Fourth graders become aware of the worlds rain forest and study the plants of the rain forest and the adaptations they have made to survive in the environment.

Eighth graders research and discuss the early explorers, why countries sent out explorers, where they explored, and what their cultural contributions are to our US culture today.

Students identify the basic characteristics of the prairie ecosystem, and several commonly known prairie species. They create a classroom mural of a prairie ecosystem; and create reports about what they have found out.

Young scholars explore the Earth's various biomes and ecosystems using Internet research. They create a multimedia poem using the photos, sounds, and vocabulary from their research.

High schoolers study droughts and how they affect communities and coastal ecosystems.  In this ecosystems lesson plan students use data to examine drought conditions in certain areas. 

Students study estuaries and compare several ones in the U.S. In this estuary lesson students interpret data and compare the distribution of different species. 

Young scholars explore aquatic life. In this science lesson, students visit an aquatic ecosystem and collect animals found there. Young scholars create a food chain for the aquatic ecosystem.

Learners explore genetics and evolution by examining a hypothetical mouse population. Using coin tosses, they determine mouse traits of parents and offspring. Finally, they consider the outcomes of changing environmental conditions on...

Students watch a video about different terrestrial communities. They conduct an experiment with sponges conserving water. They research desert characteristics comparing them with other biomes.

Students explore the importance of the wetland ecosystem, its properties and functions, as well as, the many birds, animals, and plant life found there.

Ninth graders investigate the factors that increase soil erosion. They identify how the environment is affected by erosion. In small groups, 9th graders research erosion problems in various locations. Groups brainstorm ideas to help...

Student design an experiment in order to determine where weeds grow the best. Through data collection and observations, they discover optimum conditions for weed growth, conditions that make it difficult for weeds to grow, and create...

Students, in groups, examine leaf slides in order to explore the detail in leaves.

Students read about the Cloud Forests in Costa Rica and then answer critical thinking questions about how to prevent loss in this forest and how to slow down global warming.

First graders explore the job done by ornithologists. They role play identifying the characteristics that make a bird a bird. They discuss what makes each bird species unique. Students are introduced to Wisconsin's most common and rare...

Seventh graders develop an understanding of Southeastern Asian culture. They increase knowledge of world geography in relation to Southeast Asian countries. Students research a variety of Southeast Asian animals and habitats to be used...

Students research aspects of gardening including nutrition, costs, and soil preparation. They then write a report detailing the planning of the garden and compare costs to buying the items.

Sixth graders, in groups, examine how humans have a tenuous position as part of an ecosystem.

Students examine ecosystems that covered Illinois 200 years ago, investigate some living and non-living components of ecosystems, identify components of prairie system, create food webs, and observe human effects on environment. Lessons...

Students, in groups, visit an exhibit and for a prairie scavenger hunt to locate sunflowers and name products made from them. After sketching a prairie dog, they find nature cues farmers use when growing plants and raising animals. The...

Students model a pond system that becomes enriched with nutrients (fertilizer). They manipulate variables, make observations over time, and draw conclusions that may lead to further inquiry. They, in groups, simulate a pond environment.

Students use GPS and trees to explore lichens and air quality.

Learners explain the concept of double consciousness and evaluate how the concept of double consciousness is reflected in ethnic literature. They read "The Invisible Man" a poem by Langston Hughes and discuss expectations. They analyze...

Students examine the variety of jobs that are related to working in the forest. Information on the different jobs is provided in this lesson plan for the teacher to share with the students. The students create a collage using magazines...