Curated OER
Onion Skins
Students explore the structure of a plant cell. They carefully peel a single layer of onion skin from a slice of onion and stain it with methylene blue to observe the structures inside. They use a Digiscope connected to a computer to...
Consortium for Ocean Science Exploration and Engagement (COSEE)
Arctic Smorgasbord
Though the walrus spends roughly one third of its time on land, it eats organisms that live on the bottom of the ocean. The first in a series of five, the lesson uses a variety of plant and animal cards to have scholars build an arctic...
Curated OER
Plant Parts
Ninth graders identify plant parts by using different classification methods. For this plant lesson students observe and draw different types of leaves then classify them according to species.
Curated OER
Cell Theory, Plant And Animal Cell Comparison
Tenth graders study plant and animal cells. In this investigative instructional activity students draw their own animal cells and label them.
Curated OER
Slimy cells
Students study the parts of a cell. In this chemistry lesson students complete an activity in which they make as much slime as they want.
Curated OER
Seeing Cells
Sixth graders study living cells and their functioning units. In this cell lesson plan students color cell diagrams, answer questions and discuss the differences between plant and animal cells.
Biology Junction
Photosynthesis: Energy and Life
All life requires energy ... and the connection between energy and plant life typically requires photosynthesis. Scholars explore photosynthesis in depth from ATP/ADP through the Calvin cycle. A helpful presentation highlights concepts...
PBS
The Egg
The first stage in the butterfly's life cycle is the egg. Young entomologists discuss why different butterflies lay different eggs and what their eggs look like. Then they use the handouts to make a replica of one type of butterfly egg...
Curated OER
The Great Archeological Dig
Students explore biology by identifying a diagram. In this cell anatomy lesson, students read a story about archeology and conduct a fictitious archeology dig in class in which they search for animal cells. Students define a list of...
Curriculum Corner
Coniferous and Deciduous Trees
What are the differences between coniferous and deciduous trees? Supplement your tree lessons with a set of activities that has learners describing, naming, comparing, and reading about deciduous and coniferous trees. The activities are...
Curated OER
Photosynthesis
Students are introduced to the process of photosynthesis. In groups, they test the effects of the lack of sunlight on plant leaves and compare the results with their hypothesis. They note the characteristics that plants and animals share...
Curated OER
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Students study flavinoids and how they exist in the plant kingdom. In this pigment lesson students complete a lab activity to see how flavinoids move in substances then record their observations.
Curated OER
What is a Seed?
First graders identify the parts of a seed. In this plant biology lesson, 1st graders are given a seed and identify each part of the seed by using a hand lens. Students plant a seed and graph the growth.
Curated OER
Using Microscopes
Young scholars do an experiment using a microscope. In this lesson, about cells, students examine different slides using a microscope. Young scholars look at an onion skin, cheek cells, and potato cells. In each of these, students find...
Curated OER
Introduction to Nutrition and Gardening
Students examine the different parts of a plant and each ones role. In this exploratory lesson students complete several activities including a game of charades.
Curated OER
Virus Tracker
Sixth graders will simulate the spread of a virus such as HIV through a population by "sharing" (but not drinking) the water in a plastic cup with several classmates. Although invisible, the water in a few of the cups will already be...
Curated OER
Plants And Pollination
Students describe sexual reproduction in plants, including the process of pollination, how insects assist in pollination, and how pollination differs from fertilization. They also explore the importance of honey bees to Arizona agriculture.