Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classification for Beginners

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students explore the process of classification. In this rock classification instructional activity, students conduct a scientific investigation that requires them to follow the provided steps to classify rocks.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dendrology

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students work as a class-size unit as well as in small groups to become proficient in observing tree characteristics to facilitate species identification. They identify most common tree species by observing leaf, flower, fruit and bark...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classification

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students explore classification. In this science lesson plan, students observe various apples, contrasting them, and classifying the apples based on structure and color.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Starches and Fats

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Young scholars observe the presence of starches and fats in different foods. In this science lesson plan, students distinguish between a food that contains starch and a food that contains fats, define the terms starches and fats, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classification in Action

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students work with a set of objects to set up both quantitative and qualitative classification systems. As a group, students follow an example to design and complete two classification systems using a set of objects provided. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Fiedl Study of an Integral Species

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students compile baseline population information on a local species. They design and conduct a scientific investigation of a local species. Students interpret, analyze and communicate results based on sound scientific and mathematical...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classifying the Class

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders create dichotomous keys to create classifications of students in the classroom by writing instructions. In this classifications lesson plan, 5th graders learn how dichotomous keys are used in science observations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Leaf Classification

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders work together to develop a leaf classification system. In groups, they are given a set of leaves and sort them based on their characteristics. They share their new classification system with the class and answer any...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Classification of Animals

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore animal characteristics by participating in a SMART board activity. In this animal classification instructional activity, students utilize a sorting chart to divide different animal names by their observable...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Weather Detectives

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders make weather observations and record data. They use the internet to get data on the weather. After 5 days students predict the weather for the next 3 days.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Guess What?!

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Students explore how scientists work. In this scientific method lesson, students use their senses to identify objects they cannot see. Students are asked to think like scientists and make observations, comparisons, and interferences, as...
Organizer
Curated OER

Classification

For Students 6th - 8th
In this classification worksheet, students observe the fingerprints provided. Students decide upon a classification system to use to categorize the given fingerprints.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

School Yard Park/ Ecosystem

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine ecosystems in their schoolyard. For this nature and ecosystem lesson, 5th graders map their schoolyard into workable plots. They classify plants and animals found in the plot. They revisit their site every two weeks...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

In the Field with Salamanders

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students observe salamanders, take pictures of them, and classify them into an online format. In this animal classification lesson, students use collection materials and digital camera to photograph and observe salamanders. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Planet Full of Animals

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Students study animals and practice classifying them through observation activities. In this animal classification instructional activity, students complete a KWL chart about animals. Students then sort pictures of animals into chart...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Biodiversity

For Students 7th - 9th
In this biodiversity activity, students sort and classify animals by their observable features using a dichotomous key. Students then respond to questions about complete and incomplete metamorphosis.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creating a Dichotomous Key for Families of Idaho Butterflies

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students are shown how to use the butterfly section of the Digital Altals of Idaho. They discuss how to make a dichotomous key. Students use their skills of observation and recognize defining characteristics that distinguish different...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Length

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine and explore a variety of ways to measure length. They discuss how to measure large objects using the end-to-end method, and in small groups measure the length of the room using the end-to-end method with a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Environment: Mealworm Observations

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students observe plant and animal growth and participate in class discussions about the subjects. They also record their observations in a log. Using observation and the scientific method, they describe the characteristics of mealworms.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Body Biography: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

For Teachers 7th
Class groups assume the identity of one of the primary human characters in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. They create a body biography that identifies the most important traits of their character, translate these traits into...
Lesson Plan
University of Minnesota

Sheep Brain Dissection

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Bored with frog and earthworm dissections? Had your fill of fetal pigs? Anatomy students will be intrigued by the sheep's brain, and you will be prepared with guiding questions, extension activities, and pictures as they dissect one —...
Lesson Plan
NASA

Mystery Planet

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
What can one learn about a planet based on a small surface sample? Learners will explore artifacts from a mystery planet and see what they can determine about the planet based on the evidence in front of them. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Recognizing Litter

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
When does trash become litter? Use this litter awareness lesson to help them understand the importance of trash disposal. Get learners engaged by reading Nancy Loewen's Lady Lulu Liked to Litter (not included). After discussing what...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plankton Parade

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Plankton isn't just a tiny cartoon character, it's also a very important food source for animals around the world. Budding scientists discuss the types and functions of plankton, including where they are found, how they are caught, and...