Learners examine the connection between the habitat needs of endemic species to the habitat needs of humans.  In this habitat lesson learners research the habitat requirements of a given family then develop an idea to improve the...

Students identify some common wetland plants. they use the scientific method of surveying the plant community to record accurate data that they observe. they cut a sample of each plant and save in plastic bags to identify and preserve...

Students participate in a three part unit about biomes. Part one, students research the biomes of North America and part two consists of research on zoos and a field trip to a zoo. While part three ties together the first two when...

Fifth graders discover the uses for rice by reading about the habitats of certain birds.  In this agriculture lesson, 5th graders research birds from the Gulf Coast and California and their reasons for living in rice fields....

Learners study the impact that invasive species have on biodiversity and more natural areas.

Fifth graders identify the species of plants and animals found in an environment. They compare these findings to plant and animal species found in an unlike environment. Students acquire and compare soil samples from the two sites chosen.

Learners investigate claims of medicinal plants found in the rain forest. In this research skills instructional activity, students examine the validity of Internet sources as they visit websites in search of information about rain forest...

Students identify different organisms found in the lake ecosystem. In this life science lesson plan, students discover the predator-prey relationship through a game. They explain how beavers adapt to the environment over time.

Students research production, consumptions, and disposal of everyday items and their ecological impacts. In this sustainable economics lesson, students discuss clothing and various items used everyday in groups. Students then study a...

Students describe safe practice when doing field and lab investigations in a estuary or wetland. They create a model of an estuary and describe their value and function. They participate in field study in which they collect and analyze...

Students investigate the concept of bioluminescence. They use dinoflagellates in a lab situation to study photosynthesis. They conduct research into the concept using a variety of resources. Also the class is taken on a field trip to...

Students study the importance of clean water to the survival of organisms and what activiities and material pollute water. They measure the temperature of water samples and create a class graph.

Students use a simple method to collect living microorganisms from natural and/or artificial environments and develop skills in microscopy, observation, drawing, speculation, hypothesizing, oral presentation, and raising questions.

Students examine lichens in an outside field trip. Students explore the diversity of this organism and ask questions about them.

Fourth graders, who live on a Native American reservation, investigate how land management is addressed at Tribal Council meetings. They participate in a simulation of a meeting as the discover the workings of tribal government. They...

Eighth graders experiment and study about acids and bases by becoming involved in direct hands-on learning experiences and then relate those experiences to their own lives. They experience the Ohio River and what can be done to help...

Students explore wetlands. In this ecology lesson, students visit a wetland site and collect data about the wetland functions. Students record their results and use the data recorded to rate the wetland site on its function.

Students study stream speed.  In this stream speed lesson students complete an activity and formulate an opinion and study its effects.

Students explore the route that Minnesota ospreys follow during spring and fall migration. They describe the important ecological characteristics of the places that ospreys pass through during their migration. They determine where...

Students discover the amount of diversity that exists in a local area using simple techniques that make observing biodiversity easy and enjoyable. They select a tree to study, collect vials of specimens, then identify the arthropod.

Learners use wireless laptop computers to collect, store, communicate, and organize data from the 1999 Jasper Fire area. They collect data in the field and compare it to student-collected data from prior years to develop conclusions...

Students examine the consequences of cutting down large amounts of forests throughout the world. In groups, they use the internet to complete a module taking them on a tour through different temperate forests. To end the lesson, they...

Students assess the damage natural forces have caused Maryland's geographic features. In this state geography and ecology lesson, students work in a group to research ways in which weathering, erosion, and deposition have affected the...

Examine the benefits of chemical defense mechanisms. Organisms in oceans use chemicals to ward off predators. Duplicate this adaptation using a hands-on experiment in which you ward off your predators (your pupils) with some...