Students develop classification scheme that meets the established rules of the Linnaean system. They write one page essay on classification choices.

Young scholars estimate the size of a sea turtle nest, or clutch, that contains about 120 eggs. They decide what type of container that they are familiar with that could hold a complete nest or clutch. Finally, students calculate the...

Students study sea turtles and the concept of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Using a specific set of temperature data, they determine the probable sex of a nest of sea turtle hatchlings and then determine the overall...

Lesson looks at the definition of an ecosystem, biogeochemical cycles, and factors responsible for the differences between ecosystems.

Detailed explanation of the processes by which energy flows through an ecosystem. Scroll down and open Section 3.

This article discusses how plants and microorganisms, until recently, have mostly controlled how much carbon dioxide is released into an ecosystem, and explains how this process works. Humans' burning of fossil fuels has upset the...

Symbiosis is featured in this video to help students understand the process through an engaging video. Know terms like parasites and mutualism to be successful on the test.

Students explore the biosphere and its associated environments and ecosystems in the context of creating a model ecosystem, learning along the way about the animals and resources. Students investigate different types of ecosystems, learn...

What elements are present in a desert ecosystem? What impact might humans have upon it? Learn more about the processes that affect desert ecosystems by visiting this site. Contains only one large illustration.

Explains the processes by which energy flows through an ecosystem. Covers the meanings of key vocabulary, e.g., types of producers and consumers, trophic levels, food webs, and the energy pyramid.

This lesson focuses on the carbon cycle which shows how atoms of carbon can exist within different compounds at different times and be recycled between living organisms and the environment. It also provides a link to an assessment.

Students explore the biosphere's environments and ecosystems, learning along the way about the plants, animals, resources and natural cycles of our planet. Over the course of lessons 2-6, students use their growing understanding of...

The Welikia Project examined what the landscape of New York City looked like in 1609. Use the map to explore the city then and compare it to today. Provides a collection of thirteen lessons for upper elementary but which can be adapted...

After looking at examples of biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems, students focus on abiotic factors in marine ecosystems, the physical processes that are involved, and the impact human activities can have on these. Includes handouts...

Through a series of multi-media learning activities, students will assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystems.

This c.o.o.l. Project focuses on tiny sea plankton and how they move in the oceans. Follow the scientific process outlined on the left, calculate and collect data to form your own predictions.

In this C.o.o.l. project, you are given a task to complete. You will predict where fish should be found in a specific region.Follow the steps of the scientific process outlined on the left menu bar. Useful educational tool for both...

A suite of lessons focusing on the process of upwelling. Inquiry-based exploration of seasonal upwelling includes marine food webs, food production in the ocean, wind-driven ocean currents, and seasonal changes in biotic and abiotic...

The study of biomimicry and sustainable design promises great benefits in design application. It affords means by which to promote cost-effective, resourceful, non-polluting avenues for new enterprise. These "blueprints" have existed...

A detailed overview of global climate change, with explanations of Earth's climate change, the carbon cycle, ecosystems, and greenhouse gases, and how the movements of matter and energy impact on climate. All information is reinforced...

Bycatch, the unintended capture of animals in commercial fishing gear, is one of the hottest topics in marine conservation today. About 25% of the entire global catch is bycatch. This surprisingly high level of bycatch is responsible for...

This comprehensive article provides information about the physical properties of water, the importance of water as an Earth material, the processes and cycles that water undergoes on Earth, its importance to life on Earth, and why we...

This unit provides students with an opportunity to study ecological relationships with an emphasis on the Sonoran Desert. Students appreciate the complexity and balance that supports the exchange of energy and matter within food webs....

Students learn about energy and nutrient flow in various biosphere climates and environments. They learn about herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, food chains and food webs, seeing the interdependence between producers, consumers and...