Animal Life and Diversity Lesson Plans

Learners conduct hands-on experiments. In this life cycle lesson, students are able to observe a variety of animals as they travel through their life cycle (brine shrimp, mealworms, frog eggs and chicken eggs). Learners respond to what they've seen by pretending they are one of the animals observed and write their life story.

Learners research the animal life of the Channel Islands. In this animal life lesson plan, students read and discuss the animals in the book Island of the Blue Dolphins. Learners complete Internet research to classify the animals. Students create a dichotomous key for the animals and make a mobile for the animal information. Learners write a description of one scene from the book.

Second graders compare and contrast animate and inanimate objects. In this environmental science instructional activity, 2nd graders create simple food webs. They observe their environment and create a collage about it.

Second graders extend their knowledge of life cycles to other animals. They demonstrate their understanding that at the beginning of an animal's life cycle, some young animals represent the adult while others do not. They will participate in a variety of investigations to support their learning.

In this German language lesson, 3rd graders use their love of animals to enrich their developing skill with the German language. They participate in a sorting activity, also using their German skills, to sort animals into mammal/non mammal groups. Students complete the unit by completing an animal mobile.

Students recognize the habitats of animals that live near or in a pond.  For this pond lesson, students examine pond water and look for pond organisms. Students observe organisms with a loupe and complete a worksheet.

Students go on a nature hunt. In this nature lesson, students define the terms flora and fauna. They brainstorm types of plant and animal life. They find specific examples of flora and fauna in their state and go on a nature hunt to locate the flora and fauna they researched.

Students study five of the seven life zones in North America. In this journalism lesson students use the Scientific Method working in teams. They use lab equipment and technology to create a presentation on five of the seven life zones in North America.

Young scholars study the biodiversity of animal life in a pond. They investigate the interdependence between pond organisms by completing a pond dipping activity and completing a checklist.

Young scholars study the life cycle of mealworms with hands-on experiences and write about it.