Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Specialized Structures and Environments

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore biology by completing an Internet activity in class. In this adaptation instructional activity, 5th graders identify several organisms and mammals that fight for their existence through slow changes to their anatomy...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Long Winter's Nap

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students explore the process of estivation, hibernation and torpor and the ways that frogs adapt to seasonal weather changes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Animals Meet Their Needs

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders research the Internet for facts relating to the animal of their choice. They use information from their Internet search to complete their animal project. TLW use his or her own words when writing their report.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Insect Challenge Project

For Students 6th - 8th
In this biology worksheet, students identify insects by their name and write it in the correct box on the sheet. Then they catch insects with nets and bring them in to identify. Students also earn points for the number of insects caught...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Do You Do With An Orphaned Cheetah?

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students brainstorm techniques for teaching baby cheetahs survival skills. In this science lesson, students view an episode of "Cheetah Orphans" and work together to analyze the situation and develop a plan to teach the baby cheetahs the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Living Environment

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders make a chart of animals and plants that live in either the desert, the ocean, or the tundra. In this environment lesson plan, 4th graders work in groups to discover characteristics needed for these animals to live in that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

On Our Own- Surviving on Another Planet

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students investigate current models for Lunar and Martian settlements and study the mathematics behind these designs. They design their own Lunar or Martian settlement with an explanation of why their model would work best.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scales, Scutes, and Skins

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Students identify the various adaptations of reptiles and amphibians. After distinguishing between reptiles and amphibians, students discuss the ways in which their adaptations aid in their survival. They participate in a hands on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Unique Plants of the Biomes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine how the earth is divided into different biomes that are characterized by a distinctive climate.  In this earth's surface lesson students identify adaptations of plants in specific biomes. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Old is that Cookie?

For Teachers K - 6th
Students investigate adaptation.  For this cookie age lesson, students examine changes and variations in chocolate chips in cookies in preparation for determining the age of trees using lines.  Students discuss how the age of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pond and Pond Organisms

For Teachers K - 7th
Students explore pond ecosystems.  For this pond organism activity, students will use pond water and a plastic bad in order to locate and identify freshwater organisms.  The activity is designed for younger grades, but...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Snakes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students create a page in a classroom field guide to snakes. They each choose a different snake species to study in depth using the internet and books. The page contains information on habitat and adaptations of the snake as well as a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Folktales (African American, Chinese, Japanese and Korean)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners participate in a variety of activities that are concerned with comparing different cultures through the literary genre of folktales. The stories are used to stimulate student interest and provide a context for how a society...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Communication

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students investigate communication as an adaptation by examining visual, tactile, chemical and auditory communication. They study the characteristics of the red fox an songbirds.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Garden of Eden

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students view a video clip about animals and their habitats. They work together to discuss how different animals adapt to their environments. They create a new habitat for a specific animal and draw new adaptations for them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating a Fresh Fish

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate the anatomy of a fish. In this adaptations instructional activity, 4th graders look at fresh fish and identify their adaptations and decide where they think the fish may live. Students draw and label the fish...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Build an Anchialine Pond

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners explore biology by conducting a nature experiment. In this pond examination lesson, students utilize recycled materials, play-doh and water to recreate a pond and its inhabitants. Learners identify the different elements within...
Lesson Plan
Desert Discoveries

Sonoran Desert Predators and Prey

For Teachers 3rd
Here is a fabulous lesson plan the animals found in the Sonoran Desert. Learners classify these animals as predators, prey, or both! They take a look at the many adaptations that these animals utilize to help them find food, and avoid...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Playing Hot and Cold

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students read about homeothermy. Through research and poster projects, they gain insight into the diversity among mammals and the ways specific mammals survive in their native climates.
Lesson Plan
Desert Discoveries

Nocturnal Navigators

For Teachers 3rd
Young biologists take a look at some of the unique ways that nocturnal animals survive in the dark. After reading a terrific student handout which is embedded in the plan, learners work together to answer questions about what they have...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Finding, Gathering, Saving Seeds

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students understand the importance of saving seeds. In this saving seeds lesson, students dry out seeds for later use planting. Students recognize that one plant may have many seeds.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hey - It's a Rainy Forest Out There!

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Elementary schoolers take part in a very good lesson plan which has them watch video, conduct experiments, complete hands-on activities, and work in cooperative groups. The educationally-rich activities are clearly-explained, and the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reading Research!

For Teachers K
Students investigate the life of an animal and how it responds to winter. The lesson's focus is on reading and research skills using pictures to assist in the understanding of the information presented.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Darwin's Finches

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders engage in a study of the Theory Of Evolution with the use of Darwin's finches as examples while making a connection to adaptive radiation. They use class discussion in order to further the instructional activity and focus...