Curated OER
Bird Break Buffet
Students discuss what human traits might help a person be more successful. They discuss how all birds are of the same species but have different beak traits. Students comprehend that the birds that eat the most food will have a baby with...
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Identifying Quincy's Birds
Students compare a variety or bird characteristics. They identify and classify birds within their local area. Students investigate how to examine and scrutinize differences in features of organisms and understand variation in the...
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Aloha, Hawaii!
Students read the Hawaiian version of The Three Little Pigs, to study cultures and traditions of the island. They gather and study resources about the culture, people, and endangered species of Hawaii.
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Eyes on the Estuaries
Students study estuaries and compare several ones in the U.S. In this estuary lesson students interpret data and compare the distribution of different species.
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Snakes
Students create a page in a classroom field guide to snakes. They each choose a different snake species to study in depth using the internet and books. The page contains information on habitat and adaptations of the snake as well as a...
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M & Ms in a Bag
Students make predictions about the number and colors of M&M's in a snack size package. They create an Excel spreadsheet to record the data from their small group's bag, create a graph of the data, and discuss the variations of data...
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Bird Buffet
Fifth graders study traits of different bird beaks. In this bird lesson, 5th graders explore the function and usefulness of different inherited traits of birds.
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Pollution Solutions
Students visit a local park to test the quality of the aquatic environments. They search for sources of pollution and examples of pollution control. Based on their obeservations and experiments, they rate their local environment.
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Methods of Teaching Evolution To Middle School Children
Young scholars study evolutionary thought. They examine how characteristics are inherited and that they are a source of variation. They illustrate the perpetuation, elimination, and variation made among members of a species. They...
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I Will Survive!
Fifth graders explain specialized structure and variation. They describe how some characteristics could give a species a survival advantage in a particular environment. They see how specialized structures and variations help species...
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Evolution
Students illustrate the results of natural selection by identifying the specific adaptation of an organism that allows the species to survive in that environment. They illustrate the results of natural selection by recognizing examples...
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Hawks Migrate
Students examine the types of hawks found in Illinois and compile a list of them. Using different species of hawks, they compare and contrast their characteristics. They work together to create their own hawk model for the classroom.
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Living Corn Necklace
Sixth graders complete an experiment to learn about hereditary traits. In this hereditary traits lesson, 6th graders discuss similarities and differences in corn and complete charts for their discussion. Students then use a dent corn and...
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Evolution in Action!
Students use the Internet to complete an interactive simulation about evolution. They follow certain species and discover the process of natural selection. They answer questions to test for comprehension.
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Introduction To Floral Morphology
Middle schoolers create a model of the four basic whorls of flowers using a water bottle, construction paper and Q-tips. They then examine fresh flower specimens to see how the basic structure can vary in different species of flowering...
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A Tree Full of Ancestors
Students study human evolution and the scientific process. They complete the Origins of Humankind Web activity to become familiar with the hominid species as well as the associated evidence found, in the form of fossils and artifacts.
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The Beaks of Finches
Students study finches and how they have evolved over time. In this finch review lesson students fill out a key points worksheet then divide into teams and complete an activity.
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Twin Traits
Eighth graders explore the Nature vs. Nurture controversy and discover how variations in species is due to the interaction of genetic material. Students engage in a twin study experiment in this unit.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Plant and Animal Adaptations
Fourth graders identify behavioral and structural adaptations to plant and animal life. In this unit overview, 4th graders discuss the importance of variation and adaptation in a species survival. This is a unit overview and does not...
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Raven Chapter 12 Guided Notes: Sexual Reproduction & Meiosis
Young biologists define reproduction vocabulary terms, answer critical-thinking questions, label a diagram of the human life cycle, and complete a chart comparing mitosis to meiosis. This is a well-balanced activity. Even though it...
LABScI
Genetic Equilibrium: Human Diversity
Investigate the Hardy-Weinberg Principle to explain genetic equilibrium. The 10th lesson plan of a series of 12 is a laboratory exploration of genetic equilibrium. Your classes use a mixture of beans to model allele and genotype...
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Air Pollution
Pupils seek solutions to environmental problems. They discover how to conserve and protect natural resources. They examine the role of acid rain on plants and discover how to filter pollutants.
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AP: Chapter 13: Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles
Biology learners highlight the features of asexual and sexual reproduction in this life cycle learning exercise. They take an in-depth look at the role of chromosomes in meiosis and the overall process of reproduction.
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Genetically-Modified Food
Learners investigate the pros and cons of genetic engineering. They watch a short Bill Moyers video, conduct Internet research, create a poster, participate in a pro/con debate, and write an essay expressing their personal feelings on...