Curated OER
Striking a Balance
Students demonstrate understanding of food chain by assuming roles of animals, playing tag, and simulating feeding relationships.
NOAA
A Matter of Density
Larvae transportation on the New England seamounts is based on the density of the water. Scholars calculate density and graph salinity versus temperature to better understand the distribution of organisms in a water column....
NOAA
It's a Roughy Life
Scientists recently discovered several previously unknown species at the Bear Seamount off the coast of New England. Scholars research these new species — benthopelagic, benthic, and seamount fish — and find out what makes them...
NOAA
What's the Difference?
Due to the isolation of seamounts, their biodiversity offers a great deal of information on the development of biological and physical processes. Pupils use simple cluster analysis to rate the similarity and differences in biological...
Smarter Balanced
Zoos
How do the experiences of animals living in zoos differ from animals living in the wild? To prepare for a performance assessment on this question, class members are introduced to key concepts and vocabulary, and then groups use a Venn...
Curated OER
Striking a Balance
Students participate in an activity that demonstrates the principles and dynamics of food chains. They discover that the sun's energy is captured by individual plants and transferred to animals.
Curated OER
Taming Wild Land
Third graders consider the habitat needs of living things and how extensive farming in an area can affect the plants and animals of a region. They participate in a simulation to show how changing the habitat in one area can greatly...
Curated OER
Tropical Dreamscape
Students research information about animal habitats and plant growth in tropical environments. They create unique art with foregrounds and backgrounds that camouflage tropical creatures and search for hidden animals in peer artwork.
Curated OER
Watch Over Wild Wanders
Young scholars collect and organize data relating to migratory species and habitats; undertake a habitat action plan, then maintain planting and building projects for continuing benefit to wildlife; understand the unique needs of...
Curated OER
Cathedral in the Sea
Students construct a model giant kelp and kelp forest inhabitants based on field-guide photographs. Students also place animal cutouts in appropriate positions on or near the plant.
Curated OER
Biodiversity in an Estuary
Students investigate the biodiversity in estuaries. In this estuary lesson plan, students use Google Earth to explore the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. They produce a biodiversity concept map and portray the life of a...
Curated OER
The Impacts of Human Activities on Biodiversity in New Haven County
Students discover how plants and animal ecosystems are affected by the growth of a city. In this ecology instructional activity, students study and observe a plant over a period of time. They develop a creative presentation of their data...
Curated OER
Dive and Discover the Ocean
Third graders investigate the three zones of the ocean and the plants and animals that live in each zone. Projects produced are shared with classmates in a share circle where the unique features of the animal and zone selected are...
Curated OER
Please Help!
Sixth graders examine the prairie food chain while designing a rescue strategy for an endangered species. They compare their strategy to that of a professional conservation expert.
Curated OER
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
With The Great Kapok Tree, by Lynne Cherry as the hook learners discuss the rainforest, the animals that live there, and conservation efforts. Then, students write a letter to the man in the story asking him not to cut down the Kapok...
Curated OER
Conservation in Small Spaces: Conservation
Students define conservation, identify actions that conserve habitat and those that reduce habitat, and generate ideas about how one can practice conservation in everyday life.
Curated OER
Writing Poetry About the Meadow
For this writing poetry about the meadow worksheet, students, after completing a lesson on meadow habitats, read the poem "Over in the Meadow" and then write additional stanzas using rhyming words and facts from the habitat lesson.
Curated OER
Habitat Is Home
Learners are introduced to the concept and components of a habitat. They discuss the key components of a habitat and describe how certain factors can cause disturbances in a habitat and change its population. Activities are leveled for...
Curated OER
Understanding Life System: Growth and Changes in Plants
Third graders research ways in which plants are essential to humans. In this Global Peace lesson, 3rd graders participate in tasks, such as creating a propaganda poster. Students may watch the film, The Lorax, as a closing activity.
Curated OER
Animals in the Wild
Students compare/contrast paintings with similar subjects and themes. They discuss how a painting may relate to life experiences. Students draw animal families and compose a story about a painting by Gerome. They discuss zoos and...
Curated OER
Design-A-Weed
Students create a "super weed" that prospers in teh harsh conditions on plant Weediv. They comprehend how weed adaptations give the plants an advantage over native plants. Students define the term adaptation. They give three examples...
Curated OER
Rainforests: What Are They?
Second graders investigate rain forests by reading a habitat checklist. In this environment lesson, 2nd graders read the book The Great Kapok Tree, and discuss what characteristics make up a rain forest. Students explore a...
Curated OER
Cypress/Tupelo Swamps
Students study the geologic history of terrain, soils, and drainage patterns. They recognize ecological processes that determine the dynamic nature of habitats. They investigate the influence of human activity on the landscape.
Curated OER
Our Lives and the Four Seasons
Students compare and contrast the four seasons. Using this information, they determine the plant, animal and environmental activities that can be enjoyed in each season. They discuss why the seasons must change and how humans adapt to them.