Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Absorption of Solar Energy

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Two sequential parts to this lesson introduce your class to the electromagnetic spectrum, the ability to absorb radiant energy, and the pigments in leaves that are responsible for collecting sunlight to be used in the photosynthetic...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Does a Green Plant Grow?

For Teachers K - 12th
Students of all ages can explore the question "how do seeds grow?", design an experiment to answer the question, predict the outcome of the experiment then conduct the experiment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plant Pigments

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the components of chlorophyll. They use paper chromatography to separate the many pigments of chlorophyll from one another.
Lesson Plan
Garden Earth Naturalist Club

Parts of a Flower! Flower Dissection

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Sometimes the best way to learn about plants is to see the different parts of a plant yourself. Groups of learners dissect flowers to answer questions about what they observe and what they wonder about their flower.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Extraction of DNA from Onion

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students experiment with DNA by isolating it from plant tissue. They investigate whole onions to prepare DNA. They complete the experiment to examine the structural characteristics of DNA.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Does a Green Plant Grow?

For Teachers K - 8th
Students examine how a seed grows, and design an experiment to explore this concept. They make predictions, conduct the experiment, record the results, and interpret the results.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matching Flowers With Their Pollinators

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students match flowers to pollinators and construct models of flowers to demonstrate why different kinds of flowers need different kinds of pollinators. They use their flower models and the "Scientific Method Format" included in the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biology: Understanding Cellular Organelles

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students distinguish the differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells. Using microscopes, they examine a variety of plant and animal cells. Working in groups, they draw and label plant and animal cells and show the mathematical...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Feed Me, Seymour

For Teachers 6th - 11th
Students work in small groups to create posters illustrating the major facts and functions of plant organs. Within their groups, they assume the role of specialists creating specialized posters pertaining to the different parts of plants.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is a Seed?

For Teachers 1st
First graders identify the parts of a seed. In this plant biology instructional activity, 1st graders are given a seed and identify each part of the seed by using a hand lens. Students plant a seed and graph the growth.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cellular Cellebrities

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders, in groups, learn the morphology and function of organelles within plant and animal cells.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sugar and carbohydrates, protein, fat and water - that's what little plants are made of!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify photosynthesis as the mechanism by which plants convert sunlight energy into a usable energy source for plant processes. They identify photosynthesis as the mechanism by which plants create a molecule that can be used...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Renewable Energy Plants in Your Gas Tank: From Photosynthesis to Ethanol

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students examine the role photosynthesis plays in plant survival.  In this renewable energy lesson students document their observations and analyze and interpret their results. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Breaking It Down

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders explain the mechanism of digestion. For this biology lesson, 7th graders perform an iodine test to check for the presence of starch. They discuss how energy travels through the food chain.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water and Ice

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners will observe, measure and describe the phase changes of ice. In this science lesson plan, students observe ice as it changes phases. Qualaitative notations made by individual learners will be shared and compared.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biotechnology

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore biotechnology through various activities. In this biology lesson, students analyze its pros and cons. They study and read informative articles about biotechnology.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Do Genes Look Like?

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders describe the basic structure of the DNA molecule. They identify what an inherited trait is and how it can be determined by one or more genes. Finally, 7th graders identify that plant and animal cells contain several...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Extraction of DNA from Onion

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students study DNA by isolating it from plant tissue. They determine the purpose of each step in the isolation procedure as it relates to the physical and biochemical characteristics of the genetic material
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA the Easy Way (and "Gram Stain" Without the Mess)

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students visualize DNA from cells and explain the basis and importance of the Gram-stain reaction and to perform the KOH test equivalent.
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Provide high schoolers with their own indoor gardens! Emerging scientists discuss the process of photosynthesis and germinate seeds before growing plants in multiple lighting conditions. The hands-on application allows...
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Classification of Organisms

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Searching for the perfect indoor/outdoor activity that allows class members the opportunity to learn about organism classification? Here, pupils research organisms and categorize them according to domain and kingdom over the course...
Lesson Plan
Nuffield Foundation

Microbes Ate My Homework

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Now you have a new excuse not to do your homework. A long-term experiment has learners explore cellulose-digesting enzymes. They simulate how paper breaks down in a compost bin. There's no need to blame your dog for eating your homework...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Understanding Dialect as Used by Mark Twain

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
A reading of Mark Twain’s The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County not only offers pupils an opportunity to practice their listening skills but also provides them with examples of dialectic speech. This is the gol’derndest lesson...
Lesson Plan
Community Resources for Science

A Whole New World of DNA and Proteins

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Lead your young scientists into an exciting world as they participate in a role play and experiment focused on proteins and DNA. After researching the Central Dogma of Biology, individuals or groups participate in a classroom...