Virginia Department of Education
Cell Parts
What do a bird, an egg, a rabbit, and a toad all have in common? This fun-filled resource explains the similarities and differences between cells and how all cells are similar, yet all are different. Learners begin by depicting a...
Virginia Department of Education
The Cell Cycle and Mitosis
What a packed lesson plan! Provide your class with the opportunity to learn about the cell cycle in several exciting ways. Biologists first learn about the theory behind mitosis, then proceed to view onion tips under the microscope and...
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Section Three: What's the Status of Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is essential for every habitat, but many species are at risk due to pollution and other factors. Explore several different species native to Illinois in a gallery walk with posters that learners have created after research...
Teach Engineering
Abdominal Cavity and Laparoscopic Surgery
Get to know the human body from the inside out. The first lesson plan in a series of 10 introduces the class to the abdominopelvic cavity. Biomedical engineers need to understand the region of the body as they develop and improve...
Curated OER
Disney's Animal World Part 2: That's My Baby
Students see that baby animals go through different stages of growth during their life, just as people do. They use the downloadable Cyberlesson Worksheet to reinforce what they have learned about animals and their offspring.
Curated OER
Wildlife Track Identification
Even though the PowerPoint slides for this lesson are not included, you may find it useful for the wildlife track preservation instructions provided. After demonstrating the steps for making track casts, take your class outdoors to make...
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.
Curated OER
Biology: Understanding Cellular Organelles
Students distinguish the differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells. Using microscopes, they examine a variety of plant and animal cells. Working in groups, they draw and label plant and animal cells and show the mathematical...
Curated OER
What's for Dinner?
View a video presentation comparing chemosynthesis to photosynthesis. Review the findings of the 2004 Ring of Fire Expedition that studied biological communities around the hydrothermal vents of the Mariana Arc. In collaborative groups,...
Curated OER
Skull Science
What can your class learn from a skull? With proper facilitation, they can learn about diet, physical adaptations, special differences, and even the environment. Pupils will examine a series of mammal skulls and pelts to help them...
Virginia Department of Education
The Germ Theory and Koch’s Postulates
Explore the history of cholera and its effect on society with your biology class. Young biologists will then proceed to grow their own germs, prepared from live cultures, and follow the steps of the scientific method to generate data....
Curated OER
Genetically Modified Food (GMF)
Explore genetically modified foods through various experiments. In this biology lesson, students discuss the safety issues related to GMF's. They conduct a PCR analysis to identify the presence of genetic modification.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Making of the Fittest: Got Lactase? The Co-evolution of Genes and Culture
Got milk? Only two cultures have had it long enough to develop the tolerance of lactose as an adult. Learn how the responsible genes evolved along with the cultures that have been consuming milk. This rich film is supplied with a few...
Community Resources for Science
A Whole New World of DNA and Proteins
Lead your young scientists into an exciting world as they participate in a role play and experiment focused on proteins and DNA. After researching the Central Dogma of Biology, individuals or groups participate in a classroom slide...
Curated OER
Animal Forms
Students demonstrate similarities and differences in animal forms, including humans.They investigate geometric relationships within those forms by building an animal using Zome System elements.
Curated OER
Awesome Adaptations!
Second graders explore biology by researching animal characteristics. In this adaptation instructional activity, 2nd graders identify the history of several animals and research the changes that have occurred to their anatomy over...
Curated OER
Reptiles and Amphibians
Fourth graders explore biology by viewing animal videos in class. In this amphibian and reptile lesson, 4th graders identify the key differences between reptiles, amphibians and other animal classifications. Students view video clips in...
Texas Instruments
How Do Pinnipeds Stay Warm?
Learners experiment to determine ways different types of insulation materials work. In this animal adaptation instructional activity, they make hand coverings from plastic bags, shortening, feathers, and wool. They observe effects of...
Curated OER
What Does it Take to be a Survivor? Part One
Students explore marine animal adaptation. In this introductory ocean life biology instructional activity, students access prior knowledge by participating in a whole class "thought swap." Students form two lines, respond to a prompt...
Curated OER
U-G-L-Y? I've Got a Great Alibi
Young scholars create a survey to explore people's perception of beauty. In this biology lesson, students explain how an animal's appearance helps it survive. They analyze survey results and present findings in class.
Virginia Department of Education
Classification of Organisms
Searching for the perfect indoor/outdoor activity that allows class members the opportunity to learn about organism classification? Here, pupils research organisms and categorize them according to domain and kingdom over the course of...
ARKive
Adaptations for Movement
What animals are best suited for moving around a rainforest, or a desert? Design your own animal species based on a particular habitat, focusing on the characteristics it will need for optimal movement. Great as a group lesson plan or...
Curated OER
Biology Paired PowerPoint Presentations
Students incorporate technology by creating a Microsoft PowerPoint. Students experiment with various animation techniques and slide formats, so that they become familiar with the program. They gather research information on topics using...
Curated OER
Biology In Elementary Schools
Students classify animals into six major animal groups and describe the characteristics of the animals found within each group. In this living and non-living animals lesson, students observe a variety of animals, both living and...