Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Human Origins: The Prehistoric Human Race

For Teachers 9th - 12th
When it comes to the origin of the human species students are full of misconceptions. Clear up the hominid confusion with this evolutionary activity focused on assisting students in understanding prehistoric man and his family tree....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Roots: The Ancestry of Modern People

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the models for the origin of modern humans and the conditions that facilitate speciation and evolution. The classification and nomenclature of hominid species is also examined.
Study Guide
Joel Michel Studies

The Tale of Despereaux: Novel Study

For Teachers 4th - 7th Standards
What kind of mouse is Despereaux Tilling ... a field mouse? A white-footed mouse? With the novel study for The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, scholars research the different species of mice and draw pictures of the one that they...
Activity
Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Stalking the Genetic Basis of a Trait

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Need an a-maize-ing lesson to show your class how regulatory genes work? If you use the well-written resource, they'll be all ears! Biology scholars discover the gene responsible for the evolution of the modern-day corn plant through a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tracing the Origins of Man

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students discuss Hominid evolution through various websites and other resources. They examine online fossil skulls, discuss the use of tools by ancient man, and look for examples of sophisticated tools built by man.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Under the Sea

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students imagine and describe fictitious sea animals that might live in the ocean. After reading an article, they reflect on new discoveries found in the ocean recently. Using the internet, they research the interdependence of animals...
Activity
Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Have you always wanted to take your science class on an amazing field trip they will never forget? Now you can! Observe the wildlife in an African savanna through trail cameras with a five-part data analysis activity. Learners analyze...
Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Human Evolution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
As the great and hilarious Tim Minchin once said, "Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organizing our curiosity." Science is more than just a guess; it is based on questions, observations, and evidence. High...
Activity
Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Using DNA to Explore Lizard Phylogeny

For Teachers 6th - 12th
In a fun and interactive two-day lesson, learners sort anole lizard pictures by appearance. Next, they watch a video about the anoles and re-sort based on the information in the video. In addition to physical characteristics, budding...
Unit Plan
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Curated OER

Darwin’s Bees

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
What do you call a bee born in May? A maybe! This first instructional activity in a series of four begins with a starter activity to get scholars thinking about the topic. Then a circus, or circuit of seven activities,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Animal Adaptations

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders discover the adaptation of species through analyzing pictures.  In this scientific discovery lesson, 5th graders discuss the concept of adaptation in order for survival.  Students view many images of extinct...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Return Of The Living Dead

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research endangered animal species that have 'beaten the odds' as they continue to survive longer than scientists had expected. They write individual pages for a class book about endangered species.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Products from the Rainforest

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders write a story about the journey a food has from the rainforest to your table. In this food lesson plan, 2nd graders research different foods and products that come from the rainforest and discover how it ended up in their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Charles Darwin

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research Charles Darwin and the process he used to develop his theory of evolution. They keep a journal about the skill of observation and make a newspaper of their learning.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Whale of a Problem

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners evaluate the possible causes contributing to the decline of the killer whale population from a number of differing perspectives. They present their findings in a talk show format and in letters of advocacy regarding
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

No Place Like Home?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate the impact of the physical environment on an endangered species. They create a plan for the ideal care of the species and develop an advertisement to promote awareness about the need for its protection.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Branching Out

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners investigate the causes and effects of the spread of tree diseases in the U.S., and research certain American species of trees and the diseases that commonly threaten them. They create pamphlets to help identify healthy and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mad About Madagascar

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read/discuss "On Madagascar, A Treasury of Fauna and Flora," examining the issues affecting the biodiversity of Madagascar. They present information on issues affecting Madagascar's ecology, and write policy statements on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Field of Beans

For Teachers 1st - 4th Standards
Beans, or legumes as they are sometimes called, are the topic for an integrated multi-subject lesson. Youngsters will read, write, observe, and research everything there is to know about beans. They read a bean story, conduct a bean...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wildlife, Wolves, Endangered Species

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students use the Internet to research wildlife and conservation efforts. They examine pictures and graphics to research endangered species and humans role in their lives. They also use math to measure areas of habitats and add the number...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Tree Full of Ancestors

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study human evolution and the scientific process. They complete the Origins of Humankind Web activity to become familiar with the hominid species as well as the associated evidence found, in the form of fossils and artifacts.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Jewel of the Earth

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students investigate several organisms, set sticky traps to collect them, and attempt to identify and classify them using a variety of sources. The origins of the organisms are traced and their adaptive features examined.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Flying Off the Threatened Species List

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students research the status of species that have been removed from the Federal Register of endangered and threatened species to help them determine whether or not the American bald eagle should also be removed from the list.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Invasive Species

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study exotic and native species, and examine how exotic species can impact native ones. They study how the mute swan effects native species.