Desert Discoveries
Amazing Arthropods
Arthropods are the stars of a fine science instructional activity. Learners look at the diversity, characteristics, adaptations, and important roles that these insects play in the Sonoran Desert environment. A terrific document called...
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Exploration of "Pillbugs"
Fifth graders define vocabulary terms, identify the characteristics of a pillbug, and create a dichotomous key. Then they examine the pillbugs and make observations and record these observations. Finally, 5th graders observe specific...
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Are You One of Us?
Learners investigate how scientists sort and classify organisms. For this sorting and classifying lesson, students examine what systematics are as tools that scientists use. They examine images of invertebrates and sort them while...
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Types of Legs
Students identify the characteristics of the legs of arthropods as well as how they are used. They compare and contrast the legs of various types of bugs in the arthropod family. A comparison worksheet is included in with this lesson.
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Insect Classification
Students compare and contrast the visible structures of three insects based on photographs. They differentiate characteristics of crane flies, ants, and wasps then create a simple classification system.
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The Animals Kingdom
Students are introduced to the classification system of animals. In groups, they set up an aquarium in which they must maintain throughout the year. They also observe earthworms and how they react to various stimuli and research the...
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Invent an Insect
Explore biology by researching adaptation. First, learners research and define a list of insect vocabulary terms and discuss the benefits of each insect characteristic. They then utilize a worksheet to create their own insect and share...
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The Spider Beside Her
Second graders are introduced to the characteristics of spiders. In groups, they compare and contrast spiders to different insects to discover spiders are not an insect at all. In groups, they create a model of a spider and discuss its...
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Diversity of Life
Students study Arthropods and their characteristics. In this organisms lesson students explore the success of Arthropods and answer questions.
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Create a Soil Aggregate
Students simulate the conditions which occur in a soil aggregate. They explain how IPM affects the environment. They identify the cast of characteristics to develop their aggregate.
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Bug Hunt
Students examine the different characteristics of bugs in their local area. They take characteristics of bugs they have observed and create their own new insect. They draw their new bug and share it with the class.
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Classification of an Echinoderm
High schoolers study starfish through dissection. In this biology lesson plan, students explore the lives of starfish as they view a slide show, observe parts of echinoderms, and compare the classification of the starfish with other...
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Bug's Eye View
Students explore biology by writing fictitious stories in class. In this insect life instructional activity, students identify many different types of insects in the animal kingdom and the classifications they fall into. Students collect...
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Halloween: Arachnids
High schoolers participate in class discussion about the movie Arachnophobia. In this biology lesson, students find articles and photos of a species that interest them. They share it with their group.
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Soil Organisms
Students work together to collect soil samples from different locations. In the samples, they identify the macroorganisms and classify them. They identify the conditions that affect how macroorganisms grow. They also analyze and identify...