Curated OER
Biodiversity Count
Students count the number of species they can find in a five minute block of time in both an urban lawn and natural, remnant forest area. They are introduced to the concept of low and high biodiversity areas and engage in a discussion...
Curated OER
What Makes a Tropical Rainforest Special?
Students examine the characteristics of the tropical rainforest. Using a map, they locate the rainforests found around the world, continents and the equator. Using the internet, they research the various layers of the rainforest and...
Curated OER
Fall Lesson Plans
Students participate in various fall activities. In this fall instructional activity, students take a trip to a farmers market and purchase the ingredients needed for vegetable soup. Students paint fall scenes and create a fall story....
Curated OER
Earth Day Lesson
Students analyze Earth science by answering environmental study questions. In this Earth Day activity, students read the book The Lorax and identify the themes within it. Students define several recycling vocabulary terms and create an...
Curated OER
Environmental Harmony
High schoolers use information from a variety of media to evaluate different artists' views on the human relationship to nature. From these sources, class discussion, and personal experience, students will synthesize a thoughtful,...
Curated OER
Insects Are Helpful!
Students see that insects do lots good and are very valuable to humans and nature. This is part of an ongoing effort to dispel fears of insects. They rotate through a series of centers that have examples of how insects contribute to our...
Curated OER
Oceans
Students become aware of the differences between ocean water and lake water by smelling, tasting and seeing. They distinguish between land and bodies of water on a globe and gain increased awareness of oceans and life.
Curated OER
Fossils!
Learners conduct Internet research about different types of fossils, the animals they are from, and some famous paleontologists. They also participate in some interactive activities and hands-on lessons in which they create their own...
Curated OER
Eating the Rainbow: A Student's Guide to Healthy Foods That Grow
Third graders examine the nutritional value of different foods. In this health science lesson, 3rd graders create a daily log of the foods they eat and categorize them. They plan a healthy menu for their family.
Curated OER
Investigating Evolutionary Questions: Bats, Whales, Reptiles, Birds, Animal Classification
Students are guided through a process in which three questions are addressed by retrieving beta hemoglobin sequences from online databases, and using online tools to compare those sequences in student-selected animals.
Curated OER
Dark Skies: Volcanic Contribution to Climate Change
Students examine how volcanic eruptions affect global climate. They listen to first-hand accounts of the effects of a large volcanic eruption and illustrate a landscape to show understanding. They experiment with the loss of light and...
Curated OER
Internet Quest: Weatherman Walt-Why the Sky is Blue
Students analyze atmosphere and light. In this earth science lesson, students are introduced to an investigation about why the sky is blue. Students complete a WebQuest to answer the question.
Curated OER
Our Place in Space
Third graders identify the different planets that make up the solar system. For this space science lesson, 3rd graders construct a scale model of the major planets. They explore their different unique features and dress up as planets.
Curated OER
The Mysterious Tragedy at Lake Nyos
Students present a convincing explanation of the Lake Nyos event and propose a solution to prevent future tragedies at central and western African lakes.
Curated OER
Roy G. Biv Has Feelings Too
Students test their memory recall and discuss its association to color. After reading an article, they discuss the natural and psycho-sociological significance of the color red. As a class, they participate in a mood-color association...
Curated OER
Genetic Drift
Students use a mathematical simulation of genetic drift to answer questions about the factors that influence this evolutionary process. They run a series of simulations varying allele frequency and population size and then analyze their...
Curated OER
The Big Burp: Where's the Proof?
High schoolers research the evidence for prehistorically formed methane hydrates contributing to global warming. In this climate change lesson, students work in groups to research methane hydrates, global warming, The Cambrian Explosion,...
Curated OER
Learning About Animal Shelters for Earth Day
Students explore habitats. in this ecology and animal habitat lesson, students listen to the book A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman. Students discuss the basic needs of animals and go on a nature walk to observe animal...
Curated OER
Design a Reef!
Students explore coral reef ecosystems. In this ecosystems science lesson, students research coral reef ecosystems to determine the major functions the participating organisms must perform. Students construct a miniature...
Curated OER
Hydroponics
Students examine how to grow plants using a hydroponic system. In this hydroponics lesson students identify the advantages and disadvantages of growing plants hydrologically.
Curated OER
Floor Polish Experiments
Students compare various brands of floor polishes and test their durability and appearance. In this floor polish lesson plan students test different polishes and check performance.
Curated OER
Rocks and Minerals Lesson Plans
You can use these hands on lessons to get kids 'rocking' in geology!
Curated OER
Electrical Safety
Students create a list of things that they do with electrical power. They then are shown a PowerPoint on "Basic Electrical Safety." Students evaluate electrical equipment, cords and situations for serviceability and safety problems. They...
Curated OER
Grant Proposal
Students experience the creativity, anticipation and peer review of obtaining a grant for scientific research at the poles. They work in cooperative groups to assess the dynamics of polar regions. Each student proposes an original...