Curated OER
Orchids and Evolution
Students study Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory and how he applied it to orchids. In this evolution lesson students repeat Darwin's orchid pollination experiment.
Curated OER
Intelligent Design Fumbles; Evolution Still Going Strong
Students examine how all life is related and how species are classified. They also discover how traits are passed down from one person to the next. They examine the evolution the arthropod has going through.
Curated OER
Understanding Evolution: Homology and Analogy
For this understanding evolution worksheet, 9th graders define homology and analogy. Students compare and contrast similar structures in several given species.
Curated OER
Aquatic Exotics
Students identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to introduce...
Curated OER
Endangered Lands & Threatened Species Collage Mural
Fifth graders create a class collage mural illustrating endangered lands and threatened species. They also write letters protesting the exploitation of endangered habitats and the destruction of flora and fauna.
Curated OER
The Beaks of Finches
Students examine how species evolve over time and how this can change a population. In this environment activity students complete a worksheet on finches.
Curated OER
Comparative Embryological Study of
Students complete two labs. They observe the fertilization and development of sea urchin and zebrafish embryos. They examine the similarities and differences in the development of an invertebrate vs. a vertebrate animal.
Curated OER
Are You Thirsty: The Effects of Pollution on Drinking Water
Students discuss the different causes of water pollution. In this ecology lesson, students brainstorm ways to purify polluted water. They formulate their conclusion based on the results of the experiments.
Curated OER
Wild Wildlife
Students assess how people both support and refute actions that lead to the extinction of animals. They examine how the wild tiger population has grown from near-extinction due to conservation efforts. They investigate an animal species...
Curated OER
Gyotaku Lesson Plan
Students examine and discuss the history and process of Gyotaku, or fish prints. They view images of Gyotaku, create a fish print, and write a haiku.
Curated OER
How Do We Measure Absolute Time?-Geologic Clocks
In this absolute time worksheet, students define radiometric dating, tree rings and varves as means to measure absolute time. They are given information about each of these methods of dating.
Curated OER
Evolution Simulation
Students simulate the process of evolution. Using index cards, they copy a drawing. Each subsequent drawing is sent around the room. The results are compared to the original drawing.
Curated OER
A Mendel Seminar
Students analyze Gregor Mendel's discovery of a process of biological evolution. They also explore how recessive and dominant traits are passed from one generation of living organisms to the next. This lesson involves environment...
Curated OER
Who Was Charles Darwin?
Young scholars complete two activities to study Charles Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection. They read Darwin's journal from the voyage of the Beagle and look at the scientific ideas that influenced the development of his theory.
Curated OER
An Uncertain Future
Learners study the distribution of large mammals and carnivores in an ecosystem. Using maps and historical data, they examine areas for these animals such as refuges, untouched forests, prairies and grasslands. Students determine actions...
Curated OER
Language Arts: GloFish - Illuminating Essays
Students research the genetically-engineered GloFish and write essays expressing their views about the subject. They evaluate the pros and cons of genetic engineering.Students may also hold a debate about genetic engineering.
Curated OER
Where the Buffalo Roam
Second graders explore what life in the Chicago area was like hundreds of years ago. They discuss how settlers impacted the environment, and why there are no longer herds of buffalo in the Chicago area today. They read an article and...
Michigan Sea Grant
What's in This Water?
Pupils investigate the biological and chemical characteristics of water to determine where purple loosestrife occurs. They create data sheets to record water quality tests in several locations and work in groups to conduct the water...
Curated OER
Working for Water
Learners examine the ways that government works to help improve aquatic habitats. In this water habitats instructional activity students view a video and plan a school restoration project.
Curated OER
Social Darwinism and American Laissez-faire Capitalism
Learners investigate Social Darwinism. For this government systems lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture on the details of Social Darwinism and American laissez-faire capitalism. Learners respond to discussion...
Curated OER
Curious Crossbreeds
Students discover the diverse roles of hybridization among animals. They research certain examples of animal hybrids as a springboard to analyzing a zoo's potential exhibit of animal hybrids.
Curated OER
Niches and Adaptations
Young scholars present information about a species, its niche, and adaptations. For this lesson on animal environments, students explore how surroundings can affect a given population resulting in adaptation.
Curated OER
Lamarck And Darwin
High schoolers compare Lamarck's mechanism for evolution with Darwin's theory of natural selection.
Curated OER
THE PEANUT WIZARD
Students read information about George Washington Carver and outline the information. They are given peanuts in the shell, students examine them and eat them. Students discuss the following questions: Why did George Washington Carver...