Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Section Two: Why is Biodiversity Important?
Explore soil, genetic traits, natural resources, and pollution in a series of lessons that focus on biodiversity. Kids complete experiments to learn more about the importance of varied genes and organisms in an ecosystem.
Curated OER
Plant Diversity and Distribution
Students construct a defined plot on school grounds and observed patterns in plant life. They count trees, shrubs, cacti and record on a data sheet. They compare data and generate a plant diversity overlook for their school.
KOG Ranger Program
Managing Forests to Prevent Wildfires
Sometimes the best way to prevent forest fires is to create smaller fires. Explore forest management with an activity that explains the ways that controlled burns can keep unexpected fires from running amok in the wilderness and nearby...
Curated OER
Ecology
Students make connections between their daily lives and the usage of natural resources as they relate to the importance of environmental quality. In this ecology lesson, students listen to the story The Lorax by Dr. Seuss and then...
Curated OER
Habitats Past and Present
Learners explore the changes in animal habitats. In this ecosystem lesson, students use the Internet to explore the changes in the environment since the 1700's. Learners complete a Venn diagram to compare the differences in the animal...
Desert Discoveries
Keepers of the Prairie
Young ecologists examine the case of the prairie dog, and their near extinction. They read a terrific student handout embedded in the plan, and engage in a class discussion that's based on what they read. Learners perform research on...
Curated OER
The Everglades in Danger!
Students are explained that the Florida Everglades are in danger. They explore the characteristics of the Florida Everglades. Students investigate about ways they can help protect the Florida Everglades. They are shown where Florida is...
Curated OER
Weather and Seasons: Mt. Seymour Winter Fieldtrip
Students explore winter adaptations and glare. In this winter weather lesson, students discuss the season of winter and how animals and plants adapt to the changing weather. Students discuss the glare off snow and make goggles for their...
Curated OER
Environment
Students examine the energy saving benefits of trees. They identify ways in which trees reduce air pollution. They also work together to solve problems related to pollution.
Curated OER
What If We Run Out?
Students explore the consequences of shrinking habitats and the human impact on wildlife populations. They participate in a game to study the consequences and describe the preservation of animal habitats.
Curated OER
Who Works in This Forest?
Students examine the variety of jobs that are related to working in the forest. Information on the different jobs is provided in this lesson plan for the teacher to share with the students. The students create a collage using magazines...