Students determine the biodiversity in a variety of different areas. They record everything they can about their site- including drawing a picture of all the different plants they see in their hula hoop, in the circle on their page.

Students recognize that natural environments are involved in a process of continual change, and create murals showing three major stages of pond succession. They review the idea of succession (the orderly, gradual, continual replacement...

Students observe the effects of acid rain on plants. They simulate an experiment using vinegar or lemon water. They observe the impact of acids on plants and recognize how acid rain can affect the environment. They examine their plants...

In this radon gas instructional activity, students read about the harmful effects of radon exposure over time. They use a map that shows radon gas zones to answer 3 questions about exposure to the gas and the amount of radiation that...

Young scholars perform a play based on pollution. In this pollution science lesson, students perform a play about different pollutants and how it effects our daily lives.

In this wood products lesson, students walk to a forest near their school where they sit by themselves for a few minutes and quietly observe their surroundings. Students brainstorm wood or wood by products, discuss everything we get from...

Students role-play coyotes looking for natural resources.  In this natural resources lesson, students examine the relationship between animal life and the environment.  Students play a game that demonstrates how natural...

In this farmer activity, students make a spinning wheel to describe the jobs of a farmer. Students create 1 wheel with 8 different jobs for a farmer.

Young scholars explore the techniques and basic needs of the fisherman.  In this fishing lesson, students view a demonstration of the use of fishing equipment. Young scholars research Iowa farm ponds and design a class mural from...

Students identify endangered species. In this animal science lesson, students research endangered animals and create a fundraiser to "adopt" an endangered species.

Students complete a unit that focuses on their school's waste production. They conduct a litter survey, collect the waste produced in their classroom for a week and generate a waste-audit, and identify how their school can minimize...

Students identify macroinvertebrate species to investigate ecological systems and the relationship between humans and the environment.

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 perform an experiment to test the quality of the water in a marsh.

Students examine how human produced emissions of carbon dioxide contribute to global warming. Using the internet, they research the future effects of global warming on the Earth. In groups, they discover ways to reduce daily energy...

Students formulate a more accurate understanding of the true nature of scientific research and the challenges and rewards of field investigations.

Students examine reasons for deforestation and become familiar with Madagascar and its culture, while describing biological and abiotic components of a rainforest, and looking at aspects that must be addressed to resolve the issue of...

Students visit a local creek or stream. They collect water samples from the creek and observe and sort the "water critters" they find in the sample, observing smaller organisms under a microscope if necessary. They identify each organism...

Students acquire new vocabulary by reading an assigned text and determining the meanings of  unfamiliar words.  In this vocabulary development lesson plan, students acquire strategies to use in a small group as they decode...

Students examine the Native American belief of "Mother Earth". They read stories from Native American authors and reflect. They illustrate this concept through art and haikus.

Students design a poster about indoor air quality. In this indoor air quality lesson, students make a billboard that tells the occupants of a building about at least one air quality problem.

Young scholars explore the movement of air.  In this air lesson, students discuss and give examples of air ventilation.  Young scholars compare outdoor and indoor air quality.  Students create mind maps as a visual...

Students make a work puzzle using air quality vocabulary. In this air quality vocabulary instructional activity, students design a word puzzle using a teacher designated number of vocabulary words. They peer edit the puzzles with their...

Students analyze real-time data and predict the level of ground ozone in their home city. They measure the level of ground ozone, submit their data to an online collaborative project, and create a web page presenting the dangers of...