Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Invertebrate Classification

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers discuss the recent disovery of the "furry lobster" to peak interest in the animal kingdom. They classify various speciments using invertebrate dichotomous keys, identifying major animal phyla and classes. Thy the complete...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Urban Safari: A Walk on the Wild Side

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students discover the urban ecosystem through a series of activities. They explore both the biotic and abiotic factors of the urban environment.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Animals Spiral Puzzle

For Students 3rd - 5th
In this animal puzzle worksheet, students use a set of 8 clues about animals to complete a spiral puzzle. A reference web site is included for additional activities. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Needs of Living Things

For Teachers K - 5th
Students watch video clips of animals and plants in their natural environment, to gather evidence that all living things have basic survival needs. Students draw pictures of real or imaginary pets eating, drinking, breathing, and taking...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Survival of the Fishes

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Young scholars study the aquatic environment in which largemouth bass are able to survive. They participate in a mystery animal activity based on their own basic needs to determine the identity of the largemouth bass.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creatures of the Ocean

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders examine the characteristics of a specific ocean creature. In pairs, 2nd graders create a graphic organizer to list categories and supporting details of the ocean creature. Students review data and use it to write a report...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Camp Expedition

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students select an animal to research that lives in the camp environment. Students spend time using books and the Internet to research their animals, including size and appearance. Students create a mural to depict the environment and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chain Reaction

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students study animal behavior and how it changes to its environment.  In this animal lesson students design and conduct experiments.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hide In Plain Sight

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Learners view video clips and use the Internet to look for hidden animals. They then use the Internet to print out animal shapes and color them. They create environments on construction paper in which their animals can hide.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Soak it up

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students complete a hands on activity using hard boiled eggs, food coloring, tape, cups, water, and a knife to show how permeability affects animals. In this permeability lesson plan, students complete this activity and learn how...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Studying Birds in the Field

For Teachers Pre-K - 6th
This is a well-designed science activity which helps learners learn the behavior of different species of birds. Working with partners and in small team, students learn to scientifically observe birds.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Something Fishy Going On

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students create a video animation of how Swimmy gathered his fish friends together to form a great big fish that would frighten the predator tuna away. In art class each child create a small red fish which gets displayed in the ocean...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Protecting Holy Cows

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study the interrelationships of organisms and their environments. They study ecological communities and determine what is necessary for survival. Students discuss and answer questions concerning a group's biome, habitat, food...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biodiversity in an Estuary

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Camouflage

For Teachers 1st
First graders learn how plants and animals adapt to their environments.  In this camouflage lesson, 1st graders watch a movie that explains animal camouflage, design a butterfly that blends into a classroom habitat, create a mini...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Is Happening To My Species?

For Teachers K - 5th
Learners select and research an animal that lives in the rainforest of Manu, Peru. They watch and discuss a video, create masks and costumes to role-play various rainforest animals, conduct research, and write a short story of their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecosystem Interactions in Refuges

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders, using national parks as models, illustrate the energy flow in ecosystems. Working in groups, they use murals, flow charts, or other visual displays to record their findings. Students represent the food chains and webs...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fish Hazards

For Teachers 1st - 7th
Young scholars study the Pacific salmon and see the different challenges they face.  In this environment lesson students complete several activities that show how humans have affected the salmon environment. These activities have...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Endangered Species !: Why Are Species Endangered?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers explore the various issues and problems faced by endangered species globally. They research the plight of endangered species, create a poster of a selected animal, and present their poster and research to the class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biology: Plants - The Fiber of Life

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students, in groups, examine and list the varieties of plants and how they relate to man and the environment. They create plant books complete with leaf samples with sketches and information, grow beans in plastic baggies, and role-play...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matching Games, Trees and Animals

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students identify and define new words as they are introduced to specific trees, leaves, animals and animal habitats, engage in literacy-related play by playing games that focus on animals and trees mentioned in book, A Tree for Me, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Explore Your Natural Habitat

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students identify habitats and understand why they are important to our environment.  In this environmental lesson students design their own habitat, observe and record data on the impact their habitat has on the environment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Animals, Animals, Everywhere

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders participate in a variety of activities dealing with animal characteristics and classifications in this multi-task activity. They use graphic organizers, make booklets, and make models.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Coral?

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students discuss what they know about coral reefs and are introduced to the importance of preserving coral reefs. In this coral reef lesson, students make connections between coral ecology in the classroom and in the real environment...