How does your garden grow? An inquiry-based, organic gardening unit asks young scientists to research a vegetable or flower, create an environment for it, and then plant and tend to the seedling. Gardeners develop their own research...

Little ones will absolutely love this instructional activity. It's all about the beach and what they can find while sifting through the sand. A large bucket of sand filled with hidden items is brought into the classroom. Learners will...

First graders get out and explore two different habitats to examine how each one meets the needs of the plants and animals that dwell there. They discuss what they've learned about animal habitats as they explore the outdoor environment....

Fourth graders provide a habitat for live mealworms and observe their life cycle. In this animal life cycle and scientific inquiry lesson plan, 4th graders create a habitat for a live mealworm and observe and record related data as it...

Students investigate what a controlled group is by creating an experiment.  In this plant growth lesson, students identify the different parts of a plant and discuss what is needed for a plant to be successfully grown....

Eighth graders investigate the importance of an ecosystem by studying their own backyards.  For this environmental lesson, 8th graders examine a schoolyard or backyard by marking quadrants and recording any animal or plant findings...

Students influence the plant life cycle as they take care of plants.In this caring for plants lesson, students understand the parts of the plant and their functions in keeping it alive. Students participate in experiments with plants and...

Students explore the ecosystem by conducting a ziploc bag experiment. In this recycling instructional activity, students identify decomposer organisms in our environment and how they speed up the recycling process. Students utilize a...

Students explore biology by participating in a field trip. In this oceanography lesson, students define the survival characteristics of bottom dwelling creatures also known as ocean grazers. Students attend a class field trip to a beach...

Students explore the process of seed germination. In this botany lesson, students complete an experiment with seeds. Students observe soaked and dry seeds. Students allow the seeds to germinate and make observations during this time....

Sixth graders investigate the parts of a seed by using a digital camera.  In this botany lesson, 6th graders plant their own seeds in class and demonstrate the necessary attributes for growing a plant.  Students utilize a...

What kinds of food can be bad for your teeth? Kindergartners and first graders explore dental health with an interactive science inquiry. Given a choice of foods such as celery, cake, and milk, kids choose which ones are better for their...

Students are introduced to the need to save natural resources. Through inquiry, hands-on activities, and problem solving, students increase their understanding of solid waste materials and the need to reduce, recycle, and reuse.

Young scholars practice scientific research skills. In this lesson about science, students gain experience with the following skills: comparison, observation, identification, and data gathering. Young scholars will go from station to...

Sixth graders examine the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In this plant discovery lesson, 6th graders put in chronological order the plant discoveries of Lewis and Clark. Students understand the characteristics of leaves and find the area of...

Learners create a dichotomous key. In this categorizing lesson, students create a dichotomous key for different types of cereal. Learners classify the cereal into groups such as flakes and cereal with holes. Students discuss their...

Students learn about watershed, as well as the different forms and uses of water. In this water forms lesson, students brainstorm water sources and uses. Students read the book Water Dance and discuss water examples. Students complete a...

Fifth graders learn about foods from the ocean.  In this ocean products lesson, 5th graders brainstorm what foods come from the ocean, fill in a Venn Diagram comparing alginates, carrageenans and beta carotenes.  Students make...

First graders compare seeds and explore how they are carried through the environment.

Students explore the Earth's crust by researching pH levels and acidity. In this environmental safety lesson, students identify the pros and cons of acidity within soil and how it affects plants. Students collaborate in a pH level...

Fifth graders use the internet to research a plant or animal they read about in "The Talking Earth". Using notes, they develop a graphic organizer and use the main topics to create a HyperStudio stack. Using all of this information,...

Learners observe the characteristics of different seed types. They classify, sort, name and write about the seeds.

Students compare the growth of watermelon from commercial seeds and those harvested from a watermelon. They complete science journals showing these comparisons based on the data they collect.

Students observe, measure, and sort tree leaves. They examine leaves individually, in groups, and in relationship to the entire tree. Pupils take a walk outside for a "Leaf Walk." Students are each given a lunch size paper bag, so that...