How do various plants survive in different environments? They adapt! Kids determine which plant traits make them perfect for their specific environment. They consider three plants and can even complete a plant experiment. Note: Intended...

Pupils complete an experiment in which they observe different natural sample in which they uncover the microbial world. They complete a two part worksheet that accompanies the lesson.

Students design and conduct experiments in order to identify the components of lake water environments that are affected by winter ice cover. They use the experiment results to propose effective human management of these ecosystems.

Students differentiate between how they use water in response to a need and how they use water for pleasure. They read books about water, participate in class discussion and illustrate their observations.

Sixth graders complete a lesson on the properties, types and amounts of water on Earth. In groups, they travel between stations to identify water resources in Illinois and pollution sources. They complete the lesson with a field trip...

Students determine whether water is a need, a right, or a commodity. In this water lesson plan, students investigate land and water ecosystems through activities. Students also discover water as a resource and energy source as they...

Students identify different organisms found in the lake ecosystem. In this life science lesson, students discover the predator-prey relationship through a game. They explain how beavers adapt to the environment over time.

Learners identify biotic and abiotic factors. In this environmental study instructional activity, students conduct a series of experiments to collect and record data and draw conclusions based on the results. 

Investigate how temperature affects the density of water and stratification that occurs in bodies of water when temperatures vary. Water of differing temperatures is given different colors to see the layers that form. The lesson is meant...

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...

For this protozoans worksheet, learners observe pond water using a microscope to identify the four classes of single-celled organisms including sarcodines, ciliates, flagellates and sporozoans.

Students identify and interpret what tall tales, urban legends, and cyberlore are and to find them in their own lives. They practice telling and listening to these types of tales and explore why people tell them. Students also identify...

Students study the characteristics of a folk group, themselves and their folk groups, and write about a folk group that is meaningful to them. They identify various folk groups within the school community and discover that everyone,...

Second graders examine the life cycle by observing tadpoles. After reading the book, Tadpole Diary, they draw the stages of tadpole development and write sentences about what they think is happening.

Sixth graders work together to complete an experiment about the quality of freshwater. In groups, they collect fresh water samples from a variety of sources and test the pH levels. After completing a KWL chart, they test the amout of...

Students take samples from local freshwater sources and examine them for macroinvertebrate life. They take samples from both shallow and deep freshwater environments, measure temperatures, and classify organisms found in their samples.

Fifth graders identify organisms and processes involved in three cycles: the water cycle, the carbon cycle, and the nitrogen cycle. They produce a pictorial or abstract water cycle, and appropriately place life forms onto an existing...

Third graders explore why food chains are important. In this food chain instructional activity, 3rd graders break into small groups to represent parts of the food chain. Different amounts of food are given to each group and any...

Students explore channelization, riparian habitats and soil erosion to find out about  the aquatic habitats in Iowa. In this aquatic habitats instructional activity, students define important terms and read an article about...

In this protozoan learning exercise, students use the internet research 20 short answer questions about micro-organisms from Amoebas to Parameciums. They also read a poem and write there own based on the researched information.

Young scholars make an island that has a construction site on it. They spill siulated pollution and trash on top of the island and then water it to simulate rain. They will observe how the rain washes dirt, sand, and pollution off the...

Students discover the reproductive parts of a plant.  In this biology lesson, students identify and categorize several different plants they dissect in class.  Students record their information using a data chart.

Students examine protozoans and their advantages and disadvantages.  In this chemistry lesson students explain what a protozoan is then draw and label one. 

Students investigate the differences between a land and aquatic ecosystem. They use the information in order to present it in an assessment. There are target questions that can be used to guide research, lead a classroom discussion, or...