Science Matters
Post-Assessment
Twenty questions make up an assessment designed to test super scientists' knowledge of ecosystems. Scholars answer multiple-choice and short-answer questions about organisms, food chains, energy flow, and more.
Cornell University
Field Day: Be an IPM Detective
Become a pest detective! Individually or in small groups, scholars scout the land to discover which pests—plant and animal—inhabit it, determine whether the pests are endangering the environment, and summarize their findings.
Rainforest Alliance
Investments in Forest Carbon
One hundred metric tons of CO2 can accumulate in one acre of forest over time—that's a lot of carbon! In the activity, groups of middle school learners determine what makes forests important. They then solidify the concept by using a...
Curated OER
The Life Cycle of Butterflies, Day 2
Second graders extend their knowledge of life cycles to other animals. They demonstrate their understanding that at the beginning of an animal's life cycle, some young animals represent the adult while others do not. They will...
Curated OER
What Parts Are There to a Plant?
Young scholars explore botany by completing plant science worksheets. In this plant anatomy lesson, students examine real vegetables in class using magnifying glasses. Young scholars identify the plants anatomy and complete worksheets...
Curated OER
Learning from the Video Clips
Students view a wilderness video and write to explain the purpose of the video. In this wilderness video lesson, recognize how physical and living parts of the environment interact. Students understand how an ecosystem works.
Curated OER
1st Grade - Act. 17: Observing Plants Through a Journal
First graders observe plants and write and illustrate what they have learned in their discovery journal.
Curated OER
Photosynthesis: Using the Sun to Make Food
In this photosynthesis worksheet, learners learn how plants use the sun to convert energy into food. They then answer 10 questions using the information they just read. The answers are on the last page.
Curated OER
Watermelon Graphing
Young scholars discover bar graphs. In this primary math lesson plan, students identify the parts of watermelon seeds and other seeds. Young scholars learn the proper names and common names which refer to the parts of the seeds as they...
Curated OER
Plant Parts with Sequencing Cube
Third graders listen to the story, Jack's Garden by Henry Cole. They learn the parts of the plant by looking at live plants.
Curated OER
Edible Wild Plants
Learners explore the benefits of recognizing edible wild plants. In this wild plant lesson, students collect, make ready and eat edible plants. Learners answer questions about the plants.
Curated OER
Light Plants and Dark Plants, Wet Plants and Dry Ones
Students plant sunflower seeds in plastic cups, and once germinated, these are exposed to different conditions of light levels and/or soil moisture contents. Students measure growth of the seedlings every few days using non-standard...
Teach Engineering
Design Inspired by Nature
Let nature guide your engineering designs. By taking apart a flower, pupils learn about reverse engineering. They use the results to brainstorm designs for new products or ideas. This is the seventh installment of a nine-part Life...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Climate and Forest Ecosystem Services
Forests, through sequestration, capture excess carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and store it, aiding in climate change. The third installment in a four-part series on how climate impacts forests explores carbon sequestration....
Chymist
Esters: An Introduction to Organic Chemistry Reactions
Scratch and sniff an introduction to organic chemical reactions. A creative lesson has individuals study the esters commonly used in scratch-and-sniff stickers and advertisements. Following the lab procedure, scholars create the organic...
Curated OER
Classification of the Nearby Trees
Third graders practice using classification techniques to identify local trees. In this plant life instructional activity, 3rd graders discuss how trees differ from other plants and what characteristics are unique to trees alone....
Curated OER
FOREST GRUMP: Examining How Deforestation Affects Plants and Animals of the Canadian Boreal
Students consider definition of an ecosystem as it relates to the Canadian boreal, discover how deforestation affects this forest and recreate ecosystems. They write persuasive letters urging politicians or business people to help save...
Curated OER
Plant Pipes
Students work together to discover the path water follows in plants. They create multicolored flowers. They label each part of the plant and note their function.
Curated OER
Powerful Potato
Third graders make food. In this agriculture lesson, 3rd graders learn about the history of the potato. Students then plant potatoes, harvest them, and make french fries, potato salad or potato soup.
Curated OER
Populations – The Survival of the Fittest (Part 1)
Students explain in their own words why organisms live together. In this biology lesson, students model what happens to organisms if their environment changes. They explain the importance of evolution.
Curated OER
The Life Cycle of the Butterfly
Second graders study the life cycle of a butterfly by observing metamorphosis taking place in a butterfly pavilion. Students illustrate their understandings of the body parts of a caterpillar and butterfly, as well as the life cycle,...
Curated OER
Let's Learn About Lettuce
Students learn more about lettuce. In this agriculture activity, students listen to their instructor lecture about the history of lettuce. Students then participate in an activity that requires them to compare and contrast iceberg...
Curated OER
Forest Communities
Young scholars identify tree specimens. In this tree specimens lesson, students collect different parts of a tree from the areas around the school or their home. They then work in groups to create booklet that identifies tree...
Curated OER
Plants
Students plant bean seeds and draw pictures of the plants as they grow. They create their own garden, plant the seeds, and keep a journal of their growth.