Curated OER
Origin of The Species
After viewing information about different types of isolation, students will see that reproduction among a group will cause the frequency of a specific trait to increase. The history of prominent scientists such as Charles Darwin are and...
California Academy of Science
Conservation Island
Why not walk in the footsteps of Teddy Roosevelt and become a conservationist? After discussing issues and reasons for animal extinction, the class creates their own conservation plans. Each small group is given mock data regarding a...
Curated OER
Little Auk Survival Challenge
A bird's life is one of danger and intrigue as it struggles for survival in sometimes harsh environments. To understand how difficult surviving in the wild can be, children play a simulation game where they act as little auks, birds from...
Curated OER
Natural Disaster
Describe how plate tectonics account for various land formations. Learners discuss different marine sanctuaries and create a poster about tectonic activity in these areas. They share their posters with the class.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Eyes on Dissolved Oxygen
Learn about the factors that affect the way oxygen dissolves in salt water with a chemistry lab. After studying the molecular structure of water, young scientists figure out how aeration, temperature, and organic waste affect dissolved...
Curated OER
Prairie Predator and Prey
Fifth graders brainstorm a list of animals that live on the prairie, and classify them as predators and prey. They conduct interviews where they ask the animals what they need to look out for to sustain life on the prairie.
Curated OER
Environmental Law
Learners analyze the environmental impact of pollution. They demonstrate an understanding of law, punishment and enforcement. Applying their knowledge, they create their own anti-pollution laws.
Curated OER
The Salt Water Connection
Students investigate the various factors that influence the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay, California. They watch a video about Monterey Bay and take notes, and conduct research and write a report about a specific organism living in...
Curated OER
Wildlife Around the World
Young scholars examine how plants are able to adapt to their ecosystem and the role that fire plays in changes through the years. In this ecosystem lesson students complete several exercises focussing on plants and their adaptations to.
Curated OER
Population Pyramid
Students learn about demographic population pyramids. They then design and fictitious nation and draw its population pyramid.
Curated OER
Ecosystems Connect
Students investigate ecosystems near their school and across the world. They examine both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements of each. They recognize ecosystems from various continents around the globe. The use of computers...
Curated OER
Water Use: Tragedy in the Owens River Valley
Students examine water management issues. In this environmental issues lesson, students watch a PBS video to develop an understanding of watershed, aquifers, and ground water. Students evaluate watershed issues in the Owens River Valley...
Curated OER
Frozen Seas
Students research animal life in the frozen seas. In this researched based lesson, students use the Internet to create a poster about an animal that lives in an Arctic or Antarctic environment. Students will focus on the behavioral and...
Curated OER
Hawaiian Hot Spots
Students discuss how plate tectonics and volcanic activity have affected Hawaii. In this Hawaiian lesson, students look at maps and photographs of Hawaiian Islands and discuss their formation through multiple volcanic eruptions. They...
Curated OER
Saved by a Shark
Students explore the marine ecosystem and the importance of sharks. For this shark lesson, students look at photos of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and discuss the animals that live there. They discuss which animals...
Curated OER
Canada's Arctic Barometer
Students research arctic climates. In this Web-quest investigation, students will identify Arctic climate changes, explain the effects of these changes, relate the changes to other regions, and write their findings in a letter format.
Curated OER
Desert Dwellers
Students study deserts and how they occur. In this desert lesson students research deserts and desertification then divide into groups and come up with an action plan to help rehabilitate these areas.
Curated OER
SPLASH – Monitoring Humpback Whales
Students view a video about the humpback whale and why it is endangered. In this endangered species lesson, students recognize the importance of observing and following an endangered species in an ecosystem. Students identify the animals...
Curated OER
No Magic Borders: Haleakala Style
Students discuss borders and boundaries. They discuss pollution and the fact that boundaries cannot stop pollution and that pollution affects even protected wildlife and plants. They participate in an activity in which they must place...
Curated OER
So -- What's Happening Here, On This Old Christmas Tree Farm?
Young scholars review their prior knowledge on biomes and ecosystems. At a local Christmas tree farm, they work together in groups to identify the changes occuring in the area. They participate in solving a mystery in which they...
Curated OER
Ecoregions of Texas
Students map the ecoregions in Texas and illustrate the vegetation native to the region. They will use their maps to investigate why prehistoric hunter-gatherers might have decided to live in one area over another, such as the ancient...
Curated OER
Canada...A Visual Journey
Students work together to analyze the six natural regions of Canada. Using this information, they create a visual representation of each region on a large wall map and present it to the class. They must identify five key points of each...
Curated OER
Canada...a Visual Journey
Middle schoolers, in groups, research Canada's six natural regions (ecozones). They create a visual representation of each region on a large wall map of Canada and present it to the rest of the class.
Curated OER
Rock-a-bye Babies in a Wetland
Learners review the way human babies grow and what type of care they need. Using the internet, they are introduced to five different wetland habitat animals and how their babies grow. They discover how they are born and what the...