How does one determine what influences animal behavior; Is it nature or nurture? After a short reading explaining different types of conditioning and other learned behaviors, scholars examine six scenarios to determine whether the...

Learners educate themselves as consumers. In this animal welfare lesson, students research the pros and cons of testing cosmetics on animals. Learners develop alternatives for cosmetics testing and share their results with their peers.

Young scholars write from an animal's perspective. In this writing lesson students explore the landscape of San Francisco prior to the arrival of the explorers. Young scholars research animals indigenous to the area.

Is cattle ranching on Santa Rosa island viable or non-viable? Rather than focusing on the issues of the transition of Santa Rosa island from a privately owned island cattle ranch to a national park, class members are asked to consider if...

Students participate in a game of charades to examine different animal behaviors. After reading an article, they discuss why bees waggle and how that behavior applies to humans. They research the behaviors of an animal of interest to...

What can a quarter possibly teach young learners about desert ecosystems? More than you might think. After displaying and discussing the included picture of the Arizona state quarter, the class participates in a series of...

As part of a study of well-known psychologists, class members create a name, a business logo, an advertisement for TV, online, radio, or print, and a pamphlet for the business run by one of the psychologists on a provided list. An...

Students react to a statement about living with wolves, then read a news article about Shaun Ellis and his time living with wolves. In this current events and wolves lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and a...

Here is an exciting exploration of a fascinating topic for your emerging ecologists: bird migration! They begin by visiting the US Fish & Wildlife Service website to discover which Arctic birds come to their areas. They are assigned...

Learners make predictions about a photograph of a humongous spider web, then read a news article about thousands of spiders that worked together to build it. In this biology and current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article...

Musical chairs may be a classic game, but Ruffe Musical Chairs is a unique instructional activity on invasive species! Using the time-honored game, pupils role play the behaviors of the invasive fish called Eurasian ruffe. Learning about...

Students explore interesting animal behaviors and adaptations. They create information sheets about an animal residing in a fictional sanctuary and assess the animal's likelihood of being a good pet.

Fifth graders research life in Alaska and compare life there to their lives in this lesson. They read "Julie of the Wolves." They research through the novel and other reference books facts about the Alaskan climate and geography. They...

Do you want to learn about how you learn? Help pupils become the best learners they can be by teaching them how their brain works. The resources available include videos about brain structure and a study guide full of activities that...

Learners discover how to prevent dog bites by completing worksheets and watching a video.  For this animal safety lesson, students view a video called Dogs, Cats and Big Kids, taking notes throughout.  Learners take a quiz...

Have your class explore Buddhist Jataka Tales to compare and contrast them to European fables. After defining fables, Jataka tales, and the elements of each, learners identify themes and patterns for both types of narratives and the...

Students consider animal migration patterns that have been recently documented in Sudan. They investigate the migratory patterns of animals and discuss how human conflicts and activities affect migratory wildlife populations.

Students discover the biases between the two genders by comparing males and females in different species.  In this gender identity lesson, students research National Geographic Magazine and view videos demonstrating the differences...

Students engage in a lesson which serves as an introduction to the ideas and implications of animal tracking. They monitor animal foraging behavior on a spatial scale. The students break into groups and track each other's movements as...

Students compare and contrast the knowledge requirements for human and animal children. They identify the consequences of an animal if it is unprepared for the given environment. They discover the importance of education as well.

Students investigate the history of Mali. In this African cultures lesson, students research the impact of Sundiata Keita as king of Mali, recognize the significance of historical Malian festivals, and create character masks to be worn...

Students participate in an after school program that promotes making decisions, getting along with others, decision-making, and being responsible. A pet survey is administered along with a variety of pet riddles with the students. They...

Learners infer the use or meaning of items recovered from a North Carolina Native American site based on 17th-century European settlers' accounts and illustration.

Young scholars explore archeology and it contributions to human history. They write a magazine article describing the discovery of a dig.