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The Discovery of Photosynthesis
Young scholars explore how scientists discover photosynthesis. In this biology instructional activity, students identify the basic requirements for photosynthesis to happen. They recreate past scientists' experiments and record their...
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Genetic Drift
Students use a mathematical simulation of genetic drift to answer questions about the factors that influence this evolutionary process. They run a series of simulations varying allele frequency and population size and then analyze their...
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Case of the Missing Pumpkin
Learners explore the process of decomposition in plants. For this plant biology lesson, students use a cleaned out pumpkin and observe how the decomposition process takes place. Learners write down adjectives to describe the pumpkin.
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Land Formations
Second graders explore land formations. In this science lesson plan, 2nd graders develop an understanding of how land is naturally developed, investigate several land formations as well as earth science and chemical terminology, and ...
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Leaf ID and Leaf Bingo
Third graders explore the parts of a leaf and use a dichotomy key to identify leaves. In this biology lesson, learners study characteristics of various leaves and play a game of bingo to identify leaves by their traits. Students find and...
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What Does it Take to be a Survivor? Part One
Students explore marine animal adaptation. In this introductory ocean life biology lesson, students access prior knowledge by participating in a whole class "thought swap." Students form two lines, respond to a prompt from the teacher...
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Ecosystem Interactions in Refuges
Seventh graders, using national parks as models, illustrate the energy flow in ecosystems. Working in groups, they use murals, flow charts, or other visual displays to record their findings. Students represent the food chains and webs...
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Measuring Animal Sizes (and Relative Sizes in our Animal Environment)
Students discover the actual size and weight of many insects and animals. In this biology instructional activity, students investigate animals and insects to determine their actual weight and size. In groups, students create an animal or...
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Guetemala's Changing Forest
Eighth graders compare their local ecological zone to the tropical rainforest. In this natural ecology lesson, 8th graders complete an activity about the differences in ecological zones. They compare their biome to the Guatemalan...
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Introduction To Plants
For this science worksheet, middle schoolers complete a series of puzzles related to the subject of plants. They complete a reading and apply the information to measure reading comprehension.
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Nothing to Sneeze At
Students explore allergic reactions; they then synthesize their knowledge by creating informational pamphlets that help new allergy patients research the nature of allergies.
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Butterfly Life Cycle
Second graders explore biology. In this life cycle lesson, 2nd graders act out the stages a caterpillar goes through to become a butterfly. They spend days prior to this lesson observing caterpillars they have collected and developing...
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Lesson 16: DNA Technology
Pupils research different areas of biotechnology. In this biology lesson, students create a presentation about their research. They debate the topic presented and share their views on the subject.
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We’ve Bean Growing: Anatomy of Germination
Students identify the main parts of a seed. For this biology lesson, students explain the factors needed for the seed to grow. They record observations everyday and report findings to class.
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Gaia: The Wisdom of the Earth
Learners are introduced to Gaia theory of natural homeostasis. They graph Earth's temperatures over time, construct terrariums or monitor the outdoor environment. Related videos titles are suggested, but may be outdated. The objectives...
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Animals Multiple Choice Words Worksheet
Looking for some simple multiple-choice questions for an upcoming biology unit on animals? This worksheet features 7 clearly worded questions, each with 4 possible answers. Topics include adaptation, camouflage, ecosystems, animal...
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AP: Chapter 26: Origin of Life
Five pages take biologists on a generalized survey of the origin of life. Queries are made regarding theories of how life developed, ancient Earth conditions, and the ever-changing field of taxonomy. The experiments of different...
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The Human Mind
Pupils read and discuss twin studies to explore the debate of nature vs. nurture. They create a list of characteristics and then look for evidence of whether it is primarily a genetic or environmental characteristic. All of the...
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Natural Inquirer Scientific Process Module
Students investigate the attributes of scientists. In this scientific process instructional activity, students participate in a classroom activity that requires them to describe the jobs of scientists. Students discuss their findings.
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Not In My Backyard: The Nature and Danger of Nuclear Radiation
Students evaluate the ways to control exposure to radiation and determine how to deal with the problem of nuclear waste in a rational rather than an emotional way.
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Nature and Fintess Trail
Students investigate how humans impact the environment and compile an organism database into an e-book field guide. They name muscle groups and develop specific exercises to strengthen these groups. Students utilize technology for data...
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Field Guide to Schoolyard Insects and Their Relatives
Your entire class works together to create an illustrated insect field guide. The intent is that they venture outside of the classroom, find a critter, and then research it using reference materials, insect books, and the Internet for...
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Ecology Terms Crossword
In this ecological principles learning exercise, students solve 20 clues in a crossword puzzle containing basic ecology definitions of organism interactions.
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Environmental Issues And Energy Alternatives Crossword
In this environmental issues worksheet, students solve 16 clues focusing on the forms of renewable and non-renewable energy, global warming and acid rain.