Students explore the cycles of an ecosystem.  In this environmental science lesson, students work in groups to research the nitrogen cycle, the water cycle, or the oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle. Students prepare a PowerPoint or other...

Middle schoolers examine some of the different ecosystems that fish live in. While doing this they identify the species of fish and the ecological conditions needed for survival. Students use research resources to make fish cards that...

Fourth graders study the impact of the wetland environment on the migration of birds. They make a list of the important reasons on a large piece of paper to be posted in the classroom and point out the biggest wetland in the state (The...

Searching for an activity that allows emerging biologists to explore symbiosis up close and personal? Pupils collect samples and view lichens through a microscope and conclude with a discussion about the relationship they have...

Students examine and analyze the Riparian Zones found on the edges of streams and lakes. They assess why those are such valuable ecosystems and then conduct actual field research on riparian zones and conclude by drawing conclusions from...

Learners study estuaries and are able to define one, and describe its features.  In this investigative lesson plan students participate in an activity that shows them the importance of estuaries. 

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....

Students discover the ocean life of the San Francisco Bay. In this ocean lesson, students take a Discovery Voyage of the Bay ecosystem through the Marine Science Institute. Also available are inland voyages, ocean labs, and tidepool...

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

Learners study the Temperate Grasslands biome of North America. They explain that it is an endangered ecosystem because the rich soils have been converted to farming in most areas. They view videos imbedded in this plan, then complete...

Students study the difference between innate and learned behaviors. They observe the adaptations and behaviors of mammals in this series of lessons.

Students learn about transect lines through a study of marine debris.  In this marine debris lesson, students calculate the items on a transect line and graph them.  Students complete a category worksheet.

Students study bogs. They tour, collect physical, chemical, and biological data and analyze a pristine bog community. Using the data, they draw a map and a cross section of the bog.

Students observe organisms found in the water. In this lesson on organisms, students collect water from local streams and tributaries in order to study the organisms found in the water. As a culminating activity, students create a...

Students study the intertidal habitat, tidal pools and the organisms that live in them.  In this aquatic ecosystems lesson students take a field trip and experience first hand the local seashore environment. 

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

Seventh graders study and explore the base of PA game fish species and characteristics.  In this cooperative learning lesson plan students create a fish fact game by researching information on certain species then play it. 

Ninth graders study deer including their reproduction rate and management in Pennsylvania.  In this deer overpopulation lesson plan students estimate deer population and suggest management tools. 

Students use GPS and trees to explore lichens and air quality.

Students explore hydrology concepts. In this environment and biology lesson plan, students identify and describe macroinvertebrates using a variety of pictures and resources. Students observe and write about a classroom aquarium in which...

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.

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 examine an area overrun by English Ivy. They explore how invasive species affect an ecosystem. They also study about the lack of biodiversity and how to measure it out in the field.

Strict habitat requirements are needed for the survival of fish populations and fish variety in the Great Lakes. Young scientists become experts in the basic needs of fish and understand how survival necessities can vary with different...