Students examine spiders. In these spider lessons, students will view spider images and live spiders to determine physical characteristics, habits, and habitats. Students will examine fantasy and folklore about spiders to create and...

Learners use pictures of animals to make a classification system. In this classification lesson plan, students are given pictures of different animals. They create a classification system for the animals and identify what they have in...

Students explain habitats. In this model based lesson students create a model to help describe a habitat that is typical of deep-water. Students will describe how organisms such as coral and sponges add to their habitat.

Students choose an organism and create an experiment with that organism. In this observation lesson, students expose a living thing to something from its environment and record their observations. Students must have some prior knowledge...

Students create a WANTED poster about an invasive species to an ecosystem. In this invasive species lesson plan, students watch a video and research an invasive species and create the WANTED poster about it.

Students explore the concept of beneficial microorganisms. In this microorganisms instructional activity, students observe different bacteria found in organisms  Students discuss and describe three ways that microorganisms benefit...

Students navigate the Internet to learn to identify Earthworms. In this taxonomy instructional activity, students explore species of earthworms finding their characteristics and using photographs to identify the species. Students...

Young scholars observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal...

Students participate in multiple hands-on activities to explore reproduction and pollination. In groups, using a cotton swab and powder, students simulate being pollinators and plants. They name the parts of the flowers and the function...

Students bring rocks and minerals from home to investigate in the classroom. In this rocks and minerals lesson plan, students observe all the rocks and minerals brought into the class and answer 7 questions about the features of the...

Students explore the techniques and basic needs of the fisherman.  In this fishing lesson, students view a demonstration of the use of fishing equipment. Students research Iowa farm ponds and design a class mural from their...

Students name wetland plant and animal life.  In this ecosystem lesson students go birdwatching and interpret native plants through art. 

Students investigate how third world countries get their water. In this water lesson, students research how countries like Kenya and Ethiopia get their water supply. Students participate in an experiment to role play how difficult it is...

Fifth graders examine plant and animal cells. In this plant and animal cell lesson, 5th graders define what cells are, label their parts, and describe how plant and animal cells are different. They observe cells at a number of web sites,...

Fifth graders discuss the effects of scarcity.  In this survival activity, 5th graders use strategies that would help them survive in a survival situation. Students write letters about bears in need of help to survive. Students...

Students research various types of owls.  In this owls lesson, students observe owls and discuss their characteristics.  Students go to an owl habitat and listen for the call of an owl. Students read The Owl in the Shower and...

Students explore a variety of guidelines that involve collecting plants in a responsible manner and participate in a plant pressing activity. In this teacher's plant collection guide lesson, students collect data regarding plants,...

Students explore polymer properties. In this instructional activity about polymers, students perform an experiment to understand polymers, their properties, and that they are formed from small molecules. Students role play pretending...

Students explore the parts of plants and discover that plants need to grow. For this plant lesson, students discuss the parts of the plant and plant petunias. Students can share their plants with friends or families.

Fifth graders explore osmosis as they watch organisms divide.  In this organism lesson, 5th graders use potatoes to experiment with the effects of salty water in the body.  Students discuss what osmosis is and record what...

Learners record changes in the composition of a coral reef.  In this Coral Reef lesson, students recognize the needs of Coral Reef species to survive.  Learners chart changes in population over time. Students write an essay...

Students investigate the role of sponges in our oceans.  In this biology lesson, students create a diagram visualizing how sponges bring food into their bodies through a filtering process.  Students discuss the connections...

Students compare and contrast deep-sea coral reefs with shallow-water coral reefs. In this underwater ecology lesson, students describe three types of coral and explain why scientists are concerned about the future of deep-sea coral.

Students explore the four characteristics of an old growth forest. In this forest lesson plan, students research old growth forests and their inhabitants. Students work in four separate groups and create a mural for their characteristic...