Curated OER
The Long Road to Coffee
Students discover how coffee is processed from a plant, to a drink. For this life cycle lesson, students study that cells and organisms go through a cycle of growth and change. Students organize picture cards, illustrate how coffee is...
Curated OER
Aquatic Ecosystems
Students study ponds and wetland ecosystems and examine the food chains and webs in them. In this aquatic ecosystems instructional activity students answer questions about the diversity of the flora and fauna in a pond.
Curated OER
Explore Zone
In this food chain learning exercise, learners go outside to observe a small patch of grassy are. They list as many living and non-living things they can see then complete 5 short answer questions about their list.
Curated OER
Is It Recyclable?
Students bring to school five items they would normally throw away and five items they would normally recycle. Expert groups are formed to present information on the recycling of glass, metal, plastic, and organics such as paper and...
Curated OER
Invasive Aquatic Plant Identification
Students observe aquatic plants and animals and identify their systems. In this plants and animals lesson plan, students compare systems of organisms and orally express how plants and animals rely on each other.
Curated OER
Fresh Greens In The Home
Pupils engage in the study of nutritional food choices that include fresh greens. They investigate the benefits of using simple planting techniques. The lesson also includes recipes for students to try out the habit of eating more food...
Curated OER
The Big Picture: Systems
Students study the ways that agro-ecosystems function to support sustainable agriculture. In this investigative lesson students examine the different cycles of ecosystems and food systems.
Curated OER
Ecology Terms Crossword
In this ecological principles learning exercise, students solve 20 clues in a crossword puzzle containing basic ecology definitions of organism interactions.
Curated OER
The Scientific Method
Young scholars examine the Scientific Method. They will discover the value in being observant, organized, and thorough with regard to science. They will also explore how these traits can serve them well in other areas of life.
Curated OER
What If There's No Light?
students discuss the importance of light and the consequences of living without it. Using a plant as a demonstration, students predict and observe what happens to a plant when it does not receive enough light. In groups, they experiment...
Curated OER
Water Quality with Samples
Students recognize whether one wants to drink water, swim in it, or for the health of the organisms living in it. They prepare different water samples to observe and collect samples regarding the water quality.
Curated OER
The Living Environment
Students explore the cycles of an ecosystem. In this environmental science lesson, students work in groups to research the nitrogen cycle, the water cycle, or the oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle. Students prepare a PowerPoint or other...
Curated OER
Living vs. Nonliving
Students explore the characteristics that distinguish living things from nonliving things. Students examine video clips and still photographs to gather evidence and develop criteria to decide if something is living or nonliving.
Curated OER
Math, Chemistry, and Food
Young scholars explore the effects of chemical reactions when cooking. Using the Internet, they research enzymes and then mix jello. They examine their results and test enzyme activity by adding pineapple to the jello. Finally, they...
Science Matters
Ecosystem Pre-Assessment
Test scholars' knowledge of ecosystems with a 20-question pre-assessment. Assessment challenges learners to answer multiple choice questions, read diagrams, and complete charts.
Nuffield Foundation
Microbes Ate My Homework
Now you have a new excuse not to do your homework. A long-term experiment has learners explore cellulose-digesting enzymes. They simulate how paper breaks down in a compost bin. There's no need to blame your dog for eating your homework...
Curated OER
Plant Life
Seventh graders examine different categories of plant life and their roles as producers of food and oxygen for other organisms. They study the evolution of plants from simple organisms to very complex ones. They look at the different...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Animal Classes and Their Ecosystems
Students explore animal characteristics by participating in an environment identification activity. In this animal habitat lesson, students discuss a range of different wild life and the ecosystems that they are a part of. Students view...
Curated OER
Build an Anchialine Pond
Students explore biology by conducting a nature experiment. In this pond examination lesson, students utilize recycled materials, play-doh and water to recreate a pond and its inhabitants. Students identify the different elements within...
Curated OER
Cycles of Life in an Urban Habitat: Changes in Biodiversity
Second graders compare and contrast animate and inanimate objects. In this environmental science lesson, 2nd graders create simple food webs. They observe their environment and create a collage about it.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Digestive System
Fourth graders simulate how the digestive system works. In this hands-on simulation, 4th graders complete six group activities that help students visualize how our body breaks down food into nutrients.
Curated OER
Glucose
High schoolers conduct various experiments on glucose. In this biology lesson, students differentiate the process of diffusion and osmosis. They test different foods for the presence of glucose and starch.
Curated OER
Web of Life - Role-Playing
Students role-play how organisms adapt to their environment. They play 20 questions with plant and animal habitats. They create a web of life to demonstrate how each plant and animal relies on the other for survival.
Curated OER
What makes up YOUR Environment!
Students create their own land or water environment. They make their environment livable for all the different animals they collect to put in it. Students research the types of animals that they can have in their environment, and how...