Curated OER
Animal Behavior
Can you train a worm? Biology buffs will have a blast trying! Using planaria or earthworms, they introduce a certain stimulus repeatedly until the desired response happens more quickly. They also explore the response of their own eyes to...
Polar Trec
Animal Monitoring Introduction
Not only do mealworms taste great, they are also great for classroom science lessons. In pairs, young scientists observe and record what they see as they check out what their mealworms are doing from minute to minute. Each minute...
Curated OER
Animal Behavior
Students investigate stimulus-response behavior, learned behavior in animals and innate behavior in animals. In this animal behavior lesson plan, students answer questions about their reactions to a toy cap gun that is fired off in...
Curated OER
Stimulus Response
Middle schoolers explore the five steps in the stimulus-response pathway. They analyze the senses and the difference between animals' primary and secondary senses. Students collect information about animal behavior to debate the ethics...
Curated OER
Isopod Behavior, of the Rolly Polly Lab
Students investigate the behavior of isopods. In this isopod lesson plan, students make observations of an isopod and sketch the pillbug. They study the orientation of the isopods in relation to moisture in a chamber they construct from...
Agriculture in the Classroom
Build it Better
If you think you can do better, feel free to give it a try. Pupils learn about the work on Temple Grandin and consider ways to improve animal handling facilities. They work in groups to build models to showcase their ideas.
Curated OER
Role of Cerci in Escape Responses of the Cockroach
High schoolers investigate the changes in escape behavior in Madagascar Hissing Cockroahes when their sensory apparatus is removed. They use puffs of air at differnt angles to simulate a predator's approach then collect and analyze data...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Migration, Adaptation, and Changing Climates
It is easy for humans to adapt to changing environments, but how do animals and plants do it? Classes discuss how plants and animals deal with environmental changes in the second of seven lessons. Through questions and discussions,...
Curated OER
Chain Reaction
Students study animal behavior and how it changes to its environment. For this animal lesson students design and conduct experiments.
Curated OER
Learning in Cockroaches
Students make scientific observations. For this stimulus response lesson, students make observations and collect data to determine if cockroaches can learn. A secondary purpose of this lesson is to provide students with the opportunity...
Curated OER
Long Live the Sharks and Rays
Students study shark and ray adaptations that have helped their survival. In this animal adaptations lesson students view a video and work in groups to research specific types of sharks and rays.
Curated OER
Worm Weather Predicted
Students examine worm habitats. For this animal habitats lesson, students participate in a lab activity that requires them to explore the adaptations that earthworms make to their environment.