Ninth graders graph data in order to compare the number of extinct species and a rise in human population. They analyze the data collected. Students are encouraged to infer the relationship.

Students identify producers and consumers and construct a food chain from four marine ecosystems. They describe the delicate balance among organisms in each environment. In groups, students discuss the human activities that upset the...

Ninth graders discuss the principal source of energy entering the marine ecosystem. They name some of the autotrophs at the Maui Ocean Center. Students name some of the heterotrophs at Maui Ocean Center. They are taught that plants are...

Students explore energy and nutrient flow. In this science lesson, students diagram the flow of energy through food chains and food webs. Students discuss the importance of energy flow in Earth's ecosystems.

With a variety of multiple choice and short answer questions, the handout found here could be used in many ways in the classroom: pretest/posttest, study guide, reading guide, or entry/exit questions. There is not a lot of space for...

Pairs of ecologists select an animal and investigate an ecosystem from its point of view. This simple instructional activity involves Internet research and putting together a presentation of collected information. 

Students state the physical, chemical or biological processes associated with these environments: Pelagic ocean zone, California coat Cave, Indiana Barrier island beach, North Carolina Sand dune, Dunes National Park, Colorado Wetland and...

Fifth graders discuss the currents conditions on the planet of Mars. In groups, they work together to develop a mechanism that allows for a balanced ecosystem to survive on the planet. After presenting their ideas to the class, they...

Students explore the unique Rain Forest. In this Rain Forest lesson, students watch a video about the dangers the Rain Forest faces. Students create a Rain Forest mobile. Students choose  plants or animals from the...

Students explore the carbon cycle. In this carbon cycle lesson, students discuss the four main reservoirs where carbon is stored and then discover the process through which each reservoir absorbs and releases CO2. This lesson includes a...

Students compare and contrast the characteristics of plants and animals. In this ecology lesson, students observe the outdoors and describe the relationship among different living things. They relate plant diversity with animal diversity.

All of the activities and worksheets in this unit relate to learning about how infectious diseases spread & how the body deals with them. There is a collection of problem-based learning activities, as well very useful at-home...

Students construct models of the way water molecules arrange themselves in three physical states - solid, liquid, and gas. They explain the molecular behavior of ice, water, and water vapor.

Students build a model to simulate parts of the water cycle. They recognize and explain the essential elements of the water cycle.

Third graders utilize computers and other technology to explain the solar system. Ten different stations involve students through laserdisc, research, art, GeoSafari, space toys, and the computer.

Students use a hopscotch course to simulate the problems birds incur as they are migrating due to loss of wetlands.

Students explore the dangers of eating high levels of mercury and how small amounts of mercury in water accumulate in greater quantities in organisms higher in the food chain. They list the health of effects of high levels of mercury on...

Students assume the role of environmental biologists and help several government agencies resolve the debate surrounding "let it burn" policies in national parks.

Fourth graders use this lesson plan to focus on their health, nutrition and the state of the environment. In groups, they examine the various types of land, water and air pollutants and compare and contrast a food chain with and without...

Students analyze how engineers study temperature inversions and convection currents to understand why pollution levels may be higher in some areas than others. They participate in an experiment that allows them to build simple models to...

Learners are introduced to the water cycle and water movement in soil. In this water cycle lesson, students explore how water moves through the water cycle and discuss water sources, natural reservoirs, soil...

Students work in small groups to brainstorm a list of all creatures, plants, natural, and artificial processes that use or depend on fresh water. The class views an aquarium filled with water representing all the water in the world. The...

Young scholars are able to discuss the theory of climate change. They identify examples of how climate change impacts the earth's geo-spheres. Students are able to use the example of climate change to describe the interdependence of...

Students examine the relationship between water retention and plant growth by conducting two experiments. They first compare the water retention qualities of clay, sand and loam soil types. Then they use the data from the first...