related to crabs? Study the order of arthropods with a reading selection about animal diversity. It provides details about each class within the order, as well as vivid pictures and explanatory charts.Â
Curated OER
Sky Stories
Students are introduced to the branch of science known as astronomy. They discuss stars and constellations and then view the night sky using a portable digital planetarium projector. They identify a variety of constellations and...
Biology Junction
DNA and Replication
Enzymes proofread DNA, reducing the error rate to one in one billion base pairs. Learn about the important process and so much more with the help of a presentation. It opens with the history of DNA and the major scientific contributions...
Biology Junction
ADP, ATP, and Cellular Respiration
Hans Krebs won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of what scientists now know as the Krebs cycle. Named after him, the Krebs cycle exists as only one system of the larger set, working together to keep human bodies functioning. The...
Biology Junction
Kingdom: Fungi
Based on DNA, fungi relate more closely to animals than to plants. This new scientific knowledge shifted the world view of scientists and opened up new classifications. Viewers learn about fungi's place in evolution, in the tree of life,...
Biology Junction
Introduction to the Plant Kingdom
Plants provide humans with food, shelter, and medications. Scholars gain a better appreciation for plants after learning their functions, divisions, and early ancestors. Each sub-topic includes slides highlighting vocabulary and...
Curated OER
Take Deep Breath
Fifth graders become familiar with how the diaphragm expands to draw air into our lungs and contracts to exhale carbon dioxide. They also label the major parts of the respiratory system through the use of interactive Internet research...
Curated OER
Plastics by the Numbers
Students investigate plastic resins and their uses. In this plastics lesson plan, students describe major plastic resins and what they are used for, they compare and contrast the properties of plastic resins and they list products that...
Curated OER
Classification/Taxonomy/Statistics Review
"Does King Phillip Cry Over Flimsy Grass Stems?" You might not answer that question with this exhaustive instructional activity, but your biology class will get the full scoop on the hierarchy of biological classification with this...
Curated OER
Campbell's Biology
Six chapters of a biology characteteristics of different domains xt are covered in this twenty-page assignment. Biology buffs chart the characteristics of different groups of organisms and address many critical-thinking questions about...
Curated OER
Common Gemstones and Fossils
In this science worksheet, 4th graders respond to questions pertaining to gems and fossils. Students answer ten questions which give clues and visual aids to assist in answering.
Biology Junction
Cell Structure and Function Crossword
In this biology activity, learners complete a crossword puzzle with 46 questions on cell structure and function. They identify different cell organelles.
Biology Junction
Characteristics of Life
This is an extensive resource that focuses on the characteristics of life. Scientists read a series of short passages, highlighting main ideas and answering comprehension questions as they go. After they have completed the reading,...
Texas Heart Institute
Anatomy: How Does the Cardiovascular System Work?
How can the circulatory system compare to a city map? Pupils distinguish the "roadways" and "vehicles" of the cardiovascular system, compare the anatomy and function of veins and arteries, and review different types of blood cells with...
Biology Junction
Lab Safety
Do scholars know what to do if a friend suffers an electrical shock? The presentation opens with lab safety and expectations. It includes general safety tips as well as reminders for glassware, chemical, electrical, and heating safety....
Biology Junction
Invertebrates
How many different invertebrates can you name? A thorough presentation describes the eight different Phyla of invertebrates. Each slide gives a quick overview of the important physical characteristics of each of the Phyla.
Biology Junction
Arthropods
Even the creepy crawlers have pretty amazing anatomy! A thorough lesson describes characteristics of arthropods with an emphasis on their structures. Beginning with a review of the taxonomy hierarchy, the lesson explains the different...
Biology Junction
Echinoderms
Turn a walk on the beach into an in-depth biology lesson! Scholars learn about the different classes of echinoderms in an informative PowerPoint presentation. The lesson explains the unique characteristics of the five different classes...
Biology Junction
Classification of Life
Did you know scientists identify more than 13 billion species of organisms, and they discover more almost every day? An interesting presentation demonstrates how scientists keep track of so many species. It also shows how they...
Biology Junction
Seeds and Fruits: Types and Dispersal
Did you know that some seeds rely on elephant dung for dispersal? Pupils use class discussion and direct instruction based around a presentation to learn about seed types and dispersal methods. Slides vary from presenting content to...
Curated OER
Rollin' on the River: The McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System
Middle schoolers take a close look at the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation system. They study how the Army Corps of Engineers built and monitor the system. Learners discover how a lock and a dam work, and study three benefits of...