In this trees activity, 4th graders read the book, A Tree is Growing and complete a KWL chart on how trees grow and how they are used. Students research the symbiotic relationship of humans and trees, create tree collages, plant a...

Students observe tadpoles as they gradually change into adults.  In this amphibian biology instructional activity, students watch tadpoles in a tank in the classroom, keep a daily record of what they observe, and chart the growth...

Students explain hardground communities in the Gulf of Mexico. In this deep-sea ecosystem lesson, students investigate the connection between deep-sea ecosystems and petroleum deposits. They discuss the relationship between hydrocarbon...

Students explain bioluminescence. In this life science lesson, students discuss bioluminescence and conjure examples of organisms that carry this trait and how it is useful in their environment.

Young scholars investigate the cause of birds dying in Monterey Bay. In this scientific research lesson, students use various resources, scientific investigations, and vector analysis to solve an environmental mystery.

Students identify the innovations that have impacted their lives.  In this inventions lesson students write and present a speech on the greatest innovation of their generation.

Students research a topic of their choice. In this researching instructional activity, students gather information and take notes about a topic they feel strongly about.

Students explore genetic variation within a population. In this genetic adaptation lesson, students investigate the reasons contributing to genetic adaptation. Students collaborate and analyze DNA models. Multiple resources are provided.

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...

Eighth graders explore global warming. In this Earth Science lesson plan, 8th graders will look for Harbingers and fingerprints for different areas. The students will identify an area at risk and they will then create a...

Tenth graders examine conservation and research a type of fish that is under environmental stress.  In this conservation lesson students create a pamphlet about the conservation of a marine organism.

Students read the book "Tsunami!" and discuss natural disasters and how they can prepare. This lesson is much more than a study of tsunamis. The lesson is chock-full of ways to study the Japanese culture across the curriculum. There are...

Middle schoolers create a dichotomous key. In this categorizing instructional activity, students create a dichotomous key for different types of cereal. Middle schoolers classify the cereal into groups such as flakes and cereal with...

Have your learners review what they know about camouflage using this lesson plan. Learners fill out a graphic organizer listing what they know or have questions about. This could be enhanced with the addition of a writing assignment in...

Eighth graders research about their chosen ecosystem. In this life science lesson, 8th graders play the role of travel agents and create a travel brochure. They share this in class.

Sixth graders investigate the difference between rocks and minerals. They name the three kinds of rocks (sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic) and know the differences between them.

Students demonstrate the attraction of small pieces of paper to a charged plastic rod and conduct experiment with other objects to determine whether they can hold a charge. They then use online applets to apply their experiments to...

Students identify plant diversity in the rainforest and the role that animals and habitats play in scientific research. They differentiate between natural habitat and laboratory research and work collaboratively to produce a video news...

Eighth graders, in groups, take on the role of either Biologist, Chemist, Health Scientist, or Economist. They complete a webquest in which they must decide what to do about a problem concerning the effects of acid rain. They make a...

Students determine the ratio of pairs of consecutive terms in the Fibonacci Sequence. Using four different colors, they create a golden rectangle in either two or three dimensions. They use photographs to create two collages using...

Students participate in a hair analysis lab. Using a digital microscope, students compare and contrast hair samples. They determine if the hair samples are human or animal. After completing lab results sheets, students share their...

Fifth graders discuss sustainable forestry. In this forestry lesson, 5th graders discuss how healthy forests need to have dead, diseased and lower quality trees cut down and harvested. They visit a local forest and identify these 3 types...

Students identify the volcano as the primary source of atmospheric gases, to explain the formation of ozone, and to recognize the dangers of volcanic gases through the use of technology in the classroom.

Students use the scientific method and see the relationship between explanation and evidence as they investigate the effects of violence on young viewers.