Evolution happens over generations, so how do we observe it? Scholars learn to look for patterns and create cladograms. Then they apply those lessons to the evolution of technology over many generations.

Scientists discover over 15,000 new species each year. Despite studying life on our planet for all of human history, we still don't know how many species exist on Earth. An informative video from a biology playlist presents the dilemma,...

The tropics contain about 40 percent of the area on Earth. Viewers take a trip to Peru as an entrancing video from a larger biology playlist explores the region. It explains the facts and theories about the biodiversity near the equator....

Which makes a better name for a new species: Hermit Crab Caterpillar or Sir Leafs-a-Lot? Exploring a rainforest in Peru, the video helps viewers discover a unique species as part of a larger biology playlist. As scientists learn more...

At one point, all mammals carried only two color receptors, but now most humans carry three. An informative presentation and hands-on activity demonstrate how this evolved through genetics. By participating in the activity, pupils...

Kids Prefer Cheese Over Fried Green Spinach is one way to remember the classification system in order. In the video, scholars learn the classification system for all organisms on Earth. They listen to a brief history of taxonomy, see how...

Some species have one gender that is r-selected while the other is K-selected.  A video focuses on growth rate and the difference between r-selected species and K-selected species. It includes a discussion of fecundity and carrying...

"The one process ongoing that will take millions of years to correct is the loss of genetic and species diversity by destruction of natural habitats" - E.O. Wilson. Here is a video that discusses biodiversity at multiple levels from...

Island exploration—sounds exotic! During these three activities, high school learners explore island biogeography through a game and then analyze data collected, ask questions via BioBlitz, and present findings. Then, they must convince...

Trees look different, just like people look different. Let's look at some up close! Throughout this outdoor activity, elementary learners spend time outside observing the trees on their school property, and reporting on their...

Why do most populations remain stable over time? Usually it is a result of either environmental resistance or carrying capacity. Examine some of the factors that help stabilize animal populations, and explore some of the changes that...

Reebops are cute, marshmallow-based creatures that can be used to teach inheritance. Beginning biologists draw strips of paper that represent chromosomes from two envelopes, one for the father, and one for the mother. Each parent...

Not all dogs are the same just like not all finches are the same. An interactive online lesson helps individuals learn about the causes and limitations to biodiversity. The clickable sections describe the basics of the genetics of...

What do your classes know about biodiversity? A 10-question online quiz asks questions related to biodiversity and species groups. As learners answer questions, they click on links to additional information. The lesson could be an option...

Groups of species can have more in common than meets the eye. An interactive cladogram shows some of the connections between important groups of species. Learners click on sections of the diagram to learn more about the connections or on...

Believe it or not, biodiversity exists even in areas of disturbed habitat. An interactive activity challenges learners to look for species with a magnifying lens in an image of a city habitat. Pop-up images and descriptions explain how...

In a video interview Ana Luz Porzecanski, a conservation biologist with the American Museum of Natural History, answers questions about her work Cuba's biodiversity.

Most people couldn't name the positive qualities of bats. Learners discover how bats benefit the environment and then create a concept map to summarize the information. After their reading, they identify misconceptions people have about...

A small little ant can have a large impact on its ecosystem. Young researchers explore the different species that live in a plains ecosystem. They find the characteristics of several species and then compare species to determine how...

Not all species can survive in all habitats. Using specific criteria, learners assess the fitness of a local habitat to a specific species. They collect data and suggest enhancements to create a suitable habitat for their chosen species.

A field may look like just an expanse of dirt. While in fact, it is a functioning soil ecosystem. Young scientists study the functional diversity in a soil ecosystem by first brainstorming all the organisms they can think of that life in...