Curated OER
Neurons and the Nervous System
The highlight of this series is activitiy #4. Anatomy pupils examine slides of three unknown cells. With the function of the nervous system in mind, they consider the structure of each and try to guess which one is part of that system....
Curated OER
Track Traces
Learners explore animal characteristics by participating in an animal anatomy activity. In this animal tracks instructional activity, students identify the differences between specific animals and the shape of their footprints. Learners...
Curated OER
The Eye; Structure and Function
Students research the structure and function of the eye. In this anatomy lesson, students write a report about the eye and draw an illustration. They research a particular animal's eye then present their findings to the class without...
Project Oceanography
Fish Shape
A fish's size, fins, and shape can tell us a lot about them! Learners explore fish anatomy to see how species use camouflage, scales, shape, and coloration to survive. The lesson includes advanced vocabulary such as fusiform shape,...
Curated OER
Measuring Animal Sizes (and Relative Sizes in our Animal Environment)
Students discover the actual size and weight of many insects and animals. In this biology lesson, students investigate animals and insects to determine their actual weight and size. In groups, students create an animal or insect of their...
Curated OER
Clam Anatomy
Students are introduced to the anatomy of the inside and outside of a clam before dissecting the animal. During the dissection, they label and identify the function of each part they see including the outside of the clam. They complete...
Curated OER
Fish Anatomy
Add a handy reference sheet about fish anatomy and functioning to your learners' biology or animal notebooks. Though this resource doesn't provide any practice, it makes a useful addition to any study of anatomy, biology, species, fish,...
Curated OER
Animals and Humans
Young scholars identify the functions of various body parts. They participate in the "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" song, draw a picture of themselves and other mammals, and create a traced outline of their body that they add...
Curated OER
Life Cycle
Third graders examine and compare the life cycles of a variety of different animals. They analyze photos of animals and discuss any unique body parts and why those parts function they way they do. Next, they observe mealworms and...
Curated OER
A Cell Is Like A City
Students create analogies that help them remember the cell parts as well as their respective functions.
Curated OER
Mussel Anatomy Lesson Plan
Learners identify the parts and functions of a mussel. They explain how its physical adaptations help it survive in its habitat. They label the parts as a quiz to complete the lesson.
Curated OER
Anatomy: Circulatory System
Young scholars use the Internet to research the circulatory system. They explore the different organs of the circulatory system and their functions. There are animations, online quizzes, games, and interactive tours of this system.
Consortium for Ocean Science Exploration and Engagement (COSEE)
Fish Morphology
Life comes in all different shapes and sizes, and fish are no exception. Here, young scientists create fish prints as they learn how specific characteristics allow different species to survive in their particular habitats.
Curated OER
Bird Brained?
Students identify general abilities that indicate animal cognitive intelligence. In this biology lesson, students create an intelligence testing challenge for ravens. They compare its ability to that of a crow.
California Academy of Science
Fish Prints
What do a dead fish, conservation, and paint have in common? The answer is a great lesson about fish anatomy, fun print making techniques, and unsustainable fishing practices. The class will start by making fish prints with a...
Curated OER
No bones About It -A Mosasaur
Learners model a paleontologist's activities. They identify dinosaur bones and reassemble them into a skeleton of an extinct reptile.
Curated OER
21st Century Medicine: Nerves of Steel
Learners model a sarcomere's action, they gain a kinesthetic and visual understanding of muscle contraction. They use this exercise stimulates the production of myosin and actin. Students use two colors of clay, make a "sandwich" of...
Curated OER
Whose Brain is THAT?!
Students explore various animal brains. In this animal anatomy lesson, students compare and contrast animal brains with the brain of a human. They record several characteristics in a data table for each brain they observe.
Tasha McKelvey
Clay Whistles
Create clay whistles with your elementary or middle school students. The project is outlined in great detail here, complete with step-by-step photographs, finished examples, a materials list, student handouts, and a rubric. Students...
Curated OER
The Envelope Please
Students examine and research the importance and functions of the skeletal system in vertebrates. They construct a 10-foot geodesic dome to illustrate the importance of architectural frameworks and create a clay animation movie.
Curated OER
Beach Life: Clam Dissection
Learners investigate clams. In this clam life lesson, students conduct an experiment where they dissect clams. Learners compare anatomies of humans and clams.
Curated OER
How Are Open Ocean Organisms Structured for Their Environment?
Students explore biology by conducting an animal dissection. In this oceanography lesson, students identify the life cycle of a squid and other animals that are involved with commercial fishing. Students dissect a squid in class and...
Curated OER
Natural Born Robots: Body Builders
Learners perform activities to explore how their arm works and what muscles are involved. They view animated comparisons of human and robotic arms. Students create a model of the human arm.
Curated OER
Sea Horse Body Parts
Students complete a diagram of sea horse body parts. For this sea horse lesson, students review the story Sea Horses A True Book, complete a sea horse diagram using Internet sights to help, make new entries in their KWL charts and work...