Young scholars conduct an experiment. They review how to use the scientific method to conduct an experiment with white carnations and food coloring. They create a hypothesis and test it to better understand how plants get nutrients,...

Plants need food to survive, just like any other living organism. Young biologists analyze an experiment performed in 1610 by Jan van Helmont to determine if plant nutrition is obtained through the soil. First, lab groups work together...

Young scientists weave together an understanding of ecosystems with this fun collaborative activity. Taking on the roles of different living and non-living elements of specific habitats, learners use a ball of yarn to create...

From tiny organisms to entire biomes, young scientists examine the interdependent relationships tying all living and non-living things together with this collection of ecology resources.

Primary graders repurpose items brought from home to create containers for plants. After poking holes in their containers, kids add soil and plant seeds or transplant an item, and then observe and draw conclusions about which items...

On September 26, 1991, four women and four men entered the scientific experiment, Biosphere 2; the doors were sealed for two years in order to study the interactions of a biosphere. In the activity, scholars explore biospheres by...

Students read and discuss information regarding George Washington Carver and how the peanut became cultivated in the southern colonies of the United States. In this George Washington Carver instructional activity, students develop...

Second graders name the various materials that comprise soil, including weathered rock and other organic matter; and explain that soils differ in their color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of many...

Third graders identify what plants need to grow. In this agricultural lesson, 3rd graders read the book The Empty Pot and discuss the steps to take when planting a seed. Students plant a seed and water it each day. Students discuss their...

Students conduct an experiment to evaluate whether plants need soil to survive and grow. They plant two seeds, one with soil and one without, make predictions, and record and analyze the seed germination results on a worksheet.

Students discuss soil understanding that is is often overlooked as a natural resource. In this science lesson, students recognize that we depend on it for energy in the form of foods. Students experiment with six boxes of soil to help in...

Students observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal and...

Students identify the uses of plants by researching Native Americans. In this First Nations culture lesson, students identify the First Nations coastal people of British Columbia and their use of plants such as seaweed, bark and moss....

Students find common needs between plants and animals. In this plants and animals instructional activity students compare that both plants and animals need food and water. They also find the differences between plant and animal needs.

Students explore forest ecological systems. In this ecology lesson, students classify forest plants and animals according to their ecological roles. Students play a related vocabulary guessing game.  Students choose a card on which...

Even pirates know not to steal stuff you can make yourself! Read The Pirate's Parrot Stole the King's Carrot to engage your class. Then, plant carrots with your class. If this isn't possible with your kiddos, consider cutting out paper...

Fourth graders investigate the process of water erosion. They observe the roots of a plant and discuss the concept of erosion. Next, in small groups they conduct an experiment to observe how water erodes soil on a stream table, and...

In this plant nutrition worksheet, students read for information and assess comprehension. In this true and false, fill in the blank, multiple choice, and short answer worksheet, students answer ten questions.

In this soil worksheet, students complete 2 pages about the importance of soil in plant growth. Students read about red worms and answer 2 questions about composting. Students fill out a chart with their observations of plants planted in...

Students explore how plants move in response to the environment. In this plant lesson, students engage in three different experiments to investigate how plants grow and move. Resources available in English and French.

Learners are introduced to soil textures and why they are important in examining soil quality. They find out how to feel the difference between soil textures. Pupils describe which soil texture is best for gardens and growing healthy...

Students create their own compost.  In this soil lesson plan, students fill a bag with waste and soil, in order to create a mini compost bin. Students observe the baggies over a 6 week period, they record their findings and collect...

Beginning botanists can sketch the parts of a plant in individual boxes, or better yet, they can tape or glue actual plant parts in them. Beside each box are a few sentences with selected words left out. From the word bank at the bottom...

Third graders read a story and grow a beanstalk. In this literature and life science lesson, the class reads "Jack and the Beanstalk," then lists fairy tale elements and write a puppet show. The students plant pinto beans and observes...