Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Patterns in Nature

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Research patterns in nature which illustrate biological and mathematical concepts. Your class will discover and explore aspects of fractals, Fibonaccis numbers, whale and butterfly migration patterns, whale identification, flower...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nature of Science and Ecology

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students identify the different biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem. In this ecology instructional activity, students perform a case study on current environmental problems. They write a position statement about their chosen...
Lesson Plan
Agriculture in the Classroom

A Rafter of Turkeys

For Teachers 3rd - 5th Standards
How did that turkey get from the early Aztec culture to your table? Learn about the history of wild and domesticated turkeys in North America, as well as their inclusion in Thanksgiving traditions, with a two-part agricultural science...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Selection Day 1

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students define the concept of classification. In groups, they categorize a series of objects into categories they identify. As a class, they participate in a variety of activities to examine the concept of natural selection. To end...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Evolution of the Virus: Teaching Macroevolution Through Microevolution

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Learners describe the anatomy of a virus. In this biology instructional activity, students compare and contrast the characteristics of bacteria and viruses. They discover the genetic adaptations of viruses over time.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Creation of an Imaginary Species

For Teachers 3rd - 9th
Learners explore the characteristics that distinguish different forms of animal life on Earth which are the results of natural selection and adaptations to their environment. The creatures are created using a game and then drawn by the...
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Viruses

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Germs, parasites, and viruses, oh my! Facilitate a lesson plan on viruses as individuals explore functions of Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. They learn how viruses compare with other organisms in nature and how they contribute to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Diversity/Natural Selection

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine mechanisms behind biological evolution and the theories that feed it, and are able to demonstrate their knowledge of these theories in a story.
Unit Plan
Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Life In A Nest: Exploring Life Cycles With Bird Cams

For Students 6th - 12th
Why read about it when you can watch it happen? Bird cams make it possible for learners to experience the life cycle of a bird in real time! An engaging set of lessons provides activities to connect their learning to bird cam...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Survival of the Fittest – Battling Beetles

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore natural selection. For this genetic adaptation lesson, students discover why certain traits continue and some traits disappear. Students discover how species evolve and change. Resources are provided.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Connecticut Wildlife: Biodiversity and Conservation Status of Our Vertebrate Populations

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore the different types of vertebrates found in their area. In this environmental science lesson, students perform a case study on the Common Raven. They analyze data collected from research and create charts and graphs.
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

A Designed Organism

For Teachers 9th - 12th
How can you encourage pupils to demonstrate creativity while still meeting the objective of applying technical knowledge? This activity is your answer! Scientists will create an imaginary creature and prepare a graphic organizer with...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Urban Ecosystems 5: In Defense Of Cities

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explain that while cities have unattractive features, the density of human life enables energy efficiency, mass transit, recycling, and other benefits which are difficult or impossible in rural areas. This is the fifth in an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nature and Fitness Trail

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars plan stations for a nature and fitness trail and construct an accompanying e-Book for extended descriptions at each station. Data on the human impact on the environment is gathered in this activity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scavenger Hunt: Simulating Natural Selection

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students simulate natural selection using pinto beans. In this biology lesson, students identify the factors affecting organism evolution. They record data from the experiment and formulate a conclusion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Survival of the Fastest: Predator and Prey in the African Savannah

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore the predator-prey relationship using an interactive game. In this biology instructional activity, students compare their physical attributes. They explain how  predators develop to make it stronger and efficient as...
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Ecosystem Dynamics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Searching for an eccentric way to enhance lessons on ecosystems while ensuring pupils remain creative and motivated? Upon viewing The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, designated groups design and construct a pop-up book that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nature Superfish

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners study the behavior or ocean animals called  billfish. In this life science lesson, students create their own documentary about a local animal. They share their videos with the entire school.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nature, Red in Tooth and Claw

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the science and art of taxidermy, and research various biomes that could be depicted in museum displays. They synthesize their knowledge by creating dioramas that depict the diverse life forms typical of these biomes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Legendary Raptors

For Teachers 9th - 12th
How are raptors and airplanes alike? Combine science and language arts in this fun and interactive project. Young scientists research the animal in order to design their own aircraft, and compete in a contest for farthest, fastest, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cycles and Starting Mealworms

For Teachers 4th
Here is a fascinating lesson about the life cycles of plants and animals, and other cycles found in nature. Learners explore the cycle of the moon, the tides, and other sequences of events in every day life. The big activity is the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Draw an Alien in Natural Habitat

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students apply prior knowledge of living things, structures of living things and how living things sense and respond to their environment. In this habitat instructional activity, students review the basic needs of organisms to survive....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Seeds of Wetland Life

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students participate in several activities on seed exploration. In this biology lesson, students classify seeds according to their dispersal method. They explain the different adaptations plant have to disperse their seeds.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Use of Myths in Science

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine folk tales to determine the basis for scientific myths. They demonstrate through the discussion of the folk tales that the perception of the world has changed as new information is gained. They write their own folk...