Zoology Lesson Plans

Students explore the North Carolina Zoological Park. In this cross-curriculum instructional activity, students use information from the zoo to create scaled maps, use compasses, and research animals found at the zoo. Students take a field trip to the zoo and write a compare and contrast essay about habitat at the zoo and the animal's actual habitat.

Students design paper moths that are camouflaged in the classroom setting. In this Zoology lesson, students take their understanding of survival strategies like mimicry and camouflage to "hide" paper moths in pain sight. Other students then act as "birds" to find the moths.

Second graders examine the life cycle of plants and animals. In this life cycle lesson, 2nd graders watch a PowerPoint presentation and students discuss the characteristics of camels, crickets and fleas. Students review facts about animal lives and compare and contrast the facts about the new animals they have studied.

Students create a zoological and botanical garden made up of a variety of species from around the world.

Students distinguish between invertebrate and vertebrate organisms while examining the zoological classes of a number of invertebrates. They illustrate a food web of these organisms and investigate the impact of humans on the oceanic environment while completing the attached handouts.

Students engage in a variety of activities to investigate evolution as a theory. The many factors to consider in the validity of the theory are examined. The backbone of this lesson plan is the research process taught to students.

Fifth graders explore the lives and work of Galileo, Percy Julian, Linnaeua,and Ernest Just in this four lessons unit. The observations are made through the analysis of "fanny packs" belonging to these scientists.

Students become familiar with the temperate rainforest.  In this forest ecosystem lesson, students identify the producers, consumers and decomposers in the forest ecosystem.  Students sort cards and identify the trophic level of the rainforest.  Students view and discuss various artifacts of the rainforest.

Students explore the lives and accomplishments of the many women who have made tremendous strides in the various fields of science.

Students learn how to calculate the probabilities of passing on certain genetic disorders and then evaluate case studies involving genetic testing.