Curated OER
Forest In A Jar
Tenth graders are introduced to the process of succession and gain awareness of the changing nature of ecosystems. They demonstrate a comprehension of the dynamic nature of ecosystems, including the relationship between ecological...
Curated OER
The Grand Canyon
Students investigate how dams help and hurt the ecology of an area. In this Grand Canyon lesson, students research the Glen Canyon Dam and why it flooded in 1996. Students create a pros and cons list about dams and write a...
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Endangered!
Students research endangered species. In this ecology and literacy research activity, students work with a partner to research an endangered species of their choice. Students choose from a variety of presentation methods and...
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Building a Terrarium System
Young scholars create their own terrariums. In this ecological model instructional activity, students create terrariums using soil, seeds, pebbles, and two liter bottles. Young scholars compare the elements of a...
Science Matters
Lotusland
It's time for a field trip! Scholars take their new-found knowledge of adaptations and seed dispersal on a field trip to a local botanical garden. They gain an up-close look at how ecological interdependence works in a distinct...
Curated OER
Ecological Impact of River Dams
Young scholars investigate their environment by completing an in-class experiment. In this ecological lesson plan, students define the roles of dams and how electricity is created by them. Young scholars utilize plastic jugs,...
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Photographical Ecology
Learners study organisms and the roles they play in nature. In this ecology lesson, students photograph several examples of organisms during a nature walk. Learners print out their photos and classify the organisms as plants or animals.
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Deep Jungle: New Frontiers
Students watch a series of videos and observe the different plants and animals found in the rainforests. In this ecology lesson, students discuss how technology helped scientists study the jungle. They create 3D maps of Borneo rainforests.
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The Impacts of Human Activities on Biodiversity in New Haven County
Students discover how plants and animal ecosystems are affected by the growth of a city. In this ecology lesson, students study and observe a plant over a period of time. They develop a creative presentation of their data and share them...
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Ocean Pollution
Students explore ocean pollution. For this ecology lesson, students view a video entitled This Pretty Planet and identify common biodegradable products. Students participate in activities designed to simulate the negative effects...
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Impact of Exotic Species on Lake Ecology
Students examine the effect of foreign species on various habitats. In groups, they identify the population dynamics of the zebra mussel. They calculate averages and graph data from Seneca Lake in New York. They develop hypothesis...
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Introduction to Ecology
Eighth graders identify the living and nonliving components of an ecosystem. In this ecology lesson, 8th graders explain the role each organism plays. They participate in class discussion and answer a quiz at the end of the lesson.
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Co-evolution of Plants and Pollinators
Students explore biological evolution and natural selection and its evolutionary consequences. They also explore how organisms are interdependent on one another.
Curated OER
Stomata: Microscopic Openings that Let Plants Breathe
Young scholars participate in a lab experiment to observe and measure the opening and closing of stomata. They focus on photoperiod, locate and identify stomata on a leaf and explain the role of stomata in the daily functioning of a plant.
Curated OER
Landscape Garden Makeover
A project-based learning plan focuses on landscapes in the community. After identifying problems, such as dead trees or misplaced automatic sprinklers, learners design solutions, contact local organizations to fix the problems, and do...
Education Outside
Watering in the Garden
"When you are thirsty, does your mother pour water on your head?" Of course not! Nor do you pour water on the top of plants when watering them. Instruction like this are included in an activity that shows little learners how to water...
Curated OER
Dependence and Interdependence
Third graders explore the dependence and interdependence that plants and animals in every environment have on one another. They examine how plants and animals depend on each other for survival. Students complete a variety of experiments...
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Building on the Land
Ninth graders study how cities affect the environment and design an ecologically-sound city. They focus their study on the benefits and constraints of life on the Northern Great Plains.
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Prairie Scavenger Hunt
Here is a simple lesson for young learners on the plants, animals, and flowers found in the prairie environment. There are worksheets embedded in the plan that pupils use once a teacher-led discussion and demonstration has taken place....
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Forest Ecosystem Field Trip
Students investigate the environment by participating in a class field trip. In this botany lesson plan, students attend a field trip through their local park or forest while listening to a nature guide. Students practice using their 5...
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Marine & Aquatic Habitats Activities - Marine Ecology
Learners enact the life cycle of a sessile animal and quantify the possibility of survival under the conditions given. They then present to the class a new adaptation which will increase the animals chance of survival.
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Ecological Relationships
Students identify ecological elements and their factors on species, populations and food webs. They analyze ecosystems for these elements and research how these factors influence species survival rate. Predictions on conditions over time...
Curated OER
Bird Ecology Unit
Tenth graders conduct various activities utilizing the scientific method to formulate a hypothesis, conduct a controlled experiment, collect and analyze the data and communicate their results through a poster. They also identify...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Leaf Litter Ecology Lab
Some organisms spend their entire lives in leaf litter. The third in a series of six is a great instructional activity exploring the community of leaf litter. Groups gather and then spread leaf litter over white paper and remove...