College at Brockport
Healthy Ecosystems
Is there a connection between the snowshoe hare population and the lynx population? Young scientists will examine this question and graph actual data to determine the relationship between these two species, as well as researching another...
Curated OER
How Many Animals?
Students use their math skills to develop estimates for the population of several animal species native to the Austrailian rainforest. It is a simulation that researchers at the Center for Rainforest Studies in Australia perform to...
Curated OER
Oh Deer! and English Learner Writing Extensions
Young scholars follow deer through Yellowstone Park and record the number of deer from year to year. For this basic needs of deer lesson, students work in small groups and chart the number of deer each year and give explanations using as...
National Wildlife Federation
Gator Hole Graphics
Climate changes are cyclic so how do these changes impact species that live in different habitats? Learners examine the rainfall levels in a specific swamp habitat. They also review graphical data and tell a story about how the levels...
Curated OER
Mark-and-Recapture
Students investigate the mark-and-recapture method for estimating the population of an animal species. They evaluate given data to answer a set of questions.
Curated OER
The Coyote Population: Kansas Prairies
Students discover animal lifestyles by researching their ecosystem. In this animal statistics lesson, students research the geography of Kansas and discuss the reasons why wild animals survive in the open Kansas fields. Students complete...
Curated OER
Biomimicry, Nature: Architecture of the Future
Students explore the relationship between nature and architecture. In this cross curriculum history, culture, and architecture lesson, students observe and discuss structures visible in nature. Students view websites in which Native...
Curated OER
Schoolyard Tree Inventory and Biodiversity Project
Young scholars investigate the trees in their schoolyard by collecting data. In this ecosystem lesson students examine the schoolyard in sections, tagging and numbering trees and shrubbery in the specific area. Young scholars collect...
Curated OER
Populations
Students calculate the area of grasslands needed to support a small pride of lions. They also identify food web links in an ecosystem and trace the energy pathways in an ecosystem.
Curated OER
How Many Penguins Does It Take? Studying Carrying Capacity and Limiting Factors
How does a population's habitat determine the size of that population? Teach learners about carrying capacity and limiting factors with an engaging roleplay activity. Class members pose as a colony of penguins who must gather food amidst...
Curated OER
Quadrat Sampling 101
Students explore the population of grass plants in a given area. They plan and conduct a sampling activity to estimate the population of dandelions or the number of grass blades on the school grounds.
Curated OER
Wildlife Sampling-Capture-Recapture
Seventh graders simulate the capture-recapture method of population sampling using beans. For this biology lesson, 7th graders calculate the total population of beans in the bowl. They assess whether this method is reliable or not.
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Community Tree Contest
Students observe trees in their neighborhood. They practice tree identification and incorporate math skills to determine the winner of a 'Tree-mendous Tree' contest in which they determine which is the biggest tree.
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Transforming Food Energy: A Balancing Act
Students explain their role as consumers. They use a purchased calorimeter or make their own simple calorimeter to measure the energy content in selected foods. This interesting instructional activity really gets students thinking about...
Curated OER
Loggerhead Nest Management Program
Young scholars identify the sea turtle management documentary and complete an activity for each slide. They plot the location of nests laid on the island they patrol and discuss their rationale for management decisions. Finally,...
Curated OER
Ping Pong Vocabulary
Students estimate the size of a sea turtle nest, or clutch, that contains about 120 eggs. They decide what type of container that they are familiar with that could hold a complete nest or clutch. Finally, students calculate the volume...