Curated OER
Animal Habitat Dioramas
What a better way to have learners show what they know than with a diorama? Kids research an animal, its habitat, ecosystem, and environment in order to create a three-dimensional diorama. Have older children write a short paper on their...
Curated OER
Deserts: How Do You Define One?
Second graders identify what constitutes as a desert by reading a habitat checklist. In this environment lesson, 2nd graders read a nature website to discover facts about the desert and where they are located. Students utilize art...
Global Change
Impact of Climate Change on the Desert Pupfish
A fish that lives in the desert? You and your class can meet the desert pupfish as they examine its habitat, the role humans play in diminishing water supplies, and how climate change might impact this fishy friend. There are four short...
Curated OER
Making a Mini Worm Habitat
Students explore the process of converting organic waste into usable fertilizer. They observe how living and nonliving things interact with one another by making a mini-worm habitat.
National Wildlife Federation
What's Your Habitat?
How are third graders like rabbits? They both live in habitats and require food, water, and shelter to survive! An educational science lesson encourages your learners to think about their own habitats and survival needs, before comparing...
Curated OER
Life in Sahara
Students explore the geography of the Sahara region of Africa and identify characteristics of a desert habitat. They explore the culture of the people living there and how it has adapted to desert life.
Curated OER
Unit Plan Template
Learners research the adaptations of desert animals and build their research skills. In this the adaptations of desert animals lesson, students describe major factors that desert animals have on their habitat. Learners explore how to...
Curated OER
Desert Tortoise Adaptations
Learners observe the Desert Tortoise in its natural surroundings. In this adaptations lesson, students study and take pictures of an animal in its habitat, then design a PowerPoint which addresses adaptations, biodiversity, and threats...
Curated OER
Desert Discoveries
Students correspond with Israeli students from Jerusalem by email as part of a study on desert and semi-arid regions. They conduct background research and become proficient in the use of electronic mail.
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 or...
Curated OER
Habitat Unit - Day 2
Students explore abiotic factors that affect habitats. After a class lecture, students work in groups to answer questions about plant tissue, production and growth. They share answers, complete a crossword puzzle, and create a habitat...
Curated OER
Habitats: Cactus Hotel
A reading of Brenda Z. Guiberson’s, Cactus Hotel, launches a study of animal habitats. Working with parent volunteers or teacher aides, groups travel outside the classroom to select a habitat, take digital pictures, and incorporate the...
Curated OER
U.S. History: Antebellum Heroes and Villains
Eighth graders research and write reports on key figures of the Antebellum Period. The projects also include pictures, bibliographies, and timelines about their assigned figure. In addition, 8th graders present oral reports to classmates.
Curated OER
Habitats of the World
Young scholars discover that the Earth supports many different animal habitats. In this habitat instructional activity students research different habitats of the world. Young scholars show how the animals in their habitat are adapted.
Curated OER
Rainforests: What Are They?
Second graders investigate rain forests by reading a habitat checklist. In this environment instructional activity, 2nd graders read the book The Great Kapok Tree, and discuss what characteristics make up a rain forest. Students...
Curated OER
Lonesome Linda
Students analyze the create of Loma Linda. In this Western expansion lesson, students look at the development of a resort in the desert and how a town is begun.
Curated OER
Aquatic Exotics
Students identify and describe the aquatic exotic species found in Illinois. Using the internet, they research the species origins and discover their effects on native species in the area. They discuss how appropriate it is to introduce...
Curated OER
Milkweed and Monarch Butterfly Mania
Students explore Earth science by completing a worksheet in class. In this botany lesson, students identify the relationship between the Milkweed plant and the butterflies which regularly feed on its nutrients. Students visit a list of...
Curated OER
Biomes -- Part II
Students use the internet to gather information on the biomes of the world. They identify the climate and unique characteristics of each biome along with any threat to them. They create their own campaign to preserve wildlife.
Curated OER
The Ant Attack
Third graders observe the daily activity of an ant farm. Through observations and journal writing, they gather data concerning the daily activities of the ants. Students use their observations to predict the effect of environmental...
Curated OER
Overpopulation
Learners examine population growth and how it impacts our environment. In this population lesson students identify the causes and consequences of overpopulation.
Curated OER
"Habitats"
Students complete a unit of lessons on animals and animal conservation. They observe a square meter of ground outside the school, set up a model environment, analyze an owl pellet, grow bread mold, and explore various websites.
Curated OER
Hide & Seek Butterflies
Students examine a variety of butterflies and discuss how they believe they get their color variations. In groups, they brainstorm the advantages and disadvantages of their color schemes. To end the lesson plan, they watch butterflies...