Curated OER
Environment: River of Life
Students assess the impact of human activity on the environment. After reading the book, "A River Ran Wild," they role-play and discuss how people changed the river. Students write stories about living along a river from the point of...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Faces of Climate Change
You know global warming is real when your squirrel feeder is full of popped corn instead of kernels! Activity two in a series of five allows learners to explore climate change through the eyes of another. After briefly analyzing their...
Curated OER
Genetically Modified Organisms
High Schoolers complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics of (and take a position concerning) genetically modified organisms in the field of agriculture. They complete a PowerPoint demonstration to go along with the unit.
University of Washington
Toothpick Fish
With colored toothpicks representing genes, youngsters practice passing them through generations of fish and learn about heredity. Consider this as an introductory activity since it does not represent recessive genes with lowercase...
Curated OER
Making a Human Tree
Learners explore botany by defining the anatomy of a tree. In this environmental exploration activity, students research plant vocabulary terms and discuss the uses of each word. Learners create a "human" tree by role-playing as one of...
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Crashed on the Moon
Students compare and contrast the environments of the moon and the earth. They discover how the differences might change one's daily activities.
Curated OER
Fossil Fuels: Facing the Issues
Students explore energy by researching fuel usage on Earth. In this fossil fuel lesson, students define fossil fuels, the energy created by burning them, and the impact on the environment when using them. Students conduct pollution...
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The Wildland/Urban Interface Dilemma
Learners examine all sides of the issues surrounding wildland fire. Groups assume the roles of different people who must decide what to do about a fictitious wildfire. They have a discussion to analyze the issue. A good, real life lesson!
Curated OER
TECH:Robotic Hazardous Materials Squad
Students use a remote controlled robot to simulate a hazardous materials removal exercise. They are introduced to the following career: Robotics, Hazardous Materials Specialist, Robotic Technician, Environmental Scientist, Manufacturing...
Curated OER
Turtle Hurdles
Students participate in a simulation in which they discover the threats to sea turtles throughout the world. In groups, they act out the life cycle of a sea turtle and describe the stresses that threaten their survival. As a class,...
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Smart Decision!
Fourth graders use a Decision Making Model to analyze and solve an environmental problem of public concern. Groups review a real life environmental problem, and use a worksheet imbedded in this plan to guide their decision.
Curated OER
Who Will Get the Last Drop?
Students discuss the importance of California's water system. In this earth science lesson, student play the role of different stakeholders. They present a 2-3 minute argument on their group's perspective about their need for water.
Curated OER
Biologically Altered (B/A Fish)
Learners complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics involved in biologically altering fish. They hold a mock town meeting in which they determine whether or not a transgenic aquaculture should be allowed to locate in...
Curated OER
The Pickle "Dill"emma
Learners study a problem in their local farming community regarding a pickle factory, and the class is asked to help determine if the pickle factory is the source of a seed germination problem.
Curated OER
Panther Exam: Writing a Play
Students demonstrate their knowledge of panthers by writing a play on the subject. For this animal life lesson, students view a slide-show on school computers of a veterinary exam of a panther. Students utilize this scenario to write a...
Curated OER
Fishing For The Future
Students participate in a simulation using M&M's that highlights Garrett Hardin's concept of the "tragedy of the commons." They use the activities to study sustainability issues in the fishing industry.
Curated OER
To Culture or Not to Culture
Students study the pros and cons of the aquaculture industry after reading hypothetical case study. They simulate a town meeting debate about aquaculture.
Curated OER
Pond Water Web
Students identify the different organisms in the food web. In this biology activity, students create food chains using the information on cards. They explain what happens if an organism is removed or added in the web.
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Plants and Animals, Partners in Pollination
Young scholars participate in multiple hands-on activities to explore reproduction and pollination. In groups, using a cotton swab and powder, students simulate being pollinators and plants. They name the parts of the flowers and the...
Curated OER
"ART ZOO 'Blacks in the Westward Movement', 'What Can You Do with a Portrait', and 'Of Beetles, Worms, and Leaves of Grass'"
Students study black history, examine portraits and portrait making and create their own portraits, and investigate their natural environment. This humanities activity provides a text that can be used to teach lessons in black history,...
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Biofilms Are Everywhere
Students research biofilms and create brochures. They role play as advertising firm members assigned to educate the general public about biofilms. They create "wanted dead or alive" posters about harmful and helpful biofilms respectively.
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Amazon Rainforest Conservation, Brazil
Students explore the concept of understanding the effects of disturbances in an environment. In this life science lesson, students use the game Jenga to help capture the idea of environment disturbances. Students discuss the effects of...
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Solve the Case!
Students discover the habits of panthers by solving fictitious crime mysteries. In this animal life lesson plan, students utilize their research from previous lessons to solve mysteries in a panther activity. Students answer questions...
Curated OER
The Landfill Loafers Meet the Wise Buys
Fourth graders demonstrate an understanding of recyclable materials, what proper disposal of these items is and which waste materials can be recycled. Students engage in a simulation/role play that increases their understanding of...