Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Gorongosa: Making Observations Activity
Do you have young scientists wanting to make new discoveries rather than just completing the same experiments? Young scientists use their observational skills to identify animals and patterns in animal behavior. Through tracking...
Curated OER
Pollution in the Air and the Water Pollution Solution
Students explore air pollution. In this ecology and air pollution lesson, students perform an experiment in which a Vaseline coated lid is placed inside and outside the classroom. Students make predictions and then record what they see...
Curated OER
Ecological Impact of Wood Extraction
Students explore their local environment by conducting a class experiment. For this deforestation lesson, students discuss the effects of wood harvesting on forests around the world and research environment related vocabulary terms....
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Pond Ecology
Fifth graders examine pond ecology, testing how temperature affects the respiration rate of fish. They collect various living things found at a pond, and identify the animal and plant life discovered. They observe a pond community in an...
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Species Diversity in Ecosystems with Different Techniques of Land Management
Students visit numerous places to help in their understanding of Ecology. In this biology lesson plan, students will learn about characteristics and how to identify numerous plants and animals. This lesson allows for many field trip...
University of Southern California
How do Organisms Interact?
Examine how organisms interact through a hands-on experience. Learners study population dynamics and distribution during an informative five-lesson unit. The focus is on the ocean environment and the organisms within it.
Curated OER
Compost and Composting Experiments
Students investigate the composting process through a variety of experiments. In this ecology lesson, students discuss the benefits of composting. They examine how compost affect plant growth.
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Raising an Animal
Students observe reproduction and behavior in several types of animals and nurture a sense of responsibility and cooperation. They then examine external features of several different types of animal groups.
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Eco-enrichers
Students discover the importance of plant and animal components within soil. In this soil lesson, students test the quality of soil. Students then conduct an experiment adding different components to bags of soil to see what will...
Curated OER
Population Densities
Students explore biological impact by completing a worksheet in class. In this animal population lesson, students utilize river rocks and jars to conduct a coqui frog population role play activity. Students define a list of amphibian...
Curated OER
Field Guide to Schoolyard Insects and Their Relatives
Sometimes all you need to complete your perfect lesson plan is an awesome hands-on learning experience. Here is an extension activity that is sure to excite your learners. They'll head outside to observe the local insect community. When...
Curated OER
Organisms – Their Needs
Students compare and contrast different organisms characteristics. In this life science lesson plan, students design an experiment about plants and animals needs. They collect data and write their conclusion about the experiment.
Curated OER
Are You Thirsty: The Effects of Pollution on Drinking Water
Students discuss the different causes of water pollution. In this ecology lesson, students brainstorm ways to purify polluted water. They formulate their conclusion based on the results of the experiments.
Curated OER
WET Science Lesson #11: How Light Affects Water
Scientists listen to the story of Wadja Egnankou who works to save African mangrove forests. They experiment with refraction and the introduction of particulate matter to water. They conclude with creative writing about the need for a...
Curated OER
Biotechnology
Students explore biotechnology through various activities. In this biology lesson, students analyze its pros and cons. They study and read informative articles about biotechnology.
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Venus Flytrap
Students study the Venus Flytrap including its habitat and how it eats. In this ecology lesson students complete several experiments using a Venus Flytrap to see how it reacts to various conditions.
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Wild, Wild Wetland Wildlife
Students investigate biology by participating in a science experiment. In this dissection lesson, students conduct a nature field trip around their school grounds and identify animals, plants, tracks and waste. Students dissect an owl...
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Get- To Know Mammals
Students take a field trip and record information about mammals. In this mammals lesson, students hunt for tracks, waste, or other evidence that a mammal exists in this habitat. Students complete a worksheet on the evidence they have found.
Curated OER
Effects of Water Pollution on Aquatic Organisms
Young scholars investigate water pollution. They develop an understanding of the behavior of organisms, of the structure and properties of matter, and of natural and human induced hazards by conducting lab tests. They present their data...
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Population Density
Pupils use the scientific method to conduct an experiment and use varied methods to gather background information. They correctly use lab equipment and prepare tables and graphs that organize, conclude, and present their findings. ...
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A Fish in Water
Water is essential to all living things. This classroom experiment lets everyone observe goldfish and discuss what fish need to live, like food & clean water. They then listen to the book, Fish Out of Water, and compare the fictional...
Curated OER
Lotic Environment Lesson Plans
Students create and conduct experiments on a "classroom river habitat." They manipulate the biotic and abiotic factors so that they are able to compare an artificially prepared river model to a naturally occurring lotic ecosystem.
Curated OER
Salinity Of Soil
Fourth graders investigate the contents of various types of soil to determine the differences in salinity levels. They conduct an experiment of observing the plants in the different soils. Students then determine survival rates by...
Curated OER
Global Change — Change and Cycles Where Land, Air and Water Meet
Pupils participate in an experiment to define a parts-per-billion solution. In this ecology lesson, students select a second substance to create a parts-per-billion solution and observe and record their results. Pupils work in groups to...