Sixth graders list traits that all sixth graders share. They receive worksheets "Tracking Down Traits," working in groups to complete the chart. Students share results with the class and a class summary is tallied. Students discuss the...

Students develop an understanding of the evolution of species in the context of the woolly mammoth. They examine the fossil record to explain natural selection.

Young scholars examine the health effects of hazardous waste on people. They work together to complete an experiment in which worms are exposed to chemicals. They discuss the results of the test.

Young scholars examine the molecular studies of organisms that have led to a new era in their understanding of speciation and evolutionary relationships. Students study the allelic frequency of genes controlling specific molecules and...

Students practice calculating allele and genotype frequencies in the framework of a simple simulation using hard candy, calculators, and a worksheet. This instructional activity includes a three-page worksheet and an assessment question...

Students be complete a collection of living organisms and systems from the school campus.

Students are presented with a scenario that requires them to electrophoreses human hemoglobin samples in order to confirm a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia and/or to determine whether individuals in the scenario are carriers of the...

Students are able to identify start and stop sequences in DNA. They are able to model using restriction enzyme and ligase to remove sections of DNA and reattach them. Students are introduced to the process of recombinat DNA through the...

Students read and discuss background information included with this lesson. They brainstorm the best sources for developing a list of native or migratory pollinators. Students work in groups to design habitats based on information...

Students examine the concept of origin and ethnicity. In this ethnic studies lesson, students engage in a variety of interdisciplinary activities including posters, and discussions to better understand our past and future.

Students create a KWL chart about food. For this chemistry lesson, students differentiate physical and chemical changes. They explain how microorganisms are used in food preparation.

Students research and explore the benefits of biodiversity, particularly as it relates to human health. They write an essay in which they explain the possible effect of human activities on the emergence of new diseases.

Sixth graders identify plants in the wetlands. In this plant detectives lesson, 6th graders complete a scavenger hunt on a local reserve, record observations, and respond in their journals. 

Students organize different species of plans and animals according to various characteristics. Students then determine what characteristics enable them to survive in their habitat. Game ideas and activities are included.

Students explore human behavior by participating in a class science game. In this human characteristics lesson, students identify different human traits that are passed down by each generation and the purpose each of them have. Students...

Students read and discuss the background of plants, seeds, and gene banks and grow seeds on their own. In this seeds lesson plan, students also use maps to identify seed banks and research plant farmers.

Students examine the concept of biodiversity. They toss coins to determine what traits mouse parents have and the babies traits as well. They predict what would happen to the baby mice if the traits of the parents were different.

Students investigate the different methods used in integrated pest management. In this biology lesson, students evaluate experiments and case studies on IPM. They discuss the pros and cons of using this method.

Students model the plasticity of neural pathways for memory in the brain. They simulate the cell activity according to dots on cards that they are given. They complete various simulations of different cell combinations.

Students gather (research) information on neuron structure and action potential. Students are guided to make inferences about the synapse and its relationship to neurotransmitter release and action. They are also guided to make...

Middle schoolers engage in a unit plan to examine the ecological background for the Mangroves of southern Florida. They conduct research using print and computer technology sources. They use the information in a number of other extension...

Young scholars explore invasive species on an environment.  In this exploratory lesson students hypothesize why shrimp are on the decline and make a brochure or poster showing their results. 

Young scholars read an article about how honeybee are sensitive to the electromagnetic fields generated by cellphones. In this ESL lesson, students work as partners to complete a table of information relating to the many bee species...

Students develop and test a unique, personally-relevant hypothesis about the consequences of exposure to UV radiation based units on a living organism, common baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).