Unit Plan
Curated OER

Using computers in the content area

For Teachers K - 4th
Students practice grade appropriate computer basics and integrate them into  the curriculum areas. in this technology lesson, students understand correct behaviors while using the computer. Students become familiar with the Internet...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cell Structure and Function

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students discuss scientific advances brought about by the Mars Surveyor Space Program which impact on daily life, identify laboratory apparatus like microscopes, slides and coverslips, and use the microscopes to view cells and organisms.
Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Natural Resources Bingo

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Bingo isn't just a silly game, it's a great way to practice all types of skills. After reviewing that the earth is composed of natural resources, what those natural resources are, and sustainability, the class plays a game of bingo. The...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Big Teeth You Have:

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students make their own tooth impressions of a sharp and a flat tooth and compare the differences. They make impression of fossil teeth from dinosaurs comparing the sharp and flat teeth and learning about their uses.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate Change

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Learners explore environmental care by researching the impact of human beings on our planet. In this climate change lesson plan, students utilize the Internet to read informational text about climate change and the effect it will have on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Build-A-Horseshoe Crab

For Teachers K - 6th
Students discover many facts about horseshoe crabs. Students identify the main body parts of horseshoe crab. They explore the habits of the horseshoe crab and their importances to the ecosystem. Adaptations for younger students are...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Polishing the Petoskey

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students select a stone and polish it. Throughout the process they demonstrate an understanding of rocks and fossil formation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Polishing the Petoskey

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students polish a Petoskey stone to show how to make an attractive rock display. In this polishing rocks lesson plan, students use sand paper and polishing materials to polish a rock and remove the rock dust. This is to display a nice...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reading Follow-up Activity

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students color a worksheet while discussing characteristics and composition of caves.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth Epochs

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore earth epochs, i.e, Permian, Precambrian, Cambrian, Ordivician and through pictures they see what life on Earth and animals looked like. They organize Earth Epochs according to years going from greatest to least...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Jellybean Hunt

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Young scholars explore natural selection and its influence on the populations to fine tune traits and characteristics. The acquisition of traits developed out of need is examined through a game played in class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scales, Scutes, and Skins

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Students identify the various adaptations of reptiles and amphibians. After distinguishing between reptiles and amphibians, students discuss the ways in which their adaptations aid in their survival. They participate in a hands on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cockroaches

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students listen to a lecture on cockroaches. They work in pairs to design a cockroach trap and attempt to trap a specimen. They complete various other cockroach-related activities.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Learning Lab: Digging Up Dirt: How Paleontologists Bring Dinosaurs Back to Life

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Teachers can download this teaching package that introduces students to the science of paleontology. Fossil formulation and details about the work of paleontologists are discussed. Find out how paleontologists discover, stabilize, and...
Unknown Type
Better Lesson

Better Lesson: Adaptations and Environmental Change an Assessment

For Teachers 3rd
Use this assessment to see what your students have learned about adaptations. This type of assessment allows students to observe and make open-ended claims backed up by evidence. Included are a power point presentation, student quiz, and...