Curated OER
Field Guide to Schoolyard Insects and Their Relatives
Your entire class works together to create an illustrated insect field guide. The intent is that they venture outside of the classroom, find a critter, and then research it using reference materials, insect books, and the Internet for...
Curated OER
Habitats and Functions
Students analyze and discuss insect diversity and all of the functions that insects perform in nature. They examine habitat and function cards, and distribute themselves by function and habitat.
Curated OER
Habitats and Functions
Young scholars use a large seet of habitat cards, spread out in one area. They, in groups, practice sorting themselves into the correct habitat based on what function card they received.
Curated OER
Insect Pitfall Traps
Students ask testable questions, use the inquiry cycle to investigate, gather data and interpret the results, study the diversity of insects and other smallorganisms which live around the school; they can make an inventory /collection of...
Curated OER
Introduction To Insect & Spider Body Parts
Students inspect several different specimens of insects and spiders to determine characteristics that are similar and different between the two groups. They identify the basic body structure of spiders and insects and then predict where...
Curated OER
Pollinator Habitats
Students read and discuss background information included with this lesson. They brainstorm the best sources for developing a list of native or migratory pollinators. Students work in groups to design habitats based on information...
Curated OER
Introduction to Adult Insects and Their Adaptations
Students study organisms found in Class Insecta. They examine the different adaptations these organisms have developed over time to survive and prosper in their respective habitats. They research the origin of the names of several orders...
Curated OER
Dirt Cups
After a hard day examining and dissecting worms, why not put your feet up and snack on a few? Here is a really cute idea that can be used to celebrate Earth Day or to accent a thematic learning experience. Kids use clay pots, gummy...
Curated OER
Insect Biodiversity
Students observe the process of transect sampling using insect nets, to get a chance to compare the presence of different species and populations in various vegetational areas. They study the different specimens caught and compare their...
Curated OER
Measuring Animal Sizes (and Relative Sizes in our Animal Environment)
Learners discover the actual size and weight of many insects and animals. For this biology lesson, students investigate animals and insects to determine their actual weight and size. In groups, learners create an animal or insect of...
Michigan State University
Bug Lyphe!
Introduce ecology classes to biodiversity and interdependence in ecosystems with a PowerPoint presentation. Then, they get up-close and personal with the invertebrate world by collecting insects, classifying them, and graphing their...
Curated OER
Let's Create an Ecosystem
Seventh graders discover how an ecosystem works by creating one in class. In this Earth science lesson, 7th graders study vocabulary terms associated with ecosystem and read environment handouts. Students create an observatory...
Curated OER
Habitat Lap Sit
Fourth graders physically form a circle that shows the interconnectedness of the components of a habitat. They form circles and role play the parts of habitats.
Curated OER
Investigating Animals in Water
Students observe small animal activity. They identify local water animals and describe the habitats where water animals can be found. Students collect samples to observe in the classroom.
Curated OER
Carnivorous Plants: A Bugs Nightmare!
Young scholars research carnivorous plants and how they trap insects. They role play as botanists to write a research field guide about a newly discovered imaginary carnivorous plant.
Curated OER
Investigating Animals in Soil
Students investigate and observe small animal activity on a plot of land on their school grounds. In small groups they identify the five kingdoms of animals, stake out a small plot of ground, collect samples, record and analyze any data...
Curated OER
Dynamic Wetlands
Students construct and observe a model of two different types of wetlands. In this wetlands lesson, students create a model of a wetland with constant drainage and a wetland that maintains a well-saturated soil. Students observe and...
Curated OER
Let's Create An Ecosystem
Seventh graders create ecosystems in a jar which they observe over the course of the school year.
Curated OER
Butterfly Metamorphosis Booklet
Students study the four different stages of butterfly metamorphosis, In this butterfly life cycle lesson, students construct a metamorphosis booklet by recording and illustrating the butterfly life cycles in the booklet. Vocabulary and...
Curated OER
Beyond the Tap
Students explain the basic properties of a watershed including how water flows from higher to lower elevations and how watersheds are interconnected. They comprehend how the placement of buildings, roads, and parking lots can be...