What forest is in the ocean? The class watches a video that introduces the kelp forest and the parts of kelp. Learners dive into the ocean and see what different species live near the canopy, the midwater, and the bottom of the kelp...

Take a drift in the ocean. Class members watch a video on plankton, the drifters of the ocean. Scholars find out about the different types of plankton and sea jellies. To add a little variety, they use the aquarium webcams to study sea...

Even animals that are part of the same species have differences. Learners read a passage about white and brown pelicans and compare their features. They recognize that although the birds look very similar, they also have their own unique...

Who doesn't love a day at the zoo? Use an observation and inference lab to get young anatomists to recognize similarities between mammalian species based on brain structures. You provide the brains; this lesson provides set-up...

The circle of life is all around us, from the black bears in the nearby mountains to the pile of dead leaves in the backyard. Encourage young scientists to take a critical look at the world around them with a set of lessons...

How did Charles Darwin support his controversial theory of evolution with evidence? Use an excerpt from his 1859 work On the Origin of Species to reinforce the importance of making inferences within an informational text, and to...

Learners match each body part or idea from a work bank about methods of animal adaptations for winter survival. They observe as the first one, food is covered with the whole class before completing the rest of the diagram. They discuss...

Students explore the many adaptations desert animals have made to survive in their challenging habitat. They use this information to invent new creatures well-suited for desert life.

Students investigate animals and their environments. In this animal similarities and differences lesson plan, students explore animal adaptations and features and their habitats. Students get into groups to discuss the habitat and...

In this ecology lesson, students select an animal to study and read about how this animal adapts to ecological disaster. They complete 5 short answer questions after reading.

Students examine the harsh living environment of the Namib Desert. They watch and discuss a video, record the types of insects observed in the video, record information about insects and animal adaptations in their science journals, and...

This PowerPoint includes a game with ocean graphics in which two teams answer increasingly difficult questions about animals. Topics covered include plant and animal cells, animal adaptation, and similarities and differences between...

Students examine the relationship between animal adaptations, habitats and community interactions.  In this ecology lesson students complete a skull detective worksheet then use their knowledge to analyze a skull. 

Students study shark and ray adaptations that have helped their survival.  In this animal adaptations instructional activity students view a video and work in groups to research specific types of sharks and rays.

Students identify how animals adapt characteristics to help them survive or reproduce. In this animal lesson, students draw pictures of their animal and adaptation.

Students explore the adaptations that are made by polar bears. They discuss the color of polar bears as well as the dominant color that is found in the arctic. Students create a polar bear puppet.

Fourth graders examine animal adaptatations for various animals and different environments throughout the year. They use the Internet to research these environments and apply them to the animals.

Fifth graders explore walrus and their habitat.  In this animal adaptation instructional activity students complete a hands on activity while in groups and use the Internet for research. 

In this reading comprehension and following directions activity, students read facts about Arctic waters, the Inuit, Arctic animal adaptations, polar bears, walruses, seals, narwhal, Beluga whales and create a mix-and-match animal...

Students explore animal and plant adaptation.  In this ecosystems science lesson, students view websites to gain information about plankton and its  interdependence within ecosystems. Students identify ways in which plankton...

Students explore animal characteristics by examining water currents in person. For this animal strength lesson, students discuss tides and currents and attend a field trip in which they are in contact with flowing water. Students create...

Young scientists explore the wintertime behavior of common animals with this presentation on hibernation. Offering clear explanations about the who, what, where, when, and why regarding hibernation, this resource is perfect for primary...

Penguins are very diverse and well-adapted birds; they live on islands, in warm and cold climates. Little ones examine penguin diversity and discuss the highly functional adaptive traits that have helped them survive in some of the...

An online resource shows learners some species that are very good at using their camouflage as well as other ways species use their coloring for survival. Interactive and digital, the lesson is perfect as a remote learning resource.