Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changes in Nature

For Teachers 5th
The goal of this science lesson is to have youngsters be able to identify the physical and chemical changes in the carbon cycle, and water cycle due to weathering. The in-class inquiry/experiment is quite interesting and easy to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Earth Systems

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders investigate biological systems. They summarize relationships between systems. Students determine how systems relate within the biosphere. They analyze the carbon cycle.
Lesson Plan
NASA

The Cycle of Matter

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
An educational lesson focuses on the idea of conservation of matter through a demonstration of the water cycle, a discussion of digesting food, and the path of carbon and oxygen atoms as they change form. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Effects of Photosynthesis on Plant Growth

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are able to draw a diagram of the light reactions and briefly describe what is occurring throughout the process. They are able to explain where each reactant/product in the photosynthesis equation comes from/goes during the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changes in Nature

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders identify the chemical and physical changes in the water cycle, carbon cycle, and the effects of weathering. They analyze the periodic table, and observe how vinegar reacts with limestone in a chemical reaction that causes...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Alternative Energy

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students discover the different alternative fuel sources. In this biology lesson, students identify the different stages of the carbon cycle. They explain the pros and cons of using alternative energy.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plant Transpiration

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct various experiments to investigate plant transpiration. In this biology lesson, students explain how this process helps maintain the hydrologic cycle. They measure the rate of water loss in plants using a potometer.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecosystems Beneath the Surface

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders create a KWL chart about microorganisms. In this biology lesson, 6th graders create and label a diagram on a microbial mat. They investigate the processes involved in the carbon, oxygen and sulfur cycles.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Effects of Photosynthesis on Plant Growth

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students examine the process of photosynthesis; its products and reactants, and the sequence of the process. They diagram the light reactions, record observations of plants, and discuss how difficult it is to measure plant growth as it...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Microbes in Long Island Sound

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students discover the harm and benefits of microbes. In this biology lesson, students explore water, nitrogen and carbon cycles. They investigate the factors affecting bacteria growth.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Microbial Influence on Earth's Systems

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Learners identify the different biogeochemical cycles on Earth. In this biology lesson, students observe microbes under a microscope. They compare and contrast respiration and photosynthesis.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Carbon and Oxygen Cycles

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students construct their own diagrams outlining the pathway of carbon and oxygen in the atmosphere. Students explain their diagrams outlining the pathway and teacher checks for accuracy and completion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biological Sciences

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students examine biodiversity and interrelatedness concepts.  In this ecology activity students go on a field trip and fill out a data sheet. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Terrestrial Sequestration - Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students investigate how plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. For this biology lesson, students differentiate photosynthesis and cellular respiration. They discuss the important role of plants in the environment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Changes in Nature

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore changes in nature. They identify chemical and physical changes in the water cycle, carbon cycle, and weathering. Students explore a chemical or physical change based on a chemical formula. They examine the effects...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trophic Relationships, Cycling of Chemicals, Human Impact on Ecosystems and Conservation

For Teachers 7th - 11th
Students explore how the energy flow through a system is related to trophic levels. They investigate how organisms affect the cycling of elements and water through the biosphere. Students participate in lab activities to observe ways...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Recyclers Revisited

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders observe their plant experiments that they started in a previous lesson and examine the role of decomposers in the nitrogen cycle. Two weeks after they set up a worm terrarium, they analyze any changes they observe, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Food Chains

For Teachers 4th
Learners take a look at the relationship between organisms in food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids. After an opening demonstration by the teacher, pupils are split up into groups. Each one is assigned an environment such as:...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mussel Your Way Through Photosynthesis

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Learners, using zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), elodea and an indicator dye, observe and record the role of light in photosynthesis. They consider plant production of carbon dioxide and the use of live materials in biological...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oxygen Factory

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine the interdependence of the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle in an ecosystem through a laboratory investigation. After a lecture/demo, 4th graders complete the lab in groups.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dirty Decomposers

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders design and conduct experiments to determine what environmental factors favor decomposition by soil microbes. They use chunks of carrot for the materials to be decomposed, and their experiments are carried out in plastic...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Amounts of Dissolved Oxygen in Various Bodies of Water

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students test water to determine the dissolved oxygen content while displaying the proper use of testing instruments while visiting water testing sites. They determine if the amount of dissolved oxygen is appropriate for the tested...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plant Science: Introduction to Photosynthesis

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students explore the process of photosynthesis in plants. They discuss the purpose of photosynthesis and its components. Students discuss the importance of photosynthesis for plants and they examine the parts of the plant that play an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stomata: Microscopic Openings that Let Plants Breathe

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students participate in a lab experiment to observe and measure the opening and closing of stomata. They focus on photoperiod, locate and identify stomata on a leaf and explain the role of stomata in the daily functioning of a plant.