Forest Foundation
The Nature of Trees
Young botanists examine the different parts of tress and then draw parallels between the functions of these parts and the function of parts of the human body.
Curated OER
Where Are The Dinosaurs?
Students study what happened to the dinosaurs and possible causes of extinction. In this investigative lesson students create dinosaur eggs.
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Pollination Power
Students go out into the garden and observe pollinating animals through hand lenses. In this pollination lesson plan, students also discuss how animals carry seeds to create new plants elsewhere.
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Protein Synthesis Activities
Students participate in a teacher-guided activity to teach about protein synthesis. Student roles include one person as the DNA molecule, another is a single stranded sequence of complementary mRNA.
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Light Microscopes
Seventh graders study the parts of a light microscope, and its proper use. They identify each part and explain why it is important to know how to use this tool. They practice observing newsprint on a wet mount slide.
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The Bottom Line
Seventh graders assume the role of stockholders in a fictitious biotech company. After investigating the cloning of pets, the effects of cloning on the health and well being of the cloned animal, and the ethical issues involved, groups...
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Plants And Pollination
Students describe sexual reproduction in plants, including the process of pollination, how insects assist in pollination, and how pollination differs from fertilization. They also explore the importance of honey bees to Arizona agriculture.
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The Arizona Hedgehog Cactus: Endangered Species or not?: Biology, Plants
For this lesson students will study the: "Classification of Echinocereus triglochidiatus and Geographical Ranges of its Varieties." Students read background material and scientific literature to analyze the cactus populations and then...
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Science Lesson: Chocolate Flavored Cherries
Students are able to identify start and stop sequences in DNA. They are able to model using restriction enzyme and ligase to remove sections of DNA and reattach them. Students are introduced to the process of recombinat DNA through the...
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Genes at Work
Young scholars explore and discuss genetics stories and answer questions about genetic outcomes of offspring. In this genetics lesson, students read genetics stories on a web site. Young scholars use a chart to answer questions regarding...
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Dietary Fiber
Students examine the different types of fiber and their benefits. For this investigative lesson students find good sources of fiber in different foods.
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Can Photosynthesis Occur at Saturn?
Students identify the different requirements for photosynthesis to take place. In this space science lesson, students simulate conditions in Saturn to investigate if photosynthesis is possible there. They use data and observations...
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Genetics
Students explain the difference between dominant and recessive genes, identify what causes differences in the traits of parents and their offspring, and explain how sex is determined. They will also improve their reading and...
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Protein Synthesis Activities
Pupils compare the process of protein synthesis in an analogy. They simulate the process of protein synthesis kinesthetically using index cards and write a paragraph to explain the process.
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Collecting Plankton
In this science worksheet, students learn facts about plankton by reading two pages of factual information. Students read about the different kinds of plankton and how it is classified. Detailed drawings are included. There are no...
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How Much Energy is a Kilowatt Hour?
Students study the conservation of energy. In this energy instructional activity students explain the differences between potential and kinetic energy.
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Water Pollution Hot-Spots
Students complete internet research in small groups to identify types of water pollution, spotlight water pollution hot-spots, and design a plan for water prevention.
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The Long Road to Coffee
Students organize picture cards of the sequene of how food gets from a farm to their home. They then sequence cards of how coffee grown in Colombia gets to their home comparing the differences.
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Fungi
Students study fungi and its parts. In this exploring fungi lesson students fill out a worksheet that includes a diagram of fungi and questions.
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Virus Tracker
Sixth graders will simulate the spread of a virus such as HIV through a population by "sharing" (but not drinking) the water in a plastic cup with several classmates. Although invisible, the water in a few of the cups will already be...
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Feedback and Flowcharts
Sixth graders explain what a negative feedback system is and they distinguish it from a positive feedback system. They describe examples of how negative feedback is used in both nature and technology. , Students define homeostasis, and...
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DNA Extraction From a Variety of Tissue Samples
Learners, working in cooperative groups, extract very impure samples of DNA from a number of tissue samples. They determine how the samples can be preserved and how they are similar.
Curated OER
Wandering Wild-oats
Students observe wild-oat seeds. In this biology lesson, students watch how wild-oat seeds react to moisture and draw conclusions and make predictions.
BioEd Online
Bio Ed Online: The Science of Microbes: Magnifying and Observing Cells
In this activity, middle schoolers create slides of plant cells and observe them under a microscope. The lesson and PowerPoint slides can be downloaded. The included instructional video on cell observation is 20 min. 44 sec.