Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Forests and Photosynthesis

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the concept of photosynthesis. They investigate the effects of light on seedlings. Students grow plants and record the data. Students view satellite images that show the monthly amount of vegetation present in the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Structures and Behaviours Can Be Observed in Vinegar Eels?

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students view vinegar eels under a microscope at different magnifications. They use a DigiScope with the camera attachment in place of the eyepiece. Students count the number of thrashing movements in 10 seconds. They repeat this three...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scientists and Inventors

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore human discovery by reading historical stories in class. In this inventors lesson, students define the terms scientist, invention, inventor and discovery before discussing the many differences between them. Students read...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Importance of Fresh Vegetables and Fruits in Our Diets

For Teachers 1st - 8th
Students explore the importance of fruits and vegetables in our diets. In this science lesson, students discuss various types of fruits and vegetables. Students play the good health=good diet game. Students discuss types of fruits and...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Garden Pests and Problems: Insect Life Cycles and Metamorphosis

For Students 3rd - 6th
In this insect metamorphosis activity, students read about complete and gradual metamorphosis and label insect's metamorphosis. Students label 2 insects.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plants -- What Are Their Parts and Functions?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students identify the parts of a flowering plant and their functions. They describe its life cycle as well. They compare the parts of the plant to the roles that are needed in a democracy.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Native Chili Planting

For Teachers K
Students discover the process of planting chili. After comparing two types of seeds students plant and with the use of a digital camera, record the seed progress. When ready for transplant, students take young plants to a retirement...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Botanists View

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students explore plant and seed structure. They dissect a seed and identify its parts. In addition, they explain the function and compare and contrast monocotyledon and dicotlyledons.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mulch

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a series of experiments on mulching. In this earth science lesson, students discuss the benefits of mulching on soil. They explore how different types of mulch affect plant growth.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let There Be Light

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students plant seeds and learn about photosynthesis.  In this photosynthesis lesson, students plant watercress seeds, cut a design into cardboard and cover the seedlings with the cardboard.  Students observe as the seeds in the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Erosion by the Wind

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders simulate wind driven soil erosion by using paper confetti to demonstrate the movement of the soil. They write about three examples of soil erosion found in their community.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Indoor Gardening

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Learners determine how a plant grows best. For this botany lesson, students observe variables that affect plant growth. Learners explore how to grow and maintain a plant. Students make observations of their plant as it grows.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Growing a Lawn

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students research plant growth. In this plant growth lesson, students explore the needs of plants. Students compare and contrast grass and broadleaf plants and grow a miniature lawn in a cup of soil. Resources are provided.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Adaptations

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders identify plant adaptations. In this adaptations lesson, 6th graders use digital cameras to photograph plants found on their campus. Students describe the adaptations for each plant.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Crops 2: What Plants Need to Grow

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students explore agriculture by participating in a plant growth activity. In this botany lesson, students discuss what types of plants grow in their local environment and what the plants need to survive. Students read assigned text about...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Worm Watching

For Teachers K - 1st
Students examine the role earthworms play in building soils. They discuss worms and what they do with soil, make predictions and draw pictures, and observe their worms in soil over a two week period.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

No Title

For Teachers 1st
First graders listen as the book, "Tops and Bottoms," by Janet Stevens is read to them and then participate in a discussion about foods and where they grow. They draw a picture of a plant labeling the major parts of it sequential order.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Dirt on Soil

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students classify different soil types. In this earth science activity, students explain the factors that affect groundwater quality. They design and build a water treatment plant.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Succession and Microclimate

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students compare the population of insects in different microclimates. In this biology lesson, students collect data using probes to tabulate temperature and soil data. They predict how certain parameters change as an area goes...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

WebQuest: The Growing Challenge in Senegal

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the issue of soil infertility in Senegal. In this agriculture instructional activity, students follow the steps to complete the provided webquest that requires them to learn about  the issue and create a 3-year plan...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soybeans: The Miracle Seed

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students discover why soybeans are called the "miracle seeds." They make their own soynuts and share other foods made from soybeans. They create a bulletin board of soybean products.
Worksheet
Curated OER

The right place to live

For Students 2nd - 5th
How do various plants survive in different environments? They adapt! Kids determine which plant traits make them perfect for their specific environment. They consider three plants and can even complete a plant experiment. Note: Intended...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's Organic?

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students discuss background information presented by the teacher and read dictionary definitions for the words "organic" and "synthetic." In this gardengin lesson, students complete a worksheet on the material. Students grow and compare...
Lesson Plan
Michigan Sea Grant

What's in This Water?

For Teachers 5th - 8th
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...