Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Coastal Biodiversity of South Africa

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students investigate the biodiversity found along the coast of South Africa. They conduct research using a variety of resources. They use the information in order to write lab reports with the data. The lesson plan can be adapted to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chesapeake Bay Population Studies

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Pupils determine how to use a quarter meter quadrant to find population density, relative density, frequency and how to calculate a diversity index while participating in a virtual field trip. They study how to establish a Correlation of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Website Scavenger Hunt

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students use the internet to complete a species scavenger hunt. In groups, they answer questions given to them about sea lions, rockfish and killer whales. As a class, they identify any questions they have and discuss the role...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Block & Tackle

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners participate in a lab experiment in which they discover the need for so many blocks and tackles on sailing ships. In groups, they make and test their predictions and practice measuring objects in various units. They record and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Whose DNA Is That?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners investigate the use of technology in order to identify different sequences of amino acids by using online web tools. They enhance problem solving skills with amino acid identification skills and strengthening comfort with using...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Diving Raisins

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students participate in a mini lab to explore density.  In this density lesson students view a demonstration and answer questions. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecosystems and Remote Sensing

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students obtain remote sensing data to compare and contrast global biomass data with global temperature data.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Activity

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students demonstrate the genetic principles of Heredity. They discover that each species has a unique Genetic fingerprint and that people can use "Genetic fingerprints" to solve a number of problems. They discuss examples of uses of DNA...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reading the Dna Code: Making Protein

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students study DNA decoding and protein synthesis. They use the amino acid table to translate DNA, break DNA strands into three nucleotide codes, and translate nucleotides into amino acid protein codes. They research the importance of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physiological Adaptations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the concepts of genetics and how it is tied to the variations found within different species and how it is tied to adaptations. They review the theory of evolution and factors found to help create variation. The...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Studying Fossils

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Students study fossils. They examine samples of specific fossils--including a shark tooth, a brachiopod, and horn coral, among others. They visit corresponding websites and complete a worksheet regarding each of the fossils.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The "Nuts and Bolts" of Taxonomy and Classification

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students develop classification scheme that meets the established rules of the Linnaean system. They write one page essay on classification choices.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sea Urchin Embryology

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Young scholars explore the process of evolution. They examine examples of how homeotic genes may work and obtain gametes. Using a microscope, students observe the fertilization of sea urchins. They video tape the process and write a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Layering and Circulation

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Young scholars examine relationships and interactions between different types of water. They experiment with colored water of different temperature and salinity and discuss how the results relate to real ocean currents.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Heat Flow

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars explore how a whale's countercurrent flow of blood is an example of a heat exchange system and conduction. Excellent worksheet provided.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Invasive Species

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study exotic and native species, and examine how exotic species can impact native ones. They study how the mute swan effects native species.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water Pressure - Observing Water Flow

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students discover that pressure increases the deeper the ocean becomes. They determine how water pressure differs at various depths by observing water flow.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Six Pack Loop Rings Photodegradable?

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students review experiments testing the photo degradability of the six-pack plastic ring and complete further experiments on the process.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Latex Helium Balloons: Any Alternatives?

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars discuss the latex balloon release controversy and review suggested alternatives to the latex balloon.
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Learning Lab: Contrasts in Blue: Life on the Caribbean Coral Reef and the Rocky Coast of Maine

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Smithsonian Education presents Contrasts in Blue: Life on the Caribbean Coral Reef and the Rocky Coast of Maine. Teachers can download this comprehensive teaching package in which students explore two marine ecosystems, the coral reefs...
Activity
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Lab 4: To Fish or Not to Fish?

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A lab experiment in a series of experiments that investigates fisheries. In this activity, students use an ecosystem-based management tool known as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to manage fisheries. This lesson also includes the students...
Lesson Plan
Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy: Nature Lab

For Students 1st - 3rd
These wonderful virtual field trips allow students to explore a coastal rain forest or the coral reefs in the Dominican Republic, and so much more.
Lesson Plan
Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy: Coral Reefs of Palau: Nature's Amazing Underwater Cities

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This lesson takes students on a virtual field trip to the coral reefs of Palau where they will explore amazing underwater cities found near a remote network of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Learn all about an ecosystem of symbiosis....
Activity
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Lab 3: Oh What a Tangled Web: Ecosystem Based Management

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A lab experiment in a series of experiments that looks at fisheries. In this particular lab, students use tools like Pacific Ocean Shelf Tracking to learn about the management of fisheries through an ecosystem-based approach. During this...