Students observe wildlife animals. In this wildlife lesson, students cut out three different animals from a wildlife magazine. Then they compare the animals, verbally stating their similarities and differences.

Students observe as the teacher blows bubbles from a large bubble pipe in order to take note of the colors and sizes of the bubbles. In this bubble blowing lesson, students experiment with a variety of bubble-blowing objects, predicting...

Learners explore botany by participating in a calendar class activity. In this plant observation lesson, students examine a diagram of a Brassica plant and identify its anatomy before planting their own seeds and viewing the changes over...

Third graders adopt a deciduous tree in September, and begin regular observations of their tree. They create a timeline to show how leaves change color and conduct a science experiment to illustrate color change.

Learners discover what an arthropod is and how they survive in our world.  For this insect lesson, students read the book, A House Is A House For Me, and compare a home for a person with the type of habitat an arthropod lives in....

Students identify clouds outdoors using a cloud chart and then draw the types they observe. They read the poem, "Fog" by Carl Sandburg and then compose their own cloud poem using various styles of poetry.

Students learn about snow. In this snow themed lesson, students read a book, make a painting, and observe snow. A math activity timing how long it takes for snow to melt is included.

Learners explain how sand dunes are formed, the different circumstances that effect the movement of or formation of sand dunes, and relate the information gathered to soil conservation. For this sand dunes lesson, students use pans of...

Students observe and discuss the change of water to ice and back again. In this water and ice lesson, students observe the change in temperature and what happens when water freezes and turns to ice and vice versa.

Students observe phase change of matter by making ice cream in bags. In this states of matter instructional activity, students work in pairs to churn their own ice cream in plastic bags. They make predictions about how long it will take...

Students complete activities to become more aware of environmental issues and the effect on plants and animals. In this environmental issues lesson, students use a globe to discuss issues with the environment. Students then take a trip...

Students develop and test a hypotheses through collecting and recording water quality data. They perform their tests outdoors in a location with a safe stream and easy access for students. Their various experiments involve the entire...

Students observe and record how breathing changes with physical activities.  In this physical activity lesson students form groups and complete their activity and worksheets.

Students discover gardening by documenting plants grown on school grounds.  In this botany lesson, students utilize digital cameras to capture images of plants on photo hikes which are turned into a slide show.  Students plant...

Students observe pictures of farm animals and name the animals. They match the animals to their offspring in a number of matching activities.

Students explore ozone pollution. In this ozone pollution lesson, students participate in an experiment to simulate smog by using matches, foil, and a covered jar. Students observe how smog effects the environment.

Students investigate tree stems and conduct an experiment on how non living factors affect living factors. In this tree stems lesson plan, students observe and record physical characteristics, and make predictions on what factors will...

Students view macroinvertebrates, or discuss previous collection activity. They graph data on macroinvertebrates in the Hudson River. Students discuss the relationship between habitat, environmental changes, and invertebrate diversity or...

Students discuss what is a map and what they already know about maps. They brainstorm together to compile a list of responses for the board and observe a map of the United States, including states, capitals, and some of the National Parks.

Students survey their local forest conducting an inventory of tree species and analyzing data of local ecosystems. They design a nature trail, map the area and make a computer generated trail guide.

Students devise a system for watering classroom plants during school year and summer breaks. In this watering system lesson, students work in teams to investigate water needs of plants and develop systems that will keep the plants...

Students prune a tree.  In this gardening lesson, students select a shrub or tree that has a lot of flower buds and use sharp pruners to cut sections of branches.  Students place the cuttings into cool water and move into a...

Young ecologists investigate some of the many ways that human activities adversely affect the environment. After identifying the main types of pollution (air, water, soil), 3rd graders fill in a Venn Diagram by pasting cut-out pictures...

Students investigate ways to save energy. In this environmental lesson, students play the role of a building inspector and identify "culprits" that waste energy. Students use a checklist to identify specific practices that waste energy.