Activity
National Wildlife Federation

Habitat Web

For Teachers K - 6th Standards
Young scientists weave together an understanding of ecosystems with this fun collaborative activity. Taking on the roles of different living and non-living elements of specific habitats, learners use a ball of yarn to create...
Lesson Plan
NOAA

A Matter of Density

For Teachers 7th - 8th Standards
Larvae transportation on the New England seamounts is based on the density of the water. Scholars calculate density and graph salinity versus temperature to better understand the distribution of organisms in a water column....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Life at Risk

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine the characteristics of the peregrine falcon. They investigate endangered and extinct species, and how the environment affects the process.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sanctuaries-Providing a Safe Harbor

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students investigate the role of marine sanctuaries in the conservation of oceans and the lives of plant and animal species that live there. They write poetry to exhibit what they learn.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Diverse Environments

For Teachers 3rd - 9th
Students explore life forms in different environments. After exploring different biomes within their state, students research different plant and animal species within each biome. They prepare a group report on one feature of the region...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rapid Ecological Assessments

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students conduct an ecological assessment of a small area on school property. They inventory plant and animal life of a sample area and make calculations to determine implications for a larger area.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wildlife Variety Show: Biodiversity In Illinois

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders write a short report in first person about any plant or animal found on a list of Illinois species. They become the character of the plant or animal and give a short report describing the plant or animal.
Lesson Plan
Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Lesson 7: Observations Across Habitats

For Teachers 9th - 12th
How are animals in separate but nearby habitats related? Ecology scholars compare the animal inhabitants of the Gorongosa National Park in part seven of an eight-part series. Learners study photos from two different habitats, then...
Lesson Plan
NOAA

It's a Roughy Life

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Scientists recently discovered several previously unknown species at the Bear Seamount off the coast of New England. Scholars research these new species — benthopelagic, benthic, and seamount fish — and find out what makes them...
Lesson Plan
National Gardening Association

Migration Mishaps

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Elementary ecologists pretend to be migratory hummingbirds. They fly between wintering and nesting grounds, trying to reach a habitat haven. In a musical-chair fashion, some birds will miss out, and are removed from the game. To further...
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Biomes of the World

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Incorporate knowledge about biomes and ecosystems in multiple ways while encouraging creativity. Emerging ecologists collaborate and perform research to complete a graphic organizer about various biomes of the world. They conclude the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blue Planet: Open Ocean

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars research facts about animal species.  In this ocean lesson  students view a video, prepare illustrated cards and create a food-web display.  
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Keys and Webs

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore and classify organisms found in a Rocky Mountain Ecosystem. Through discussions, students examine the effects upon an ecosystem if a component was removed or a new component was added. As a class, they survey reasons...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Unique Rain Forest

For Teachers K - 5th
Students explore the unique Rain Forest. In this Rain Forest lesson, students watch a video about the dangers the Rain Forest faces. Students create a Rain Forest mobile. Students choose  plants or animals from the...
Lesson Plan
National Wildlife Federation

Citizen Science to the Rescue!

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
You don't have to be a scientist or even out of high school to contribute to scientific research. In the 12th instructional activity in the series of 21, scholars use this opportunity to add to the growing body of scientific knowledge...
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Classy

For Teachers 5th
Students explore the classification system in this seven lessons unit. The diversity of life forms and their characteristics are examined using a microscope. Kingdoms, classes, and families are investigated.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Smarty Plants

For Teachers 2nd - 7th
Students examine plants and pollinators. In this plant biology lesson, students read The Power of Pollinators and identify the parts of the plant and the pollinators. Students design their own imaginary plants.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Title: Biodiversity Analysis and Comparison Within the New Jersey Highlands

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore the concept of biodiversity. In this environmental science lesson, students use field methods to examine the trophic relationship that allows for species diversity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Non Native Species: English Ivy-Landscape Plant or Deadly Killer?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers study the impact that invasive species have on biodiversity and more natural areas.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ecosystem Tumble

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students create visual representations of ecosystems. In this ecology instructional activity, students discuss the interdependence of plants and animals in various ecosystems. Students cut pictures from magazines and glue them on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Weather and Seasons: Mt. Seymour Winter Fieldtrip

For Teachers K - 7th
Students explore winter adaptations and glare. In this winter weather lesson, students discuss the season of winter and how animals and plants adapt to the changing weather. Students discuss the glare off snow and make goggles for their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Marine Animal and Plant Adaptations

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Students examine nature by creating their own animals. In this animal adaptation lesson, students define scientific vocabulary terms dealing with adaptation such as sea stars, sea cucumbers and exoskeleton. Students utilize their...
Interactive
Curated OER

North American Butterflies and Moths of Fields, Meadows, and Fencerows

For Students 5th - 8th
In this North American butterflies and moths worksheet, learners click on the links in the questions about North American butterflies and moths of fields, meadows, and fencerows to find the answers to the questions and then come back and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mangrove Ecology and Adaptations

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Students create a plant or animal that would be well adapted to a habitat they selected. They first learn about Mangroves and their specific adaptations that help them survive in their habitat.