Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Balance of Nature Pyramid

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students study the concept of food chains and create a physical forest food chain pyramid. In this balance of nature pyramid instructional activity, students identify the ingredients needed on each level of the pyramid then make...
Lesson Plan
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Build A Tree

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars study the different parts of a tree and the significance of each part.  In this build a tree lesson, students use role-playing theater to reinforce what they are learning. Young scholars use their imagination to...
Lesson Plan
Michigan Sea Grant

Fish Habitat and Humans

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Strict habitat requirements are needed for the survival of fish populations and fish variety in the Great Lakes. Young scientists become experts in the basic needs of fish and understand how survival necessities can vary with different...
Lesson Plan
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Canine Companions: All Kinds of Dogs

For Teachers 4th - 5th
In this family dog lesson, students discover how to choose the type of dog that best fits their family.  Students research different types of dog breeds, and share with the class the type of dog they would choose for their family. A...
Lesson Plan
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Investigating Impressionism

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Learners explore Impressionism and artists like Monet and Renoir. In this Impressionism lesson plan, students visit an Impressionism website and discuss the themes used in the art. Learners select an Impressionist artist and research...
Lesson Plan
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Cloud Watching

For Teachers K - 6th
Students analyze art as a cloud pattern activity. In this cloud and art lesson, students view April Gornik's painting The Back of the Storm and make connections between science and art. Students observe cloud patterns for one week and...
Lesson Plan
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The Letter Zz

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students complete multi-curricular activities for the letter Zz. In this letter Zz themed activity, students complete music, geography, science, and online activities to learn about the letter Zz.
Lesson Plan
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My Five Senses

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore their 5 senses. In this 5 senses lesson, students participate in activities that require them to use the senses of smell, touch, hearing, taste, and sight.
Lesson Plan
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Edible Wild Plants

For Teachers 5th - Higher Ed
Students explore the benefits of recognizing edible wild plants.  For this wild plant lesson, students collect, make ready and eat edible plants.  Students answer questions about the plants.
Lesson Plan
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Making Cordage (Native Americans)

For Teachers 4th - Higher Ed
Students make Native American cordage.  In this Native American lesson, students use different fibers to make and test the strength of their cordage.
Lesson Plan
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Get Your Skates On

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Students enjoy winter activities. In this field trip opportunities lesson, students may visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Bocketts Farm, Clapham Common, or the Dinosaur Museum online or in-person.
Lesson Plan
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Educated Action

For Teachers K - 8th
Students review what they already know about birds. Using the internet, they discover major issues involved with birds in Illinois. In groups, they determine what they can do to help them and contact a local agency.
Lesson Plan
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Using Logos and Mission Statements to Communicate Sustainable Forestry Information

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Young scholars survey forestry foundations to see how they represent important information into their logos and mission statements. In this forestry lesson plan, students use the information to better understand visual representations...
Lesson Plan
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In the Wild

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine the concept of ecology and how animals are suited to their habitats. For this animal adaptation lesson, 3rd graders identify a variety of plants and animal species that live in a Beech forest.Students create a food...
Lesson Plan
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Toxic River

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Learners explore environmental safety by participating in a class game. In this toxic chemicals lesson plan, students discuss the effect chemicals have on our environment and how to best protect against their dangers. Learners...
Lesson Plan
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Straights and Curves

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students improve aerobic fitness through running and walking.
Lesson Plan
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Soccer Golf

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students practice golf etiquette without the use of golf clubs, balls, etc.
Lesson Plan
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I Got a Lava Livin' to Do in Pompeii

For Teachers 6th
Scholars imagine themselves as citizens of Pompeii in 79 AD. First they are assigned a job (or place in society like a child or slave). Then they record their daily activities for the weeks leading up to the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in...
Lesson Plan
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Wood is Everywhere!

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders diagram and label the parts of a tree. For this lesson on how trees obtain food, 5th graders diagram and label the parts of a tree, and determine the diameter, height, and age of a tree.
Lesson Plan
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Developing a Child's Sense of Place

For Teachers K - 2nd
Learners develop empathy with the natural world; visual and aural senses of spatial awareness; and initiate sound and space awareness, movement, indoor/outdoor, map-making and nature activities that correlate with a child's sense of play.
Lesson Plan
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Tree ID Booklet

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars make a booklet of leaves they find and identify the tree they came from. For this tree identification lesson plan, students research the leaves on the internet to determine the tree they come from.
Lesson Plan
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Sorting and Classifying with Tree Products

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders sort and classify wood.  In this sorting tree products lesson, 4th graders sort and classify tree parts and pieces of wood, both natural and manufactured according to their properties. 
Lesson Plan
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Quadrate Lab

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate tree stems and conduct an experiment on how non living factors affect living factors. In this tree stems lesson plan, students observe and record physical characteristics, and make predictions on what factors will...
Lesson Plan
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The Sun Safety Activity Guide

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students examine the sun safety guide. They identify the dangers of getting too much sun and not protecting themselves. They participate in hands-on activities to finish the lesson.