Michigan State University
In Search of Life
Explore the habitats around you with an activity that takes kids out of the classroom to learn about the local variety of habitats and the living things that call them home. In small groups, scholars investigate their surroundings,...
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Understanding the Epidemiologic Triangle through Infectious Disease
Introduce infectious diseases and the epidemiologic triangle. A helpful resource describes the agent, host, and environment from the three vertices as well as the time factor, which is in the middle. Scholars complete a simple...
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Forest Decomposition
Students explore decomposition. Students define and describe components of the decomposition process. Students make a composter in a terrarium. Students record observations and changes weekly, drawing conclusions about the results of...
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Exploring Forest Objects
Students explore the forest. In this ecosystems lesson, students rotate through sensory activity centers, brainstorm, and read about temperate forests.
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Yeasts and Molds: Food Science, Bacteria, Fungi
In this lesson young scholars will consider the characteristics and nature of yeast and molds in order to help them understand how these microorganisms affect food production.
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The good microbes
The question posed for the class to consider; What would decay and what would not? They read the short passage on decomposition and microbes, then mark the items that would decay after a two-week period. A scientific investigation idea...
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Microorganism Multiplication
Seventh graders complete two experiments to learn about harmful and helpful microorganisms. In this microorganisms lesson, 7th graders read background information about fungi, yeast, and club fungi. Students then complete two experiments...
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Can Fun Gus Help Plants/Trees Grow?
Students participate in an experiment in which they test the growth of different types of plants. They discover how growth rates vary using inoculum. They draw pictures and are read books about plants to end the lesson.
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Water Molds (Oomycetes)
Students explore a group of fungus-like organisms; the Oomycetes, by baiting them from natural sources (water and soil) and observing them.
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Your Body: A Bacteria Incubator!
Young scholars demonstrate their comprehension of PREDICTING AND HYPOTHESIZING by... ¿¿¿ Predicting a logical outcome to a situation, using prior knowledge, experience and/or evidence. AND ¿¿¿ Explaining reasons for that...
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Odyssey of Life, Part II-The Unknown World
Students complete an experiment in which they observe different natural sample in which they uncover the microbial world. They complete a two part worksheet that accompanies the lesson.
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De"compost"ition Activity
Students investigate the decomposition process and the parameters which influence the rate at which it occurs. They design a "controlled" experiment by comparing decomposition rates between two compost piles. Analysis questions include...
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Optional Laboratory: Comparing Soil Temperatures In Sun and Shade
Students work together to test the temperatures of different soils in shade and sun. They make their own hypothesis before beginning the experiment. They record their data and discuss as a class.
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Plant Disease Identification and Classification by Using Sterile Techniques
Seventh graders identify how to use sterile techniques when identifying plant pathogens. For this plant diseases lesson students complete a lab activity in which they see how plant diseases are identified and classified.
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Spud Smear
Learners study various samples of microorganisms in petri dishes. In this microorganism lesson, students place various samples of items in petri dishes and observe them after several days of incubation.
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Food Chains
Fourth graders study food chains, producers, consumers, and decomposers. They play a food chain game and create food chain mobiles or posters. They take a nature hike around the school and observe various parts of a food chain.
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Learning About Decay Demonstrations
Students explore decay in ecosystems by investigating a rotting log and/orcreating a decomposition chamber. They make predictions and answer questions about the changes involved.
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Introduction to Algae
Students explore different types of algae found in both local regions of Salt Lake and different parts of the world. They discover different types of algae found in an ecosystem and the significance and function it serves.
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Mold
Students explore mold, the different types and the health risks that they pose. In this mycelium lesson students grow different molds and see which type of foods mold the fastest.
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Factors Affecting Plant Growth
Students determine the physical and chemical factors that affect plant growth. In this biology lesson, students explain the role of hormones in plants. They investigate how competition with other plants affect their growth.
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Spore Drop
Students observe the pattern of the inside of a mushroom and write down what they see. For this mushroom lesson plan, students cut a mushroom at the top and draw what they see in the spore of the mushroom.
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Your Body: A Bacteria Incubator!
Students use string, a petri dish, water, wipes, and other materials to collect bacteria from their body. In this bacteria lesson plan, students use ingredients to collect bacteria, observe it, predict what will happen over time, and...
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Plant Galls
Students study what a plant gall is and the different types that there are. In this plant lesson students examine what causes galls and how to prevent them.
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Microorganism Multiplication
Sixth graders explore biology by viewing video clips in class. In this microorganism identification lesson, 6th graders identify the types of organisms that can feed small animals such as algae and protozoans. Students view video clips...